April 17, 2003 -- For four days in May, Irish music and dance lovers will be in seventh heaven. From May 7-10, Charlottesville hosts over 30 internationally acclaimed musicians to perform in celebration of Re-Imagining Ireland, an international conference and festival on Irish identity in a global context, organized by the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities.

It is a rare opportunity to enjoy the performances of two chart-topping musical groups in just one night. Re-Imagining Ireland offers two such sensational "double-headers." On Wednesday, May 7 at 9pm, the musicians and dancers of The Green Fields of America share billing with the legendary ensemble, De Dannan. A second concert on Saturday, May 10 at 8:30pm features Irish-American favorites Cherish the Ladies and Ireland’s Solas. Tickets for both concerts are on sale now for $20 each at www.re-imagining-ireland.org or by calling 434-924-9721.

The Green Fields of America

The Green Fields of America, formed in 1978, was the first group on either side of the Atlantic to bring Irish vocal, instrumental and dance traditions together to the concert stage. Jean Butler and Michael Flatley of Riverdance fame got their start with The Green Fields, which introduced Irish stepdancing to America. On May 7, Butler’s sister Cara will be performing with the group.

De Dannan, one of the most famous and accomplished groups on the traditional, and not-so-traditional circuit, is led by virtuoso fiddler and Virginia resident, Frankie Gavin. Gavin has toured with the Rolling Stones, while De Dannan continues to launch many of Ireland’s finest stars. On May 7, De Dannan will showcase eight musicians, including Alec Finn, who founded the group with Gavin in County Galway in 1974.

The six women of Cherish the Ladies have recorded seven albums including their latest, The Girls Won’t Leave the Boys Alone. Their fiery performances have won them the accolades
"Entertainment Group of the Year," (The Irish Voice) and "International Group of the Year," (Celtic Connections Festival). On May 10, Cherish the Ladies will be accompanied in concert by traditional Irish dancers.

Cherish the Ladies

Few bands could follow that act, but the sensational ensemble Solas is one of them. The Irish Echo calls Solas "one of the most exciting Irish bands in the world." The five-member group has appeared on numerous American broadcasts, from A Prairie Home Companion to CNN, and is known for its innovative experiments with global music sounds within the Irish tradition.

Imagining Ireland without its unique music and dance is a cheerless prospect and Re-Imagining Ireland looks upon these traditions as vital. In addition to the marquis concerts, music will be a daily interlude in a series of Musical Narratives throughout the four-day conference. Among the themes for these narratives are the songs and stories of Ulster and Appalachia. The narratives will feature such renowned songwriters and musicologists as Andy Irvine, Len Graham, Bruce Molsky and Martin Hayes. Tickets for the Musical Narratives are $7.00 and are on sale now.

The full conference schedule, registration and ticket information are available online at www.re-imagining-ireland.org and at 434-924-9721.