LOCAL

Altan brings Irish folk to opera house stage

Staff Writer
Pocono Record
Altan will perform traditional folk music of Ireland during a concert Friday at the Mauch Chunk Opera House in Jim Thorpe. PHOTO PROVIDED

Irish folk band Altan will perform at 8 p.m. Friday at Mauch Chunk Opera House, 14 W. Broadway, Jim Thorpe.

Gweedore singer and fiddler Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh and her now-deceased partner Frankie Kennedy founded Altan in Donegal, Ireland, 1987. The band also features: Ciarán Curran, bouzouki and bouzouki guitar; Ciaran Tourish, fiddle, tin whistle and backing vocals; Dáithí Sproule, guitar and vocals; Martin Tourish, piano and accordion; and Mark Kelly, guitar and backing vocals. Aside from recording solo albums, some members have featured as guests on other acts' albums.

On the band's 12th and latest studio album “The Widening Gyre,” Altan explores the musical connection between the traditional music of Ireland and the roots and bluegrass music from its American cousins across the pond.

Altan has worked with acts such as Dolly Parton, Enya, The Chieftains, Bonnie Raitt, Alison Krauss, Mary Chapin Carpenter and more. 

Tickets are $27. For information, call 570-325-0249 or visit mcohjt.com.