We Banjo 3, the infectious band from Galway, Ireland, returns once more to Alberta. This time, instead of a concert at the 2019 Calgary Folk Festival, it’s a virtual living room performance in partnership with St. Albert’s Arden Theatre.
We Banjo 3: Live From Ireland will stream from the stunning Pearse Lyons Distillery at St. James in Dublin on Saturday, March 13, at 3 p.m.
“We are an affiliate presenter. They will perform in Ireland and it allows people from all over the globe to see it at the same time with different presenters,” said professional programming presenter Caitlin North.
The prominent band is made up of two sets of brothers – Enda and Fergal Scahill, as well as Martin and Davd Howley. Blending banjo, mandolin, fiddle, bodhrán and guitars, the lively foursome deliver a sound similar to Lunasa or The East Pointers noted North."
“What makes them stand apart is they are more non-traditional. They take traditional arrangements and they incorporate bluegrass. Celtgrass is the term they use to describe their sound and style.”
The distillery concert is the first time since the pandemic shutdown a year ago that this next generation of Irish musicians will perform together.
Emphasizing quality over quantity, it's no surprise the musicians selected the renovated Pearse Lyons Distillery as a concert venue. Originally constructed as St. James Church in the 12th century, the whiskey distillery features traditional stonework, stained-glass windows and glossy wood finishes that offer enviable acoustics and illumination.
“They’re really polished with lots of great energy. They’re a great example of how young artists are interpreting older music and making it a fresh sound while paying homage to tradition. There is a very good reason why they are the country’s most talked about next generation of artists.”
As an aside, North mentions that March 13, the day they perform, is the one-year anniversary when the majority of the entertainment world shut down in 2020.
“I don’t know if they planned it. Whatever, I’m excited to watch them again. They’re a fantastic group.”
Tickets are $25 and are available online at stalbert.ca/exp/arden/performances.
