Celtic Nights Set for Annenberg Center, 3/15

Drawn from the history, folklore and culture of Ireland and its Celtic cousins, the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts' St. Patrick's Day weekend presentation of Celtic Nights: A Night of Music, Song and Dance (March 15) takes audiences on a stunning musical journey of leaving and arriving.

Weaving together lilting melodies and plaintive lyrics against a thunderous backdrop of Irish step dance, Celtic Nights employs Ireland's most promising singers and accomplished dancers to tell the story of the Celtic people's emigration from Ireland to America and their trials and triumphs along the way.

From bluegrass to polka, country to the songs of the Civil War, a vast variety of American sounds have been inspired and influenced by Irish music; Celtic Nightsaudiences can expect old favorites like "Danny Boy" and "Whiskey in the Jar" as well as some surprise numbers. An "unmissable spectacular" that brings "audiences to their feet all around the world" (The Guardian), the two-hour showcase is performed by three male and three female vocalists, six of Ireland's most talented dancers, and an ensemble of fine musicians. An artist meet-and-greet will follow the performance.

The Annenberg Center's 13/14 season continues with BODYTRAFFIC (April 3-5),Ghost Train Orchestra (April 12), Malavika Sarukkai (April 12), the Philadelphia International Children's Festival (April 30-May 4) and MOMIX (May 8-11). For more information and a full season listing, visit annenbergcenter.org.