DUBOIS – In the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day, the traditional Irish folk music and dance ensemble Irish Blessing will perform at Penn State DuBois on March 14.
The acclaimed family quartet from York carries on the purest forms of traditional Irish music and dance. The group includes James and Cushla Srour and their multitalented sons, Jonathan and Josh. With a love of family and Irish culture, Irish Blessing embraces the living tradition, keeping classic Irish folk music and dance alive at home and on stage.
Jonathon has completed four tours with Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance, and has been sought out by Riverdance. He also mesmerizes audiences with his skill on the flute.
Josh, with flying feet, is also a rising fiddle phenomenon whose phrases draw the audience into the infectious toe tapping, hand clapping world of jigs and reels. Both boys have the rare and dual distinction of competing in the world championships of both Irish music and dance.
Hailing from New Zealand with Irish roots Cushla provides strong rhythmic accompaniment on the piano and beautiful melodic phrases on the whistle and flute. Jim rounds out the band with the percussive palpitations of the bodhran, the traditional Irish drum. Together, Irish Blessing has electrified audiences from New Zealand to New York.
Irish Blessing is slated to perform at 7 p.m. March 14, in the Hiller Auditorium at Penn State DuBois. As part of the campus’ Performing Arts Series, this performance is free and open to the public.