Genuine Irish Music at Mercyhurst

Thursday, March 2

Ireland's culture and history are rich, deep, intriguing, and have a whole branch of traditional music just itching to be explored. On March 2 at Mercyhurst's Mary D'Angelo Performing Arts Center, the music of southern Irish band Caladh Nua will conjure up the Emerald Isle and provide a window into this country's traditions.

Caladh Nua is a Gaelic phrase meaning "a new or safe port or anchorage," and the quintet will ground audiences in traditional yet innovative Irish folk music sounds. The members hail from Irish counties Carlow, Waterford, Kerry, and Kilkenny, and all band members play a variety of instruments including banjo, fiddle, accordion, and bodhrán, an Irish frame drum described as "the heartbeat of Irish music."

For a taste of the band's talents, check out the high energy, accordion-heavy song "Tie the Ribbon, Queen of May" – also perhaps an apt introduction to Caladh Nua given the recent warmer Erie weather. Acoustically-driven "The Windmill Set" presents a similar rapid pace and energy, but more layers of instruments give the tune an introspective feel. "Farewell to You" showcases the beautiful, reedy vocals of Lisa Butler, who also plays the fiddle, against the backdrop of pretty and melancholy lyrics.

Having played concerts around Europe and in Canada, Caladh Nua is not to be missed in Erie. Anyone looking for a safe, genuinely Irish sonic haven amidst the raucous St. Patrick's Day revelry will be charmed and thrilled by this band's poignantly homey sound. – Miriam Lamey

7:30 p.m. // Mary D'Angelo Performing Arts Center at Mercyhurst University, 501 E. 38th St. // 824.3000 or miac.mercyhurst.edu