Blackstone River Theatre: An evening of Irish traditional music with Téada
CUMBERLAND — Blackstone River Theatre will present an evening of Irish traditional music featuring Téada and special guest Méabh Begley on Saturday, March 11, 8 p.m., at the Blackstone River Theatre, 549 Broad St., Cumberland.
Admission is $20 in advance and $24 the day of the show. For reservations or information call Blackstone River Theatre at 401-7259272.
Téada (pronounced Tay-da, meaning ‘strings’ in Irish) return to the United States after a nearly five-year absence with Begley, a gifted singer from a famous musical family in West Kerry, and champion step-dancer Samantha Harvey.
What sets Téada apart from many Irish bands is their passion for a deeply traditional approach. The young group has been heralded for their “fierce familiarity with the old Irish Music ways” by Magazine.
Following an initial gig opening for the Sharon Shannon band at Dublin’s Celtic Flame festival in 2001, Téada was off and running. They were quickly named “one of the most exciting traditional groups in recent years” by The Irish World and voted “Best Traditional Newcomers” by readers of Irish Music Magazine
in 2003. An Irish band with a truly worldwide reach, Téada has appeared as a frequent headliner at major music festivals throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, Africa, Israel and Australia.
Fiddler Oisin Mac Diarmada is joined by fellow Sligoman Damien Stenson on flute, Seán McElwain on banjo and bouzouki, and Tristan Rosenstock on bodhrán. Despite her youth, Begley is fast becoming one of the most respected singers in Ireland. With her crystal-clear voice, she commands an audience tackling themes of love, emigration, and loss in both the English and Irish languages. In addition, she continues the family accordion tradition.
For a sneak preview of the band performing, visit youtube.com/watch?v=3r83D238nR0.
For a video of Begley singing, check out youtube.com/watch?v=9PGeiVB38io&feature=youtu.be.