Eira to perform at the ACA on November 19

 

Eira (pronounced “era” in North America) performs music from Scotland, Ireland, Newfoundland, Canada, Wales, and the U.S. Their repertoire includes traditional, contemporary, and original songs sung in English, Gaelic, Irish, Welsh, and more, played on fiddle, erhu, guitars, bodhrán, bouzouki, mandolin, button accordion, and whistles. The band does not feature a lead singer—all members sing or play lead throughout their performances.

Eira was formed as a Celtic holiday/ Christmas band in 2015. The name “Eira”—meaning “snow” in Welsh—harkens back to the group’s wintry origins. Eira’s first album was released in 2016. The band has performed throughout Canada and the U.S.

Liesel Wilson (vocals, fiddle, erhu, octave fiddle) specializes in singing in Gàidhlig, Irish, Early Scots, and Welsh. She has performed throughout the U.S. and Scotland as a member of Willowgreen and is a former member of Blue Canvas Orchestra and Chance Ensemble. Sue Spencer (guitar, vocals) grew up singing Newfoundland and Irish folk songs with her family. She also performs internationally as part of Willowgreen and McInnis’ Kitchen. Jim Ofsthun (drum, vocals, whistle, mandolin) is also a member of Willowgreen and McInnis’ Kitchen. He is considered to be one of the top producers of Irish music in the Midwest. Special guest Mary Lou Williams comes from a musical family with Welsh roots. She has performed as a vocalist for many years in various groups throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin, and internationally as a member of Willowgreen.

Showtime is 7:00 p.m. at the Arrowhead Center for the Arts (51 W 5th Street, Grand Marais). This is an all-ages event, general seating. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased in advance at northshoremusicassociation.com, or at the door starting at 6:00 p.m. on November 19. For our community’s health, we encourage folks to wear masks.