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‘Celtic Crossroads’ Takes Irish Music to New Heights in March 28 Appearance at GSU Center for Performing Arts


Celtic Crossroads
Celtic Crossroads. (PHOTO SUPPLIED)

University Park, IL-(ENEWSPF)- Just when you think that you have seen the best that Irish music has to offer, a fresh new show from Ireland is taking the art form to a spectacular level of innovation and virtuosity. “Celtic Crossroads,” coming to Governors State University Center for Performing Arts on Thursday, March 28, at 7 p.m., does for Irish music what “Riverdance” has done to Irish dance.

“Celtic Crossroads,” incorporating seven world-class musicians playing more than 20 instruments on stage, is a fantastic spectacle. From start to finish, the performers present a captivating fusion of genres in the Irish music family — Eastern European Gypsy, North American bluegrass, classical and jazz, and the various forms of Celtic music from around Europe and the rest of the world.

The name “Celtic Crossroads” originates from a time in Ireland when neighboring communities met at the crossroads between towns and villages to socialize. With a focus on keeping the tradition of Irish music alive, each performer nurtures this bygone concept. Infused with youth and raw talent, they high-kick this tradition into the 21st century.

Magical interludes from the haunting uilleann pipes, whistles, low whistles and the Irish harp, along with some of Ireland’s finest exponents of traditional song, transport the listener to that crossroads in Ireland. Tempestuous fiddle playing competes with explosive banjo, intricate mandolin, accordion, mandola and bouzouki and awe-inspiring guitar riffs, while silky flute playing reminds the audience that these fiercely traditional musicians are also classically trained.

Throw in thunderous bodhran rhythms, drum kit, and cajon and audience members find themselves recklessly stomping along. As the thunder starts to take hold with rhythms beating and Irish dancers defying the law of gravity, audiences are unable to prevent themselves from jumping to their feet in thunderous ovation.

Tickets for “Celtic Crossroads” are $15 to $55. To purchase tickets, or for further information, contact the GSU Center box office at www.centertickets.net or (708) 235-2222. The box office is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and two hours prior to performances.Discounts are available for groups of ten or more. Student discounts are only available by phone or in person and require a valid school ID.

GSU Center is located on the campus of Governors State University, 1 University Parkway, University Park, Illinois.


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