Childsplay

Childsplay is a unique musical collective centered around the work of Cambridge, Massachusetts luthier Bob Childs. Founded in the late 1980s, the ensemble consists of over two dozen virtuosic musicians who all perform on instruments hand-crafted by Childs.

This shared physical origin of their instruments provides a singular sonic identity characterized by a matched timbre and a cohesive harmonic profile that distinguishes them from other large folk ensembles. Their repertoire is a sophisticated blend of Irish, Scottish, French-Canadian, and American Appalachian traditions, often arranged with the complexity of chamber music but the rhythmic urgency of traditional dance music. The group has featured notable folk luminaries such as Liz Carroll and Hanneke Cassel, serving as a rotating showcase for elite string talent. Critically, they are praised for bridging the gap between formal concert performance and the grit of a kitchen session. Their cultural position is one of preservation and innovation, maintaining the integrity of traditional tunes while utilizing the massive scale of their ensemble to create 'wall of sound' folk arrangements.