Notes from Celtic Airs

Steve Dieterich, Producer/Host of Celtic Airs

Slide Ireland is a flamboyant, energetic Irish quintet. They take their name from the liveliest and most exciting dance rhythm of the south of Ireland. Slide Ireland will return to the University of Hartford's Wilde Auditorium December 10th at 7:30 PM.

            The band's origins date back to 1999. Current members previously performed with well known bands including De Dannan, Danu, Stockton's Wing and the Liam Clancy Band. Together in Slide Ireland, "they produce an electrifying fresh sound that takes Irish music to new heights." (Donal Lunny). The Irish Times says, "Slide Ireland is a powerhouse quintet of traditional musicians with attitude." Folk Roots magazine said, "This band successfully merges youthful swagger with traditional expertise."

            Slide Ireland's line up includes the original quartet of Daire Bracken (fiddle, guitar, mandolin), Aogan Lynch (concertina, whistle), Eamon De Barra (flute, whistles, bodhran, keyboards) and Mick Broderick ( mandolin, bouzouki) They were joined in 2008 by young Dave Curley of Galway (banjo, mandolin, bodhran, guitar and vocals) who had just  been added to the band when they made their previous appearance here.

            In 2001, Irish Music Magazine named Slide Ireland "Best Newcomers." They developed their talents at major venues and festivals including The National Concert Hall in Dublin, The Cambridge Festival in England, The German Folk Festival  and the Interceltic Festival at Lorient in Brittany. Their hard work paid off, and in 2005, The Arts Council of Ireland bestowed upon them "The Young Music-wide Award." From 2001 to 2007, the band released three studio albums. Then in 2009 they fulfilled the wishes of many fans by releasing a live album, "Beo", which clearly displays their talent and understanding of the tradition.

            From mesmeric trance to nail biting energy, Slide Ireland will  entice the concert-goer on a journey of musical exploration. Their music is held in high regard by their contemporaries and audiences alike. "Slide Ireland is the future of Irish music" (Radio Ireland). They are living proof that innovation need not compromise tradition.

            Tickets for the WWUH/Celtic Airs concert series care only available from the University of Hartford Box Office, open 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday to Friday. Call 1-800-274-8587 or 860-768-4228.

            You can also purchase on line at: www.hartford.edu/hartt

            Slide Ireland's performance on December 10^th will bring to a close the 2010 edition of the WWUH/Celtic Airs concert series. We appreciate your support and hope you will continue to attend and enjoy these events. Plans for 2011 are already well along with concerts by Lunasa, Runa, The Press Gang and The Old Blind Dogs booked for the first part of the year.

            Tune into Celtic Airs every Tuesday morning 6:00-9:00 AM for concert updates AND the best in Celtic music, new and old. It's nice to know you're out there listening!