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Event
An Evening with Story Road -- Pacific Grove
Following up on the success of their Spring 2013 tour, acclaimed traditional musicians Colleen Raney, Johnny B. Connolly, Stuart Mason, and John Weed are teaming up for another West Coast tour, again performing as the new Celtic quartet Story Road. From the Pacific Northwest down to the Central Coast of California, Story Road brings a lively brew of Irish, Scottish, American, and original music that ranges from delicate to hard-driving, with a few surprises in the mix.
Singers don't often come with much more history in the craft than Irish-American singer Colleen Raney. She's been singing for more than three decades, and has been immersed in America's Celtic music and dance scene for just as long. Raised in Seattle, previously based in New York, and now calling Portland, Oregon home, Raney has established herself as a respected artist among her peers. In the last several years, Colleen has translated the tapestry of her upbringing in Seattle's multi-talented Raney family into recordings, and now her songs can be heard on radio from Dublin, to New York, to Maui.
Her first album, 2008's Linnet, showcases her aptitude for re-imagining classic Irish songs, as well as her own songwriting, which come across as well-loved and firmly rooted in tradition. 2011's Lark saw Colleen take on co-producing duties, and drew on contributions from Northwest musicians Casey Neill, Hanz Araki, and Zak Borden, among others. The end of 2011 saw the release of Cuan, a duo album with master guitarist Colm MacCarthaigh, and extensive touring in the U.S. and Ireland. A forthcoming collaboration recorded in Ireland with Aidan Brennan is set for release in October of 2013.
Rarely is an artist as deeply entrenched in a musical niche as Colleen Raney able to present centuries-old music with an eye toward current and future listeners outside of the genre. By adapting and developing her voice, at turns lullaby-soft and intensely powerful, and by surrounding herself with a constantly-evolving ensemble of the best musicians the Northwest has to offer, Colleen manages to credit her background and stake claim as a serious presence in contemporary Celtic music.
Acordionist Johnny B. Connolly was born and raised in Dublin, Ireland. He began playing when he was eight and by age 15 he was a regular feature around his hometown, performing with musicians sometimes twice his age. Johnny's dexterity on the accordion earned him a place with the established Celtic ensemble Anam at the age of seventeen. In 1996 Johnny seized an opportunity to bring his skills to America. In 2001 he signed with Green Linnet Records and released his first album entitled Bridgetown, named after his adopted hometown of Portland. While based in Portland, Johnny tours internationally, performing at festivals, concerts, and schools.
John Weed and Stuart Mason are members of Molly's Revenge, a dynamic, acoustic Celtic band known for its unique and infectious enthusiasm. Molly's Revenge has performed at many of the top folk festivals and performing arts events in the USA, and prestigious events in Australia, Scotland, and China. They have appeared on stage with John Doyle, Liz Carroll, Aaron Jones, and other top Celtic artists. There is an engaging freshness and yet an impressive maturity in their playing, Mick Moloney, National Heritage Award recipient.
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LocationSt. Mary's by-the-Sea (View)
146 12th St.
Pacific Grove, CA 93950
United States
Categories
Kid Friendly: Yes! |
Non-Smoking: Yes! |
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes! |
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