Anthony Kearns of The Irish Tenors to Perform at American Irish Heritage Center 11/13

Anthony Kearns, one of the finest tenor voices today, returns to Chicago for a one-day concert at the Irish American Heritage Center (IAHC) in Chicago, IL on Sunday, November 13, 2016. He will be joined by accompanist David George, along with guest fiddle player, Chicago's Devin Shepherd. Kearns is an original member of the PBS sensation, The Irish Tenors, and he also enjoys a robust international solo career.

Eugene Cooney, president of the IAHC commented, "Our Center is proud to host great musical performances each year. We are particularly thrilled to welcome back one of today's greatest voices, Anthony Kearns. A legendary interpreter of Irish vocal music and a powerful operatic and classical voice on the global stage, Mr. Kearns will be a certain treat for attendees."

Kearns began his career in 1993 after winning a national competition in Dublin, called "Ireland's Search for a Tenor" sponsored by the Bank of Ireland. Kearns and his Irish Tenors colleagues burst upon the international music scene in 1998. They have 10 CDs -- many with gold, platinum and double platinum status, and have performed in the world's most prestigious venues from Carnegie Hall to the Hollywood Bowl.

The IAHC has been the host to many Irish musicians, including Liz Carroll, Martin Hayes, Gaelic Storm, Frankie Gavin and De Dannan, Tommy Sands, the Elders, Phil Coulter, the Young Dubliners, and in 2011, Anthony Kearns himself, among many others.

Mr. Kearns remembers, "I'm excited to return to Chicago to perform in this iconic venue and tribute to Irish art and history with two talented artists - Devin Shepherd and David George. It's been a pleasure working with the Irish American Heritage Center to put together a wonderful musical program. There is truly something for everyone."

"Of course I am very pleased that Ragnar Almqvist of the Embassy of Ireland Chicago will be attending the Chicago concert and VIP reception," said Kearns.

Kearns, who was dubbed the "Best Irish Tenor" by the Irish Music Association among other accolades, said the program will be "an emotional roller coaster with songs of Ireland, favorite classics, folk music, and perhaps an operatic aria or two. My solo repertoire includes something for every musical taste, from laughter to tears and back again, so it's guaranteed to please."

Mr. Kearns' concert, titled "A Tear and a Smile: Celebrating the Songs of Ireland, Inspirational Music, and Beloved Melodies," is Sunday, November 13, at 3:00 p.m. Tickets are $35 for general admission and $30 for seniors 65 and older or military personnel with current ID. Tickets to the special VIP seating and post-show "meet-and-greet" with the artists are available for purchase at an additional $20 per person. The VIP reception will also feature hot Irish tea and freshly-baked scones by Galway Bakers. Tickets can be purchased here on the Center's website.

Kearns' performance comes amidst a wave of Irish pride and celebration that has swept the globe in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising, which led to the independence of Ireland. In honor of these celebrations, Kearns headlined a concert at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. He was also a featured guest at the launch of the world-wide celebrations in New York City hosted by Irish Ambassador to the U.S. Anne Anderson, and Consul General of New York, Barbara Jones, with special guests Liam Neeson and others. Mr. Kearns sang on Opening Night of the three-week official celebration in Washington, D.C. which included remarks by Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Vice President Joseph Biden.

Mr. Kearns' commented, "It has been an honor for me to be included in this year's historic 100th anniversary commemorations of the 1916 Easter Rising. It is a great privilege to represent Ireland and share her music."

In addition to his performances for "IRELAND 100," Kearns headlined "The Celtic Concert" -- a three-day celebration with the Grand Rapids Symphony at the DeVos Performance Hall in Grand Rapids, MI earlier this year. For Memorial Day 2016, Kearns headlined a bipartisan reception to honor veterans of the military services and those serving in Congress, and he was a featured singer on Military Appreciation Day at the 141st Preakness Stakes. Kearns also opened the 2016 National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, D.C. In addition, Kearns last performed with David George during a pre-Mass Concert for Pope Francis in Philadelphia in 2015.

Kearns performed last year in Chicago as a featured entertainer in Disney's 2015 BMO Harris Bank Magnificent Mile Lights Festival. The live program - the country's largest evening holiday celebration - was broadcasted by ABC 7 Chicago and aired nationally throughout December 2015. Earlier that same year, Kearns was a featured entertainer at the 113th Annual St. Patrick's Day Banquet hosted by the Irish Fellowship Club of Chicago.

Kearns has also frequently performed in Chicago as a member of The Irish Tenors - one of the most successful entertainment acts in Ireland's history with over a million records sold and a longtime presence on the Billboard Charts.

"We are delighted to welcome Anthony Kearns back to the Irish American Heritage Center," said Mike Shevlin, IAHC Vice President, who helped arrange Mr. Kearns' appearance at the Center.

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