North House features traditional Irish music and workshops

Chulrua will appear in concert at North House Folk School on Saturday, March 20.

This year, the North Shore traditional music event hosted by the North Shore Music Association will explore the roots of Celtic music. Chulrua,
an internationally acclaimed trio of some of the most respected and unique exponents of Irish traditional music, will headline the event and offer an intimate evening performance at the North House Folk School at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 20.

Chulrua
is a three-person band, composed of Paddy O’Brien, button accordion (a product of County Offaly in the midlands of Ireland); Patrick Ourceau, fiddle (whose playing has been greatly influenced and shaped by the music of the great Co. Clare and East Co. Galway musicians); and Pat Egan, guitar and vocals (a native of Tipperary, who served his apprenticeships with the Dublin groups Old Bawn
and De
Min).

Their performance will be complemented by a series of musical workshops inviting students and traditional music enthusiasts to learn from the members of the band. An Irish Céilí dance workshop will also be offered to learn the steps and repertoire of Ireland’s social dancing styles, as well as an introductory Irish tin whistle workshop for beginners.

All the while, a series of Celtic-inspired traditional craft courses are scheduled throughout the weekend – from jewelry projects like making a Celtic knot pendant to Irish foodways such as baking traditional Irish breads.

Registration for courses is now open. Interested students are encouraged to enroll early. For a complete schedule or for more information, see northhouse@boreal.org or call (218) 387-9762.