Celtic American Holiday Concert with Low Lily, John Whelan & Katie McNally

Don’t miss this wonderful Celtic American Holiday Concert featuring Low Lily, seven times All-Ireland button accordionist John Whelan, and Scottish and Cape Breton fiddler Katie NcNally!

The string and vocal trio Low Lily explores the roots and branches of American folk music with traditional influences and modern inspiration that weaves together a unique brand of acoustic music. Liz Simmons (vocals and guitar), Flynn Cohen (vocals, guitar, and mandolin), and Lissa Schneckenburger (vocals and fiddle) are masterful players with deep relationships to traditional music styles ranging from bluegrass to Irish, Scottish, New England, and Old Time Appalachian sounds. When you combine this with stellar composition skills and inventive arrangements you get music that is rooted yet contemporary.

Low Lily’s new full-length album, 10,000 Days Like These, brings its members’ histories together and also takes a step forward with originals, covers, and overall, fresh new music. Simmons produced the album, creating a running thread through the project of political, personal, and occasionally humorous and quirky subject matter. The trio’s previous self-entitled EP was released in 2015.

Celtic master John Whelan and his red, two-row button accordion have been inseparable since the first day he picked up the instrument at age 11 in Dunstable, England. He has won six All-Britain championships and seven All-Ireland titles.

Scottish and Cape Breton fiddler Katie McNally has performed and taught fiddle courses in the U. S., Canada, Spain, Scotland, England and France. She has played at the Newport Folk Festival, the Barns at Wolf Trap, The Freight and Salvage, and the Festival of American Fiddle Tunes, as well as various folk venues throughout North America.

Low Lily to Perform in Colebrook

The GNWCA ( Great North Woods Committee for the Arts) will present “Low Lily” on Friday, February 9, at the Colebrook Country Club.

The string and vocal trio Low Lily (formerly Annalivia) explores the roots and branches of American folk music with traditional influences and modern inspiration that weaves together a unique brand of acoustic music. Liz Simmons (vocals and guitar), Flynn Cohen (vocals, guitar, and mandolin), and Lissa Schneckenburger (vocals and fiddle) are masterful players with deep relationships to traditional music styles ranging from bluegrass to Irish, Scottish, New England, and Old Time Appalachian sounds. When you combine this with stellar composition skills and inventive arrangements you get music that is rooted yet contemporary.
Low Lily will also be joined by bassist Corey DiMario who has been with the group “Crooked Still” since 2001. This double-bassist is one of the most sought-after accompanists in the acoustic music scene. He has performed at major festivals and concert venues across North America, Europe and Australia.

Tickets are $15 and available at Fiddleheads, 110 Main St., Colebrook, on-line at www.gnwca.org or at the door. Call 603-237-9302 or visit the GNWCA on Facebook.

St. Kieran’s Presents: The Turning of the Year — A Holiday Celebration!

Seven times  All-Ireland accordion champion John Whelan teams up with American Roots band Low Lily and Scottish-style fiddler Katie McNally for a spectacular holiday mini-fest at St. Kieran’s! Featuring traditional and original music from Ireland, Scotland, and America, this diverse and energetic show will help usher in the holiday season with a bang. This exclusive show brings the generations together for a fresh new take on roots music from both sides of the pond.

The show is much more than a triple bill— the artists perform separately, all together, and everything-in-between. From the sweet sound of the accordion with lush guitar textures behind it, to a blast of reels with everyone playing together, to an American song sung in three-part harmony, this show is dynamic and full of life. If you enjoy Irish and Scottish music, modern American string band music and harmonious vocals, you will love the Turning of the Year!

Tickets cost $ 15 for adults and $10 for those under 18 and are available on line (for a small additional fee), at the door on the evening of the show or at the art center’s office at 155 Emery Street, Berlin. Info: (603) 752-1028.