Folk Music Ensembles Celebrate Irish and American Cultures on March 17

For those looking to celebrate Irish and American culture and music, the Folk Music Ensemble’s upcoming concert on March 17 has a melodic treat in store. The ensemble will combine the talents of the Celtic Ensemble and the Mountain Strings for an evening that blends Irish and American folk music.

The Celtic Ensemble will celebrate Irish music by playing the penny whistle, flute, mandolin, fiddle, bodhrán (a traditional Irish drum) and several other instruments. Many of the songs are based on traditional Irish dances, including reels and jigs. The group will also play some slower, more thoughtful melodies.

Following the Celtic Ensemble, the touring ensemble Mountain Strings will take to the stage with traditional American music. Audiences will recognize the familiar strains of American Bluegrass and country music as the group makes music on the fiddle, banjo, guitar, mandolin, bass and cajón (a drum box used in traditional Peruvian music).

The two groups will then fuse together as one ensemble to perform songs that blend music from Irish, Scottish and American styles.

For a celebratory evening that highlights the unique aspects of Irish and American folk music, the Folk Music Ensemble concert on March 17 is one audiences won’t want to miss.

For tickets to the event, visit arts.byu.edu.

Folk Music Ensemble

Madsen Recital Hall

March 17 at 7:30 p.m.