SOUTH CARTHAGE – New England Celtic Arts will present the Chicago-based Irish band Bua at Skye Theatre Performing Arts Center on Monday, Nov. 17, in South Carthage starting at 7 p.m. A preshow jam will start at 6:30. Audience members are encouraged to bring their instruments and jam for a few minutes with the artists.

A quintet comprised of some of America’s most talented, young musicians, Bua has been described by Irish Music Magazine as “the essence of a superb band.” It is no surprise that Bua, taking their name from the Irish Gaelic word for victory, have quickly risen to be one of America’s premier traditional Irish music ensembles.

At Bua’s instrumental heart is Chicago-born fiddler Chris Bain. He picked up his uncle’s fiddle at a young age, in a musical household that often played host to touring bands from Ireland and the UK.

Paired to Bain’s fiddling, Seán Gavin’s ornate, driving style on flute and uilleann pipes clearly reflects his immersion in Irish music from a young age.

Jackie Moran, born in Thurles, Co. Tipperary, immigrated to Chicago with his family when he was 10. He grew up to be a stalwart of the Chicago Irish music scene as a highly sought-after bodhrán player.

Guitarist Brian Miller comes from Minneapolis, Minn., where transplanted Irish music luminaries Paddy O’Brien and Dáithí Sproule have loomed large in his musical life. His tune backing and song accompaniments have earned him a strong reputation as one of the best guitarists on the scene today.

Brían Ó hAirt’s evocative voice stands as another hallmark of Bua’s unique sound. His ability as a traditional singer has afforded him great acclaim at his age – the youngest and only American to become a champion All-Ireland singer.

Bill Margeson of the Irish American News captures their essence concisely: “Clearly, this group is no locally-based collection of musicians trying to break out of Chicago. This is a group that has established itself [both] individually and as a group in the eyes and ears of the traditional community. … As other bands change, disband or simply fade away, the tradition is blessed by what seems to be an inexhaustible pool of talent that comes to the front of the stage. It is Bua’s time. Here they come.”

Skye Theatre is located 3 miles west of East Dixfield Village at 2 Highland Drive, off Winter Hill Road and Route 2 in South Carthage. Tickets are $10. Reservations are required for this show. Call New England Celtic Arts at 562-4445 for reservations and directions. For more information, go to www.necelticarts.com.


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