Songs From Ireland 2018 – 3/16 at Liberty Hall

Lawrence, KS, February 19, 2018 – Celebrate St Patrick’s Day 2018 with a night of music from the Emerald Isle, taking place in Liberty Hall on Friday March 16th and performed by local musicians Carswell & Hope, Kelly Hunt, Katlyn Conroy and more. Songs on offer will run the gamut from original compositions to songs by U2, Sinead O’Connor, Damien Rice and The Cranberries and the night will include traditional Irish dance performances from Céilí at the Crossroads.

Fronted and hosted by Lawrence resident and Irish native Nick Carswell, special guests Kelly Hunt (banjo and vocalist from Kansas City), Katlyn Conroy (of La Guerre), and Shannon O’Shea (on fiddle) join Carswell & Hope members Austin Quick (piano, bass) and Jason Slote (drums) for an intimate evening of music spanning from traditional Irish tunes through to modern classics.

“Our inaugural Songs from Ireland show last year was a really special night,” says Carswell. “It took some deliberations to put together a set that spanned from age-old ballads to contemporary Irish singer-songwriters, but the whole idea is to offer a little bit of everything from the huge catalog of Irish songs put out over the years. We’re up to the task again this year!”

Joining Carswell & Hope is Kelly Hunt, vocalist and banjo player hailing from Memphis, TN, who now calls Kansas City home. Kelly’s primary instrument is her voice, which rings out with confidence and clarity of someone who has been singing all her life. Accompanied by her 1920s tenor banjo, Kelly’s songs meld traditions of folk, blues, classic country, and old-time music for a sound that is all her own. Her songwriting springs from a place of rich imagery and bespeaks a genuine love of storytelling.

As well as the great music, Songs from Ireland 2018 will feature a new addition this year – a traditional Irish dance performance from KC dance troop Céilí at the Crossroads! The group has been making waves in the KC region with their upbeat performances and innovative style. Ceili at the Crossroads invites the young and old to experience the lively
culture of Irish dance.

Finally, if you needed one more reason to attend this year’s concert, a percentage of door sales will benefit the Willow Domestic Violence Center – a most worthy cause!

Songs from Ireland is presented by Liberty Hall and Kansas Public Radio. Doors open at 7:00pm and the show starts at 8:00pm, with short intervals between sets. Tickets are $20 and available at Liberty Hall box office and online via Ticketmaster.