Feb. 23, 2009
CONTACT: LISA WOSKE, lwoske@calpoly.edu
TICKET SALES: 805-756-2787
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Get Celtic with Dervish March 13
SAN LUIS OBISPO – From the Great Wall of China to packed auditoriums in the Holy Land, the popular traditional Irish band DERVISH has come a long way during its stellar 20-year career.
Direct from the Borough of Sligo – DERVISH performs in concert Friday, March 13 at 8 p.m. in the Spanos Theatre, bringing to an intriguing blend of effortless energy, serious musicianship, and uplifting good humor.
The pre-eminent band of Ireland’s “Wild West” features Brian McDonagh (mandola), Liam Kelly (flute, whistles), Tom Morrow (fiddle), Shane Mitchell (accordion), Cathy Jordan (vocals, bodhrán, bones), and Michael Holmes (bouzouki).
“This is simply a brilliant and uncluttered testimonial to music, imagination, and talent.” (The Irish Times)
In 1989, a group of five musicians came together to record an album of local music that was released as The Boys of Sligo. Graduating from an informal group who played weekly at local pubs, the musicians committed to become a working band, choosing the name “Dervish” as a nod to spiritual people who become enraptured by music.
By 1991, Dervish had added a singer and all-Ireland champion fiddle player, giving them the right balance to produce the first Dervish album, 1992’s Harmony Hill. The album won widespread critical acclaim and was described by many as “a landmark Irish traditional album.”
The album’s artistry, musicianship, and maturity won outstanding praise from the media, placing Dervish at the forefront of the bands working on traditional Irish music. Key television and radio exposure for the band launched Dervish as one of the most sought-after acts in its genre.
As a result of their half-dozen fan-favorite and critically lauded albums and sold-out touring schedules, the demand for Dervish’s music and live appearances has exponentially grown over the years.
Dervish concerts are a myriad of tones and moods, ranging from high-energy tunes – played with fluidity and intuitiveness – to beautifully measured songs. From charming lyrics of life and love to inspiring melodies that lift audiences to their feet.
All the elements are drawn together by vocalist Cathy Jordan’s masterful stage presence. Her stories about the songs and her interaction with the audience draw people into the music in a way very few performers can achieve.
Dervish has been a ground-breaking force in bringing the roots of Irish music to eager audiences around the world and the international awards and opportunities the band has enjoyed are vast.
Over the last two decades, followers of Dervish’s colorful career have seen the band share center stage with such names as James Brown, The Buena Vista Social Club, Oasis, Sting, REM, Beck, and many more.
In 2001, Dervish had their proudest moment to date when Sligo City Council bestowed the “Freedom of the Borough of Sligo” award upon them. This esteemed recognition touted Dervish’s artistic achievements around the globe and their dedication and promotion of local heritage.
In 2006, the Irish Prime Minister invited Dervish to join a government entourage on the country’s most ambitious trade mission to China. There, Dervish performed for envoys of the Chinese government, confirming the band as a national jewel of Ireland.
Student and adult tickets for the performance range from $28 to $34 and may be purchased at the Performing Arts Center Ticket Office, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays.
To order by phone, call 805-756-2787; to order by fax: 805-756-6088.
24-hour on-line ordering is available at www.calpolyarts.org.
Sponsored by Mitch and Marianne Wolf, with additional support provided by KCBX 90.1 FM.
For more information on all Cal Poly Arts events, including audio and video samples, please visit www.calpolyarts.org.