Blackthorn plays traditional contemporary Celtic music of Ireland. Jigs and reels, ancient melodies, ballads, and songs of contemporary Irish songwriters are combined with stories that describe the Irish experience. Lead singer Richard McMullan, a native of Belfast, Northern Ireland, is surrounded by band members who play more than 10 different instruments and sing in tight four-part vocal harmony. Audiences are either invited, or spontaneously inspired, to sing and join in on the fun.