A trio of Philadelphia-area Irish musicians are scheduled to perform next month in Lebanon.
The traditional performers are part of a celebration of Irish food and music organized by St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, at 22 S. 6th St., Lebanon, on Saturday, Feb. 1.
Beginning at 3 p.m., musicians Kathy DeAngelo, Dennis Gormley, and Chris Brennan Hagy will teach a free 90-minute introduction to Irish music workshop for area music students. Players of violin, tin whistle, flute, harp and other traditional melody instruments are invited. Basic skill on one’s instrument is necessary, but all ages are welcome.
The workshop is an educational event and not open to the general public. In order to allow for individual attention to each student, registration is required and will be capped at 30 participants. For details, email music2@stlukeslebanon.org.
Then, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., St. Luke’s will host a traditional Irish meal as a fundraising dinner to benefit the St. Luke’s Friends of Music fund, which is sponsoring the celebration. Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for children.
Guests will be invited to enjoy a dinner of beef stew and traditional Irish sides, served buffet-style. A vegan option also will be available. Seating is limited, and tickets for the dinner must be purchased in advance at stlukesbazaar.org/irishdinner.
At 7 p.m., the musicians will hold a traditional Irish session, or informal concert. The session is free and open to the public, although a freewill offering will be taken to benefit the Friends of Music fund.
“If you’ve never experienced a real Irish music session, you’re in for a treat,” says St. Luke’s parish musician Sean Hackett. ”Sessions are as much social gatherings as performances, as musicians gather in a circle and take turns starting tunes, which are then played as a group. We’re so fortunate to be able to bring these particular musicians from Philadelphia for this event. They’re just outstanding – some of the most experienced and talented Irish musicians in Pennsylvania.”
DeAngelo, Gormley, and Hagy will lead the session. Experienced Irish musicians who would like to join the session should contact Hackett in advance at music2@stlukeslebanon.org.
More information is available online at stlukeslebanon.org/irish.
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