Christmas from Ireland Revives Festive Spirits
Trace your Maryland roots and you’re likely to end up in Ireland. That’s where musician Peter Brice finds both his roots and his gig. The great-something-nephew of 18th century governor James Brice — builder of the historic Brice House in Annapolis — the younger Brice wants to entertain you with true Irish music.
If you think you know Irish music, take a second listen, Brice advises.
“We present the real deal in Irish and American traditional dancing and music, in a way that is honest and true to the history of the forms,” says the director of New Century American Irish-Arts Company.
Upcoming are two Irish Christmas concerts with “all sorts of music that you don’t hear on the radio, performed by musicians who studied under masters,” Brice promises.
Each performance culminates with social dances called by the company’s Catherine Marafino and Shannon Dunne. As well as dancing, you can join in the craic (gossip) and wet your whistle at the Irish-Arts Bar, serving warm drinks and seasonal spirits.
Christmas from Ireland in Maryland features Brice (button accordion, ballad singing), Marafino (old-style step dance), Matthew Mulqueen (piano), Patrick McAvinue (fiddle), and Dunne (sean-nós dance), as well as students.
Sun., Dec. 13 & 20, 2:30-4pm, Severna Park Community Center: $15 w/discounts: www.newcenturyirisharts.com/Christmas.