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Programs

The Cabaret
During this program, the band combines pub music, ballads, and haunting sea songs with traditional fiddle tunes and Irish step dancing - predominantly energetic vocal music seasoned with spry jigs, reels, and hornpipes along with a breathtaking array of the steps. Humor, another tradition of the Irish, is incorporated into many of these richly-told stories in song. This program moves very quickly and contains something for everyone: songs; instrumentals; dance; humor; and a bit of history and culture. The Cabaret is a light-hearted, interactive program designed to appeal to young and old alike. The duration of this program is 90 minutes. It can be performed with or without an intermission.

The Celtic Ball
Loosely translated from Gaelic, the term ceili means an Irish dance party. In this ceili program, the band introduces absolute novices to a number of simple Irish dance steps and organizes couples into groups for long dances and a taste of real Irish fun. In addition to the Irish dancing, the band plays a number of waltzes and slow airs to accommodate those less adventurous souls who also want to take part. Appropriate for casual as well as semi-formal gatherings, the Celtic Ball is a good adult mixer and can be combined with some light entertainment by the band for a program up to four hours in length.

The Traditional
The Traditional is a program that emphasizes the instrumental side of the repertoire. Relaxed but more serious than the Cabaret, this chamber-like program ranges from slow airs to lively dance tunes and includes a few ballads in order to add variety to the performance. Designed for the more mature audience, The Traditional can provide variety to a series which customarily presents classical and jazz programming. The duration of this program is 90 minutes. It is usually performed with an intermission.

Residency Activities
Residency activities range from lectures to group participation in workshops. The focus of the lecture/demonstration model is an introduction of Celtic instruments (fiddle, bodhran, penny whistle, Irish flute) and music in a historical setting. Participants are introduced to the musical forms and instrumental styles that distinguish Irish music from other related types of music. Also, the different types of Irish dance steps and their relation to the musical examples are presented in a historical manner.

In a workshop setting, the musicians teach techniques characteristic of the Irish style to workshop participants who have some prior familiarity with any of the following instruments: Fiddle, tin whistle, bodhran, or guitar (tuned in DADGAD). Simple group dances can be taught to any participant regardless of prior experience. More precise steps can be learned by participants with some dance experience.