Colby-Sawyer College to Host St. Patrick's Day Performance by McPeake, Internationally Known Irish Band Famous for Celtic Folk Fusion
NEW LONDON, N.H. – Colby-Sawyer College will celebrate St. Patrick's Day with McPeake, an Irish band known for its fusion of original Celtic compositions with contemporary rhythms and styles. The St. Patrick's Day performance by McPeake will take place at Sawyer Center Theater on Thursday, March 17 at 7 p.m. Admission is $20 for adults and $15 for students. Tickets are available at the box office by calling (603) 526-3670 March 14-16 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
For generations of folk music fans, the McPeake family of Belfast has stood for one of the most distinctive sounds in Irish music. Francis McPeake IV, the fourth generation of this world-famous 100-year-old musical dynasty and one of the few authentic uilliam pipers in the world today, put together a revived band in 2003. Since then McPeake has worked with many prominent Irish artists, including Brian Kennedy, Finbar Furey, Kieran Goss, Juliet Turnerand Ralph McTell.
Today McPeake consists of Francis McPeake on uilliam pipes, Mairead Forde on the fiddle, Rod Quinn on percussion and backing vocals, Sean O'Kane on keys and button accordion, and Nick Scott on double bass. Peter Wallace is the lead vocalist and guitarist, with Tommy O'Sullivan on guitar and vocals, and Paula McPeake is the band's songwriter. Each band member has performed with many international artists including Van Morrison, Mary Black, Ronan Keating, The McPeake Family, Riverdance, The Chieftains and more.
About 20 percent of McPeake's music is traditional Irish folk, but even the band's contemporary music bears the stamp of tradition because it's filtered through musicians who are steeped in the music and the culture. “We're showing where the music comes from,” says Francis McPeake. “We cannot get away from the tradition; we are still soaked in the tradition. We could play blues, rock, classical… Believe me, by the end of it, it will sound like an Irish jig.”
The event is sponsored by the Cultural Events Committee. For other upcoming events at Colby-Sawyer, www.colby-sawyer.edu/events.
-Cassandra Monahan '11
Colby-Sawyer College is a comprehensive college that integrates the liberal arts and sciences with professional preparation. Founded in 1837, Colby-Sawyer is located in the scenic Lake Sunapee Region of central New Hampshire. Learn more about the college's vibrant teaching and learning community at www.colby-sawyer.edu. Colby-Sawyer College, 541 Main Street, New London, N.H. 03257 (603) 526-3000
