Ruth Keggin

Keggin was born in Port Erin, Isle of Man.^[3] She holds degrees from the University of York and the University of Cambridge.^[4]

In 2011, as a member of Nish As Rish, Keggin won in the Best Newcomers category at the 2011 Festival Interceltique de Lorient in Brittany, France.^[5]

Keggin was awarded a grant by Culture Vannin to produce her 2014 debut solo album, Sheear ("Westward"), a collection of traditional and contemporary Manx songs praised as "bringing new life into the language with her music."^[6][7] Keggin's album has held popularity in the Celtic genre, becoming album of the week on Celtic Music Radio^[8] and listed as number one in Japan’s ‘Top 10’.^[9]

Keggin released her second solo album, Turrys ("Journey"), in 2016. Critic Neil McFadyen, writing for the journal Folk Radio UK, praised the album and called her voice "clear, precise and a joy to hear."^[10]

In September 2020 Keggin became the Manx Language Development Officer for Culture Vannin, a foundation established by the government of the Isle of Man to promote Manx culture.^[4]

In March 2021, Keggin and Scottish harpist Rachel Hair launched a joint crowdfunding campaign to produce a debut duo album to consist primarily of songs in the Manx language. These will include both traditional songs and songs by contemporary Manx musicians. They reached their target goal of £5,000 within 12 hours of launching the campaign and achieved a stretch goal of £10,000 after 48 hours. Some matching funds were provided by Creative Scotland. The album has also received funding from the Isle of Man Arts Council.^[11]

• Erlend Apneseth - hardanger fiddle
• Tom Callister - fiddle^[12]
• David Kilgallon
• Vanessa McWilliam - double bass
• Margit Myhr - voice, hardanger fiddle
• Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin - Irish flautist and sean-nós singer
• David Pearce - guitar
• Rachel Hair - harp