Solas is the quintessential Irish-American band recording and touring in the US today. Fifteen years ago, in a manner befitting their name (Gaelic for “light”), Solas burst onto the Irish music scene. Through fresh and unexpected arrangements of age-old tunes, they continue to define the path for the Celtic music world and drive the genre forward.
Founding members Seamus Egan (flute, tenor banjo, mandolin, whistles, guitars, bodhran) and Winifred Horan (violins, vocals) are joined by Mick McAuley (accordians, low whistle, concertina, vocals), Eamon McElholm (guitars, keyboards, vocals), and newest member and lead singer, Niamh Varian-Barry.
With ten albums under their belt, Seamus Egan, Solas’ band leader, was inspired by his family history to create Shamrock City – their most ambitious project to date.
Shamrock City tells the story of Butte, MT, a mining town at the turn of the 20th century, as seen through the eyes of his great-great uncle, Michael Conway. With audio recorded in Philadelphia and film footage filmed in Butte, Shamrock City seeks to not only uncover the life and young death of Conway, but to illuminate life as an Irish immigrant during the Industrial Revolution.
It is no secret that Solas is often drawn to musical social commentary – “Pastures of Plenty” and “The Wind That Shakes The Barley” are core to their repertoire, and they have covered political songs by Bruce Springsteen, Tom Waits and Josh Ritter.
Join Solas, “Irish America’s most influential band” (NPR’s The Thistle and Shamrock) as they celebrate the release of Shamrock City, their 11th album and most ambitious project and live show to-date.
For anyone who associates Irish music solely with pubs, green beer and March, be prepared to have your mind firmly changed.
Visit www.valleyarts.org for more information and to view videos and buy tickets. Thursday, May 16 at 8pm. Tickets are $22 in advance and $27 at the door.
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