World renowned musicians “The Elders” make their 15th annual trip home to Ireland from their base in Kansas City, USA for their “True” Irish Tour, from 18th October – 27th October inclusive. The band will travel around Ireland with a record number of 220 of their fans this year from across the USA. Ahead of their Irish Tour “The Elders” are delighted to announce their new album “True” will be available from 20th October, pre order your copy or purchase digital downloads at their website: www.eldersmusic.com
On their Irish tour they will play in the Arklow Bay Hotel, on Tuesday 24th October at 8.30pm, doors open at 8.15pm, with special guests: Bri-Elle Finn, Anne Devlin CCE and the Breda O’Connor school of Irish dancing, where audiences are in for a real musical treat.
Tickets are available from: Arklow Bay Hotel Reception, Kustom Kids, Lower Main Street, The Harbour Bar, Lower Main Street, Kavanagh’s Newsagents, Wexford Road, or any committee member of AMA (Arklow Music & Arts Group).
Tickets €10 in advance or €12 on the night and all proceeds from the night will go towards The Lavender Ward, Nolan House, Rathdrum, Co Wicklow and Arklow Music & Arts’ campaign to secure the provision of a Music and Arts Centre for Arklow.
“The Elders” are being afforded a Civic Reception by the Cathaoirleach and members of Arklow Municipal District in the Council chambers, Arklow on Tuesday 24th October, 2017 at 7pm and will be attended by Ian Byrne and members of his band together with their family and friends in light of the support he gives to Arklow each year and never forgotten his roots despite living in Kansas, USA.
This is a great honor for Ian who grew up at the White Bridge and the Meetings Avoca. “Arklow has always been my home! I get great satisfaction showing off our town to all of my American friends and hopefully helping the struggling economy a little” and “delighted to be honored with this acknowledgement for me, my family, band members and music.” “The feedback from our guests is always very positive for the couple of days we spend in Arklow. I thank all of Arklow for that!” Go raibh mile maith agaibh go leir le gach dhuine.”
The Elders have headlined major Celtic Festivals in North America and Europe. For the past 15 years they have sponsored a tour of Ireland in which fans are invited to join in on an extraordinary 13 day excursion visiting historical and geographical sights during the day and gathering at a local pub or ballroom at night for pints and performances by the band. Their Irish tour includes the following venues and dates:
Wednesday 19th October “The Belfast Empire Music Hall” in Belfast then on to “The Cashin Bull” Bundoran, Co Donegal on Friday 20thOctober. Sunday 22nd October the band play in “Queen’s Night Club” Ennis, Co Clare while on Tuesday 24th October, the group play in “The Arklow Bay Hotel”, Arklow, Co. Wicklow and the final leg of their Irish tour finishes in Johnny Foxes Pub, Glencullen, Co Dublin on Wednesday 25th October.
“The Elders” are the sound of Irish America, a high-octane, progressive cross-pollination of musical styles rooted in the traditions of American & Celtic pop, folk & rock who write original songs with vibrant narratives that explore history, legends, tall tales and true-life experiences. Their songs tell us stories of people, places and events – some recent, some distant, some real and some imagined and the songs are mystical, comical, political and cultural, while covering a wide variety of topics such as poverty, civil war, family bonds, spirituality, love and friendship. From the beginning The Elders seemed to be channeling something ancient and enduring – authentic music unaffected by fads, trends and the giant maw of mind-numbing commercialism.
Formed in Kansas City in 1998, the group is led by Irish born singer Ian Byrne, a native of Avoca, County Wicklow, and backed by a wicked-fine group of American musicians; Guitarist Steve Phillips, Bassist Norm Dahlor, Fiddler Diana Ladio, Drummer Kian Byrne and Keyboardist Brent Hoad. All are well-known veteran musicians having played in numerous recording and touring bands before forming The Elders – hence the name.
The Band line up is as follows:
Ian Byrne – lead vocals, percussion, whistle
Steve Phillips – vocals, guitar, mandolin
Brent Hoad – vocals, accordion, keyboards
Norm Dahlor – vocals, bass, guitar
Kian Byrne – vocals, drums, bass, mandolin
Diana Ladio – fiddle
