Internationally acclaimed traditional musicians Colleen Raney, Hanz Araki, and Ryan Davidson will be joined by sean nós dancer Alicia Guinn, and award-winning dancers from the Tara Academy of Irish Dance for a unique, dynamic celebration of Irish music, dance, and culture in honor of St. Patrick’s Day 2015.
Among the finest interpreters of traditional songs of her generation, Portland, Oregon’s Colleen Raney recently released her fourth album, titled Here This is Home, recorded in Dublin, Ireland over the summer of 2013. Colleen grew up inspired by the Irish and Scottish songs and tunes in the rich Irish community in Seattle, Washington. Her four solo CDs have staked her claim as a serious presence in Celtic music today and provoked Hearth Music to enthuse, "Singing with a deep love for the tradition and the dark poetry of Celtic song, Colleen has been drawing new life from old ballads and renewing our love for Celtic music." Irish Music Magazine recently called Raney “among the best in her genre.”
Internationally recognized flute player and singer Hanz Araki is known for his fresh an innovative approach to traditional Irish and Scottish music. The son of a Japanese shakuhachi Grand Master, Araki Kodo V, and a Scots-Irish mother, his musical sensibility is both inspired and disciplined and has made him a household name from the UK to Japan. In his 25 year career, Araki has earned the praise of the international music community including Fatea Magazine, who raves “(His) musicianship is superb …achingly beautiful; a real delight.” Irish Music Magazine writes that Araki is “an Irish music phenomenon in West Coast America.”
Ryan Davidson is known for his powerful vocals and soulful style of folk storytelling. Raised in Northern California, Ryan began touring the US whilst still in high school. After a decade on the road playing rock-n-roll, he studied voice and jazz at the Bob Cole Conservatory in Long Beach, California. Shortly after he was accepted into the Irish World Academy of Music & Dance in Limerick, Ireland where he studied the Irish Bouzouki and received an MA in Ethnomusicology. Since returning home after two years of living and playing traditional music in the West of Ireland, Ryan has been utilizing his extensive background to tirelessly write, play, tour and collaborate with numerous songwriters and traditional artists. Please note: Tickets do not guarantee seating during shows at the Royal Room. For sold out shows standing room may be the only available space. Please come early to ensure you get a table. Reservations can be made for those who are coming for dinner as well as the show. The Royal Room is All Ages until 10pm.
