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New England Celtic Arts will present the critically acclaimed National tour, Irish Christmas in America, at Unity College Center for the Performing Arts on Tuesday. Dec. 7, and at Skye Theatre Performing Arts Center in South Carthage, Maine on Wednesday, Dec. 8. Curtain is at 7 p.m. at Skye and 7:30 pm in Unity. There is a pre-show jam session 45 minutes prior to curtain at all both venues. Audience members are encouraged to bring their instruments and jam with the artists for a few minutes.
Produced by Oisín Mac Diarmada of award-winning lrish group Téada, the atmospheric Irish Christmas in America show features top Irish singer & accordion-player Séamus Begley in the 2010 touring line-up. After an incredible reaction from audiences during the 2009 tour, Séamus Begley from West Kerry, rejoins a host of top musicians and dancers on stage for an engaging performance rich in history, humour and boundless energy. The magic of the Irish harp and uilleann pipes from leading exponents Gráinne Hambly and Tommy Martin augments the rhythmic pulse of Brian Cunningham’s stunning old-style Irish dance.
This family-friendly performance features evocatively-sung Irish ballads and holiday carols, lively fiddle tunes and thrilling Irish dancing. Narration brings to life ancient customs and stories, while evocative photographic images provide a backdrop of rich historical context. Take a memorable glimpse into the enchanting spirit of Christmas, as some of Ireland’s finest traditional artists bring you on a distinctively Irish journey during the holiday season of 2010.
The holiday show was first conceived in 2005 by Oisin Mac Diarmada of Téada, a renowned fiddle-player from County Sligo. Past tours have featured such stellar guest vocalists as Karan Casey, Cara Dillon, Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, Cathie Ryan and Michael Londra. Mac Diarmada enthuses about the program as a way to bring traditional and often unknown Irish customs to the States. “One of the most heartfelt themes of Irish Christmas is emigration,” he said. “Music was a way that people stayed close to home.”
A sparkling tradition among holiday events, Irish Christmas in America is a special show to see this season.
“Captivating” Irish Music Magazine
“ Lively and reflective…a powerful evocation of the season” Folk Wax
“A celebration of family and good times at the winter season.”
Skye Theater is located 3 miles West of East Dixfield village at 2 Highland Drive off Winter Hill Rd and US RT. 2 in South Carthage. UCCPA is at 42 Depot Street in Unity. For reservations at the theater you wish to attend call: Skye Theatre at (207) 562-4445, or UCCPA at (207) 948-7469. Tickets are $20.
More information is available at: http://www.necelticarts.com
