Tuatha Dea, The Appalachian, Celtic,Tribal, Rock Band (and family) from Gatlinburg TN has been called pure primal energy with a Celtic,World and ROCK twist. The bands eclectic sound blends the tribal vibe of primitive drums with conventional and non conventional instruments to create a real evolutionary musucal crossover that defies category and genre! Combining primal rhythms, melodic and ethereal ballads, screaming guitar riffs with an Appalachian/Celtic vibe this FAMILY born of a family drum circle delivers an authentic tribal and clannish feel that not only draws the audience into the music but into the moment and clan as well. Their rhythmic groove and interaction naturally inspires audience participation which has become a staple of their performances. From the beginning the band has embraced its Celtic heritage and meshed the traditional music of Scotland and Ireland with their own bold blend of mainstream rock, mountain drumming and Appalachian blues to produce a truly unique sound that has a universal appeal! Dubbed "The Eclectic Steam Punk Partridge Family in Kilts and Corsets" and "The Appalachian Fae", this band is REAL family!!!
In 2014, the band released their 4th CD which is associated with the novels of recognized published Sci-Fi- Fantasy Author for Tor Publishing, Alex Bledsoe. {The band appears as characters in his 3rd book in the series "Long Black Curl"!
Tuatha Dea won the The Hard Rock Rising competition 2015 in Pigeon Forge with their unique sound and energetic stage show and is the only Celtic/Steam Punk styled Band to place and remain in the running to compete in Barcelona Spain. Last year, Tuatha Dea placed #15 out of the 10,000 bands that competed worldwide in Hard Rock Rising's 2014 competition.
Touring extensively about the US and Canada. Tuatha Dea has been featured at Grandfather Mountain Highland Games NC, Houston's Comicpalooza, Tartan Day South, SC, West Tennessee's Celt Fest, The Gatlinburg Scottish Highland Games, Western Kentucky Highland Festival, Michigan's Celtic Copper Hammer Festival, The Virginia Highland Games, The Dandridge Celtic Music Festival, The Great Newtown Reunion CT, International Festival KY, Kaleidoscope Festival Canada, Starwood in Ohio, PSG in Illinois, Paralounge in Florida and many other large scale festival events around the continent. Our 2015 thru 2017 Schedule includes CT,VA,TX,OK,LA,GA,FL,AR,KS,MO,WI,MN,MN,MI,OH,IL,KY,SC,NC, Ontario and of course TN! Performing with such acts as Seven Nations, Albannach, Celtica, Raithkelter, Barley Juice, Soar Patrol, Wendy Rule, Hudost, Spiral Rhythm and many others Tuatha Dea brings their unique flavor vibe and sound accented visually by their energy and flamboyant stage show!
Conceived by Danny Mullikin (percussion, guitar and vocals), his wife Rebecca (lead vocals and hand drums) His son Brandon Mullikin (lead guitar), his daughter Tesea Dawson Mullikin (bass, keyboard and flute) the band's evolution has organically grown to include Rebecca's sister Kathy Holman (lead vocals, handrum and keyboard). Kathy's husband Chris Bush (didgeridoo, Native American flute, penny whistle, bagpipes and drums) Adding a little extra to the mix with TWO fiddle/violin extraordinaries, Samantha Jean and Dawn Cunningham, and Jeremiah Waldo on Bass, Brett Maney on Drums and you have the family known as Tuatha Dea ! Feel the rhythm! Become the music! Experience the family that is Tuatha Dea!
Tuatha Dea is an Old Irish phrase adopted from the Celtic mythology of the Tuatha de Danaan whose literary history originates in Ireland and Great Britain. The name “Tuatha Dea” literally translates into “Children of The Gods”. The band’s Celtic influence stems directly from this historical clan which lived and ruled for a period in ancient Ireland and who were later destined to become the stuff of legend and basis of Celtic mythology. Those who dwelt beneath the burrows. The Children of The Gods.
