The Bishop Hill Creative Commons is hosting two Celtic music performances from Ireland and Quebec this weekend in the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day. A potluck dinner and social hour begin at 6 PM and the music by Grosse Isle starts at 7 PM on March 24, 2024. JigJam performs live at 7 PM on Monday, March 25th, following a potluck dinner at 6 PM. Both concerts are open to people of all ages, and a $20-$30 donation is suggested. All proceeds from the events go to the artists. For tickets and more information, please visit XroadsCC.org.
The traditional music trio Grosse Isle was born out of the “absolutely magical” collaboration between three exceptional musicians from Quebec and Ireland (The Irish Music Magazine). Together, Sophie Lavoie du Lac-St-Jean (fiddle, piano, vocal), André Marchand the legendary (guitar, vocal), and Fiachra O’Regan, Irish champion (uilleann pipes, whistle, banjo), shine with their rich and enveloping music. These musicians all have a national and international reputation as a duo mainly in the case of Sophie & Fiachra and within several groups for 40 years as far as André Marchand is concerned (La Bottine Souriante, Les Charbonniers de l’Enfer and others). The band name refers to the story of the mass arrival of the Irish in the 19th century, on Grosse Île in the St. Lawrence River, as they fled the Great Famine. It is a striking encounter between two peoples and two cultures.
When virtuoso Irish playing jumps the pond, running naked through the wide open fields of bluegrass/Americana JigJam. Bluegrass and American Folk music originated from the group’s home, and now JigJam is here to take it back! JigJam made its Grand Ole Opry Debut in Nashville in March 2023 to critical acclaim, receiving a standing ovation from a sold-out crowd on Country Music’s biggest stage. The group was joined on the night by Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, Steve Earle, Lauren Alaina, and many more. This Offaly and Tipperary-born band has started the first wave of attack in the new Irish invasion of Americana.
‘Foot stomping’, ‘high energy’ badassery is what you’re in for when you see this musical powerhouse live in concert.
Founding members from Offaly Jamie McKeogh (Lead singer and guitar) and Daithi Melia (5 String Banjo and Dobro) were joined by Tipperary-born Gavin Strappe (Mandolin and Tenor Banjo) in 2016. This year they are joined by Kevin Buckley (Fiddle) to make up this iGrass (Irish Bluegrass) quartet.
Described as ‘The best Irish band in bluegrass’ and ‘sparkling, infectious’ these lads have been hailed as ‘Ireland’s answer to New Grass Revival’
Bluegrass has its roots in Irish music and Irish immigration. iGrass and JigJam is what happens when the Irish find their prodigal son.
