contents

world
 
Music at the Crossroads To Visit Concord, NH

After exploding on the local Irish scene nearly two years ago, "Music at the Crossroads" will bring its fresh fusion of traditional Irish, Bluegrass, Gypsy, Jazz and Classical music to the United States for the very first time. This brilliantly conceived original and groundbreaking production, representing a veritable master-class of the best of Irish and world music and dance, will make their first US appearance at the Capitol Center for the Arts in Concord, NH on Friday, the 21st of September, 2007.

The success of Music at the Crossroads is hardly a surprise, given the depth of talent in the casting. Outstanding musicianship is the defining feature of the show which, from the outset, was designed to create a spectacle that Irish people would be proud to call their own - an exhilarating performance, bursting with youthful energy. Now in its third year, 'Music at the Crossroads' will thrill and entertain US audiences with an incomparable raise-the-roof explosion of sight and sound that takes your breath away.

Music at the Crossroads is comprised of 7 award-winning musicians that will collectively play over 20 instruments during the show. The passion and excitement of this show is virtually unmatched anywhere. Michael McClintock, Musical Director, is excited to again be part of the show, and he notes that "a show of this type, with this calibre of musicianship, will bring a new appreciation of Irish musical history to US audiences. There is no doubt the audience will enjoy the full spectrum of sound we will deliver throughout the show."

This year's performers include many of Ireland's best known and most respected young musicians. Vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Marianne Knight is one of Ireland's finest exponents of Irish traditional song. Ireland's Hotpress Magazine recently commented that, "Her clear, bright voice and crisp ornamentation make her one of the most exciting vocalists to come along in years". Not only an accomplished singer, Ms. Knight is also a widely regarded musician in a number of different instruments, mainly the button accordion, flute and bodhran, achieving numerous national and provincial titles with all of these instruments.

Richard Neylon, from Loughrea, is displaying his talents on flute and uilleann pipes, whistle, low whistle, saxophone and various percussion instruments. Richard is also joined in the show by his brother David, who plays piano accordion, mandolin and banjo. Lindsay Moynagh from Dublin, winner of several national championships, plays harp, whistle and flute, while Johnny Berrill from Headford, joins them as the guitar specialist.

Diarmaid Hurley, from Galway, joins 'Music at the Crossroads' with his performances on bodhrán, guitar, mandola, bouzouki and drums. Emily Kennedy and Blathnaid Folan, the two specialist dancers from Moycullen return to the show this year, bringing an impressive combination of originally choreographed dance sets.

Music at the Crossroads has played to packed houses in Galway, Ireland this summer, filling the seats with local residents and tourists from around the world. Per Marianne Knight, "We are pleased to be bringing our show to the US and look forward to providing a unique experience for audiences of all ages." She also adds with a smile, "and no doubt, I look forward to exploring the US during my days off."



write your comments about the article :: © 2007 Jazz News :: home page