Solas, an Irish-American folk band, will help audience members celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with songs from their forthcoming album, “Shamrock City,” at the Carpenter Center on Saturday night.
Winifred Horan (violin) said in an email interview that she and her band members were excited to come to Long Beach on their tour.
“We usually are on the East Coast at this time of year, so it will a lovely change for us.”
CSULB is one of a few college campuses Solas will play for.
“We love playing college gigs,” Horan said. “The audiences have been very welcoming and receptive to our new material.”
Solas will perform songs from their new project, “Shamrock City,” which tells the story of the Irish immigration to Butte, Mont. in the early 19th century.
“It is a very special project and we look forward to playing it,” Horan said.
The show will also incorporate visuals and stories from Butte Mont. into the live show. This will let fans get a taste of the full album until it’s released in early 2013.
Solas is comprised of five members: Seamus Egan (flute, bango, mandolin), Winifred Horan (violin), Mick McAuley (accordion), Eamon McElholm (guitar, keys) and Niamh Varian-Barry (vocals).
Their music is a blend of Celtic, folk and country melodies, with jazz, and global rhythms, and usually includes some sort of social commentary.
” [Shamrock City] aims to create a more meaningful and open dialogue about many of the issues we face in America today,” Horan said.
“An Evening With Solas” will be held on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, at 8 p.m. in the Carpenter Performing Arts Center. Tickets for the performance are $35. For tickets and information, visit carpenterarts.org/2011-2012/an-evening-with-solas.html.
