Lunasa comes to Fagan's Irish Pub on Tuesday, September 26. This group brings authentic Celtic music direct from Ireland. Lunasa is contemporary yet acoustic; they wander into new territory but stay true to the rhythms and instruments of traditional Irish music. I ran into Carrie Fagan (owner of Fagan's) last week and asked her how she could bring such an internationally known group to Fresno. Her response, "Fagan's is the biggest Irish pub in the valley." Who would have thought! Fagan's seats several hundred around tables for dinner and drinks, all with good views of the intimate stage. I've been a fan of Lunasa since my sister gave me their album, Merry Sisters of Fate. I can't wait!
Since that auspicious beginning, Lúnasa has become one of the most sought-after bands on the international Irish music scene. The band’s inventive arrangements and bass-driven grooves are steering Irish acoustic music into surprising new territory. On their first American visit, word-of-mouth led to sold-out shows and rave reviews. “A standing-room only crowd in New York confirmed Lúnasa’s reputation” … wrote The New York Times. “This is the hottest Irish acoustic group on the planet.” (From the Lunasa website)
Full-time professor, part-time pastor, husband, father of two small boys, news writer for @U2 (atu2.com), just trying to find my way in a new world.
I'm soooooo jealous! Ah well, I think we might be able to hear them live in April out here in Dayton. Enjoy!
Posted by: Linda | September 23, 2006 at 07:39 PM
Hey Linda! I'll snap a few photos and send them your way. I'll need the pictures to prove to myself that the group was really here! We'll miss you and John.
Posted by: Tim | September 24, 2006 at 08:51 AM
Wow! Last night was the concert - two sets at about an hour each of the best live Irish music I've ever heard! Five players kept us mesmerized: whistles and flutes, pipes, fiddle, guitar, string bass. Tracy and I sat at a nice high table about 20 feet from the stage where we could see every member of the quintet. It's not about how fast they play in unison together (though that was stunning), it's about the spirit of Ireland that seems to capture the place as they play, make jokes, and mingle with the crowd during breaks. It was hard to believe we were still in Fresno (though they had to keep reminding us with jokes about the heat, Motel 6 and IHOP). I swear I could hear the waves crashing on the beaches of Wexford.
The joint was packed and I'm sure tickets will be hard to get when they come back (they said they would be back next year!).
Dang, I forgot my camera. I wanted to post some video. Next year....
John, teach me how to play Jigs and Reels!
Posted by: Tim | September 27, 2006 at 11:55 AM