Gaelic Storm had its origins at O’Brien’s Irish Pub and Restaurant in Santa Monica, CA when Patrick Murphy (accordion, spoons) and Steve Wehmeyer (bodhran, didgeridoo) joined with Steve Twigger (guitar, mandolin, bouzouki) to entertain the customers—they went on to play on the “Titanic” (the movie) as the steerage band, and now this premier Celtic band is coming—once again—to The Ridgefield Playhouse for Movies and the Performing Arts at 8 p.m. on Thursday, September 20. The Gray School of Irish Dance, located in Redding, will be opening; a portion of the proceeds will go towards Gray School’s scholarship fund. Robert J. Reby & Company. Inc. is underwriting their performance.
Since its inception nearly ten years ago, Gaelic Storm continues to broaden the musical horizons of the Celtic music genre by creating compelling originals and fresh arrangements steeped in Irish traditional melody and acoustic instrumentation combined with their unique blend of world rhythms. Their latest album, “Bring Yer Wellies,” channels the rowdy communal feel of an Irish pub on raucous sing-alongs, driving pipe sets and spirited fiddle tunes. It was recorded in a one-month fury in the spring of 2006 and went on to reach No. 2 on the Billboard World Chart. Yes, you will want a copy of this cd, but in no way will it substitute for the real thing—this band is meant to be experienced live.
Also in the band are Ryan Lacey on drums, Ellery Klein on fiddle and Pete Purvis on uillean pipes and tin whistle.
For tickets ($50; $60 Gold Circle seating giving access to center orchestra and the Meet & Greet following the performance) call 203-438-5795; $50 may also be purchased online at www.ridgefieldplayhouse.org. The Playhouse is located at 80 East Ridge, parallel to Main Street.
