A Celtic Appalachian Celebration: Traditional Irish & American Old Time Music
See a wonderful series of photographs taken during this event at our Facebook page. Thanks to everyone who joined us there.
WEST COAST MUSICAL PREMIERE
Two Bay Area Performances Only
Crossroads was proud to present the West Coast Premiere of a world-class musical performance in Berkeley and San Rafael for two nights only. This star-studded ensemble of international, national and local Irish and Appalachian musicians explored the deep musical and cultural linkages between Ireland and Celtic Appalachia.
Praised as a “stunning crowd pleaser”, this ensemble performance has delighted sold-out audiences in New York City and Philadelphia many times over.
Acclaimed musician and ethnomusicologist, Mick Moloney, performed with one of the longest-standing Irish-American musical groups, The Green Fields of America, including Athena Tergis on violin, Billy McComiskey on accordion, and Joey Abarta on uilleann pipes. The All-Ireland champion, Michele Mulcahy, on harp and concertina, as well as World Champion Irish dancer, Niall O’Leary, joined this ensemble.
This remarkable evening also featured internationally renowned “Old Time” artists, Eddie Bond (old time fiddle, banjo, guitar, bass, autoharp & mandolin) from the Virginia Blue Ridge, Kirk Sutphin (old time fiddle, banjo & guitar) from the North Carolina hills and San Francisco’s own powerhouse guitarist, singer and ‘old time’ fiddler, Karen Celia Heil. Together, these nine artists excavated and celebrated their shared musical lineage.
Each artist, a star in his/her own right – performed for the first time on the West Coast and illuminated the pathways through which cultures and music have blended over centuries in the Blue Ridge Mountains and the North Carolina hills. This fertile crossover has produced some of America’s oldest musical forms, such as Bluegrass and “Old-Time” music, which endure to delight audiences until today.
Sponsored by Ranger Pipelines and Wheelcare Express, Inc.
Brought to you with the support of Aer Lingus, Culture Ireland, the Irish Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs, and the Consulate General of Ireland.
A special thanks to Kerrygold, John Campbell’s Irish Bakery and Gold Mountain Winery & Fitzpatrick Bed & Breakfast Lodge for donations of refreshments.
GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS TICKETS: Come to these two performances and enter a free raffle to win Warriors basketball tickets, courtesy of Golden State Warriors.