Irish Christmas in America shows in area

Staff report

Irish Christmas in America’s annual tour will make two stops in the region this week: Wednesday at the West Side Irish American Center in Olmsted, Ohio; and Saturday at the Antonian Hall at Carlow University in Pittsburgh.

The Olmsted show starts at 7 p.m. and admission is $10. The Pittsburgh show starts at 7:30 p.m. and admission is $25. For more information, go to irishchristmasinamerica.com.

The show features some of Ireland’s top traditional artists, performing ballads and holiday carols, fiddle tunes and Irish dancing.

In the family-friendly performance, narration brings to life ancient customs and stories, while photographic images provide historical context.

Performers will include singer and accordion player S amus Begley from West Kerry; Irish harp and uilleann pipes by Gr °inne Hambly and Tommy Martin; and dancer Brian Cunningham.

Other performers include Tristan Rosenstock as narrator and on bodhran; Sean McElwain playing bouzouki and guitar; and producer Ois n Mac Diarmade on fiddle.

The cast will also be joined by local dancers in many cities along the tour.