Celtic Festival Returns to Ware Center Today

The Rose and Shamrock Celtic Festival will celebrate all things Celtic in Lancaster, following up on last year's first and hugely popular Celtic festival in the city. Taking place today, Nov. 22, this year's Rose and Shamrock Celtic Festival will be taking place at not just one, but two downtown venues: the Ware Center of Millersville University, located at 42 N. Prince Street, and Tellus360, 24 N. King Street.

Featuring music, dance, food, storytelling, workshops and more, the Rose and Shamrock Celtic Festival will be an event where anyone attending-regardless of where he or she (or his or her parents or grandparents) were born-can say: "Tá mé Gaelach don lá (I'm Gaelic for the day)!"

Dance performances will kick off the festival at the Ware Center, when the Rebel Hearts Irish Dancers, a troupe of young and gifted dancers based in Camp Hill, Pa, will perform from noon to 1 p.m., followed by a performance from 1:15 to 2:15 by members of Lancaster's own Paloma School of Irish Dance. The Paloma School of Irish Dance is a "stepping stone" school aimed at helping dancers pass through the beginning levels of Irish Dance. With an emphasis on technique and fitness, dancers will be able to achieve a fantastic dance foundation before moving on to other certified high-level competitive schools. With Irish Ceili group dances as well as competitive solo pieces, the Paloma School brings a flavorful twist on modern and traditional Irish dance. Dancers range in age from 5 years old to adult and from beginners to championship level. Wrapping up the dance will be the Red Rose Scottish Country Dancers.

More music will be on tap at the Ware Center throughout the day and into the evening, featuring the best traditional and contemporary Celtic music artists and bands to be found in Pennsylvania, including the trio, Across the Pond (1:30-2:30 p.m.); singer-songwriter-guitarist Charlie Zahm, who recently returned from a musical tour in Scotland (3-4 p.m.); Fire in the Glen (4:30-5:30 p.m.); Comorant's Fancy (6-7 p.m.); and the rousing Burning Bridget Cleary (7:30-9 p.m.).

Music at Tellus360 will kick off with a performance, 3-4 p.m., by guitarist Dave Pedrick; followed by Lancaster's own Irish rock band, Birmingham 6 (4:30-5:30); the Ogham Stones (6-7:30 p.m.); Kilmaine Saints (8-10 p.m.); the John Byrne Band (10:30 p.m.-midnight); and the Irish-rock-bluegrass fusion of the Punkabillys (midnight-1:30 a.m.). That is over 12 concerts and dance performances in one day between the two venues!

Workshops at the Ware Center throughout the afternoon to appeal to young and old will include storytelling, poetry and learning to play traditional Celtic instruments, featuring storytellers Bill Wilson and Marian Joyce, and musicians Justic Cook teaching the bodran (Irish drum) and Kirsten Irwin teaching the tin whistle.

Celtic-themed jewelry, arts and crafts, clothing and other items will be for sale in the Ware Center's third-floor Atrium by local vendors M.Reed Designs/Creative Renaissance, Just Peachy Jewels, Celt Wares and Celtic Knot Alpacas.

Last but not least, plenty of food and drink will be available, with each admission ticket to the Rose and Shamrock Celtic Festival including one meal ticket that can be used at either the Ware Center or Tellus360.

More information about the Rose and Shamrock Celtic Festival, including a schedule of performances and details about the performers, can be found at www.Tellus360.com and www.ArtsMU.com. Tickets ($35 in advance, $40 at the door, $10 for children age 10 and under) can be purchased online at www.ArtsMU.com. Tickets can also be purchased by calling the Ware Center, at (717) 871-7600, or at the door at either the Ware Center or Tellus360 on the day of the festival (tickets can be purchased at Tellus 360, starting at noon).

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