Irish music to turn MCC stage green on Thursday

A special concert of Irish music, folk songs and dance tunes will be featured at 7 p.m. Thursday at McHenry County College.

The concert features musicians Pat Gaughan and L.J. Slavin, who will perform in the college's conference center.

Also accomplished musicians as solo artists, Gaughan and Slavin have performed together for the past six years, presenting their musical talents in programs throughout the Midwest.

Gaughan and Slavin have played at such venues as the Woodstock Opera House, and as part of the Great Performers of Illinois Festival in Millennium Park, Chicago.

Their new CD, "From Erin's Shore," is getting airplay on public radio stations here and in the United Kingdom.

Gaughan has performed on the folk circuit for many years. She's known for her rich voice and intricate guitar playing. Gaughan's music has been played on public radio stations in the United States and in the United Kingdom, and she has appeared live on numerous radio folk programs, including Wisconsin Public Radio's "Higher Ground," "Hotel Milwaukee" and the WDCB folk show.

Gaughan has a master's of music degree, and in addition to performing has taught guitar for many years. She teaches a World Music class at MCC.

Multiple instrument master Slavin is a versatile entertainer who has been delighting audiences of all ages for more than 20 years. He was featured on Broadway in the Tony Award-winning production of "The Grapes of Wrath."

He has worked with Steppenwolf, Goodman and Northlight theaters in Chicago, as well as productions across the country and abroad -- including the critically acclaimed "Woody Guthrie's American Song" and "Appalachian Strings."

Slavin's instruments can be heard in a number of radio and television jingles. He plays the fiddle, mandolin, tin whistle and flute.

MCC is at 8900 Route 14, Crystal Lake. For more information, contact MCC Music Department chairman Thomas Takayama at (815) 479-7670 or e-mail to ttakayam@mchenry.edu.