Irish variety concert Sept. 18

September 10, 2007

The Center for Irish Studies at Georgia Southern University is sponsoring the second annual ‘Gaels of Music” variety concert Tuesday, Sept. 18, at 7:30 p.m. in the Emma Kelly Theater at the Averitt Center for the Arts in downtown Statesboro. All proceeds from the concert will benefit the Eddie Ivie Scholarship for Study in Ireland.

‘A noted Savannah chef and restaurateur, the late Eddie Ivie had a passion for Ireland, especially its poetry and music,” said Howard Keeley, director of the Center for Irish Studies and assistant professor of literature and philosophy. ‘All of the performers are donating their time and talents for the evening. It’s phenomenal that they are willing to do this because they believe in us.”

The show will be hosted by Harry O’Donoghue, who is no stranger to the Georgia Southern, Statesboro and Savannah communities. He has anchored Irish Folk Music Nights in Statesboro for a decade and uses his wit to bring the spirit of Ireland to life in music that appeals to people of all ages.

The headline performer is Mary Courtney, an expert on the guitar and bodhran. Courtney hails from a family distinguished in the performance of traditional Irish music. She and her band, Morningstar, include much from that rich legacy in their repertoire, but also showcase contemporary ballads and topical pieces.

Also scheduled to appear are: Frank Emerson, folk vocals and guitarist; Colleen Settle, fiddle; Bobby Hendrix, uilleann pipes; Stephen Faulk, classical tenor; Butch Elmgren, spoken word; and the Irish dancers of Savannah.

Tickets for the event are $10 for students, senior citizens, active military and children under 13 and $12 for all others. They may be purchased by calling the Averitt Center Box Office at 912-212-ARTS or Rebecca Malott in the Department of Literature and Philosophy at 912-681-5471. Ticket requests may also be sent to irish@georgiasouthern.edu.

The Eddie Ivie Scholarship for Study in Ireland is open to any Georgia Southern University student, regardless of major. The scholarship is for study abroad to the University of Limerick in Limerick, Ireland.