An evening of Celtic music in Tamworth

After a postponement from a March engagement which had to be cancelled because of a snowstorm, Arts Council of Tamworth is pleased to present the Cathie Ryan Trio in concert at The Barnstormers Theatre on Friday, May 20, at 7:30 p.m. Cathie performing alone is known for her magical concerts; she and her very talented backup musicians give the definitive live Irish music performance.The daughter of Irish immigrants, Cathie was born in Detroit. Her father was a tenor and very much in demand at the Gaelic League, where her family spent much of their time. As a child she often visited her grandparents in Ireland. They had a profound effect on her singing and songwriting. Her paternal grandmother, Catherine Ryan, was a fine fiddler and singer and her maternal grandfather, Patrick Rice, was a gifted storyteller who mesmerized Cathie with tales of Irish myth and history. From the age of seven, Cathie was a popular fixture at Gaelic League sesiuns. In 1987, Cathie was invited to join the Irish traditional women's ensemble Cherish the Ladies. As lead vocalist she moved easily from sean nos to English language Irish songs to her own compelling compositions. Her moving paean to Irish immigrants, "The Back Door," was the title-song for Cherish's second album and has already become an Irish folk standard. Her seven-year contribution to the group helped place them in the vanguard of Irish music.Since leaving the band in 1995 to pursue a solo career, Cathie has not looked back, "It was a tough thing to strike out on my own, but it has been the best thing for me as a singer, a writer, and a person. I am free now to express my own music. It's been a very creative and fulfilling time."Cathie will be joined in Tamworth by two stellar musicians who have also distinguished themselves in the traditional music fieldGreg Anderson on guitar and bouzouki and Hanneke Cassel on fiddle. Along with Cathie's original and Irish traditional songs, the band kicks it up with rousing jigs and reels.Tickets for the Cathie Ryan Trio are available now at The Other Store in Tamworth Village, Sandwich General Store, Chinook Caf in Conway, and The Sound Resort in North Conway.The advance price for adults is $15; tickets purchased at the door cost $17. The student (age 13 and older) price is $7 and the child (age 12 and younger) price is $2. Tickets may also be purchased directly from ACT, using a MasterCard or VISA, by calling (603) 323-8104. For additional information on this show or any of Arts Council of Tamworths other upcoming performances and programs, contact ACT at 603-323-8104 or visit the website at www.artstamworth.org. You can also read more about Cathie Ryan, including her song lyrics, view some great photos, be added to her mailing list, and more, by visiting www.cathieryan.com.