Irish-American band Solas brings Shamrock City to ECC March 14
Acclaimed Irish-American band Solas will perform its multimedia musical journey to historic Shamrock City at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 14, at the Elgin Community College Arts Center, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin.
The performance, which takes place just three days before St. Patrick's Day, tells the story of the thousands of young men and women who left behind their homes and families, headed to "the Richest Hill on Earth." It reveals their spirit, tenacity and humor, but also the many hardships they faced.
Solas' band leader Seamus Egan's personal family history inspired "Shamrock City." In 1910, Solas band leader Egan's great-great uncle Michael Conway left his home in Co. Mayo, Ireland and boarded a ship for America. He headed to the copper mines and boxing rings of Butte, Mont., aka Shamrock City (named so for the influx of Irish immigrants). Six years later, at the age of 25 and surrounded by a cloud of mystery, Michael was dead.
Featuring musical performances by Solas inspired by Conway's story plus historic audio recordings and film footage, "Shamrock City" seeks to not only uncover the life and death of Conway, but also to illuminate immigrant life during the Industrial Revolution. "Shamrock City" is for those then and now that believe in a better life, and are willing to risk it all for a chance at something more.
Solas burst onto the music scene nearly 20 years ago. Anchored by founding members Seamus Egan (flute, tenor banjo, mandolin, whistles, guitars, bodhran) and Winifred Horan (violins, vocals), Solas is rounded out by Mick McAuley (accordions, low whistle, concertina, vocals), Eamon McElholm (guitars, keyboards, vocals), and newest member and lead singer, Niamh Varian-Barry. Through fresh and unexpected arrangements of age-old tunes, compelling and topical originals and covers, and unparalleled musicianship, Solas continues to define the path for the Celtic music world and drive the genre forward.
Tickets for all performances in the ECC Arts Center are available online at tickets.elgin.edu or at the ECC Arts Center box office. Box office hours are noon to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and noon to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. To purchase tickets by phone, call (847) 622-0300. All major credit cards are accepted.