Ancient ballads are among Ladies' specialities

CARTHAGE — Maine's Ladies of the Lake, which specialize in traditional Celtic instrumental music and ballad singing, will perform at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22, at Skye Theatre Performing Arts Center. "Dancing Bob" McCormick of Blue Hill will conduct a step dance workshop from noon until 2 p.m. ($15 for the two-hour class; call 562-4445) and will perform Cape Breton-style step dance during the concert.

Ladies of the Lake members have performed for many years as a group and as individuals. The band's name is inspired by a Maine contra dance that has been enjoyed by dancers and musicians since colonial times. The Ladies offer an extensive repertoire of traditional dance tunes from Ireland, New England and Canada — all played from memory. 

Their shows include music on the fiddle, harp, flute, tin whistle, button accordion, guitar, bodhran and piano.  They are accomplished singers whose vocal arrangements feature three-part harmonies.Audience members can expect to hear ancient ballads, rounds, songs of the sea, and songs with a rousing chorus.

A preshow jam will begin at 2:15 p.m. Tickets are $10 at the door. Call New England Celtic Arts at (207) 562-4445 for reservations. Skye Theater is at 2 Highland Drive off Winter Hill Road and U.S. Route 2.