March 16, 2004
Contact: Susan Gwynne
(805) 893-2098
e-mail: gwynne-s@sa.ucsb.edu

Solas, the Irish music supergroup, brings its
Celtic firepower to UCSB Campbell Hall

Summary Facts:

• Solas
• The terrific Irish music supergroup
• Solas is noted for its impeccable playing and its inventive spirit
• The group’s latest album is the critically lauded Another Day
• Sunday, April 18
• 7 pm / UCSB Campbell Hall
• General public: $30, $27 / UCSB students: $19, $16
• Tickets & Information: UCSB Arts & Lectures at (805) 893-3535

Solas, one of the world’s most exciting Irish music groups and an ensemble known for extending the borders of Celtic music, will give a rousing concert on Sunday, April 18 at 7 pm at UCSB Campbell Hall. Solas (the name comes from the Gaelic word for light) has made a major impact in both America and abroad as an Irish music supergroup whose albums and live shows are among the finest musical experiences in the world. Grounded in the fast-fingered jigs and reels of Irish tradition, Solas, led by multi-instrumentalist wizard Seamus Eagan, also interprets wide-ranging material through its distinctive approach, coloring songs by Tom Waits, Nick Drake, Dan Fogelberg, Dougie MacLean and Bob Dylan with the air of Eire. The Philadelphia Inquirer claims that “Solas makes mind-blowing Irish folk music, maybe the world’s best.”

Although Solas, founded in 1996, can play undiluted traditional Irish music with elan, the group always varies the mix of fire-tested tradition and contemporary sensibility with an ease and naturalness that is as astonishing as its overwhelming musicianship. The result transcends genres into the realm of pure musical expression that only a relative handful of artists attain. The five-member group has not only captured the hearts and ears of Irish music fans, but also fans around the globe with their blend of Celtic traditional, folk and country melodies, bluesy, sometimes jazz-inspired improvisations, and global rhythms. Solas has built a fanbase that includes the likes of adventurous banjo player Béla Fleck (who guests on two cuts on their latest CD Another Day), folk chanteuse Emmylou Harris, and the much sought-after rap producer Timbaland, who surprisingly sampled the band on his radio hit “All Yall.”

Bandleader Seamus Egan is an instrumental wizard who has mastered everything from the flute to tenor banjo, mandolin, tin whistle, low whistle, guitars and bodhran. Born in Hatboro, Pennsylvania, and raised for a time in Foxford, County Mayo, Ireland, he has been signed to Shanachie Entertainment since the age of 13. Fans may remember Sarah McLaughlan’s Grammy-winning hit “I’ll Remember You,” penned by Seamus along with Sarah and Dave Merg. The master composer has also written music and played on soundtracks for the films Brothers McMullen and the Oscar winning movie Dead Man Walking, as well as the stage show Dancing on Dangerous Ground. Seamus recently added acting to his list of many talents. In summer 2003 he completed filming the independent film American Wake.

Native New Yorker Winifred Horan is a graduate of the prestigious New England Conservatory of Music. She has played in Cherish the Ladies and the Sharon Shannon Band and has recorded with everyone from Richard Shindell and Patty Larkin to Liz Carroll and Eileen Ivers. Incidentally, Winifred is a nine-time Irish stepdancing titlist, and an All-Ireland fiddle champion. Horan’s solo outing Just One Wish was hailed as one of the best Celtic or roots albums of 2002 by the Boston Globe, Philadelphia City Paper, Irish Times and Irish Echo. Horan’s technical virtuosity coupled with her yen for musical roaming is a key element to the fascinating sound of Solas.

Mick McAuley hails from Callan, County Kilkenny and has long been regarded as one of Ireland’s finest button accordionists. Born into a well known musical family, Mick has been playing whistles and accordion from the time he was a child. By the time he was eleven, he had already appeared on national TV. Mick, who also sings background vocals for Solas, has performed and/or recorded with Ron Kavana, Terry Woods (as the Bucks), The Alias Band, Niamh Parsons and the Loose Connections, Karan Casey, Susan McKeown, and Paul Brennan of Clannad. In September 2003 Mick released his Shanachie debut as a leader An Ocean’s Breadth.

Just before joining Solas in 1999, Deirdre Scanlan released her solo debut Speak Softly, which attracted widespread praise throughout Ireland. Deirdre possesses one of those ethereal voices that keeps listeners hanging on her every word. A native of Nenagh, County Tipperary, she also appeared on a recording by Nenagh Singers Circle and played fiddle with the Paddy O’Brien Ormond Ceili Band in her home county.

Solas’ newest member is guitarist Eamon McElholm, who also plays keyboard and sings background vocals. He has been touring with the band since August 2002. Eamon was born and raised in County Tyrone in the North of Ireland. For the last several years he has performed with the well-known Irish band Stockton’s Wing as singer, songwriter and guitarist. Eamon was awarded the Performing Rights Society/John Lennon Songwriters Award when he was a student in Manchester, England.

Prior to the performance concertgoers may enhance their experience by attending a tasty Irish buffet served by the UCSB Faculty Club at 5 pm. The dinner is $18 per person; reservations must be made by April 9 by calling (805) 893-3096.

Solas is presented by UCSB Arts & Lectures and sponsored by Goleta Valley Voice and KCBX Public Radio. Tickets are $30 and $27 for the general public and $19 and $16 for UCSB students.

For tickets or more information,
call UCSB Arts & Lectures at (805) 893-3535.

Editor: For photos, please call
Susan Gwynne at (805) 893-2098.