St. Patrick’s Day is obviously noted in Ireland, but the patron saint of Eire is celebrated on another level in the United States.
That’s why Irish acts such as the iconic Chieftains and the venerable Danu perform in America for much of March.
“We know and appreciate how significant St. Patrick’s Day and the days around it are regarded in the states,” button accordionist Benny McCarthy said by phone from his home in Waterford, Ireland. “It’s a huge deal, and so bands like us can’t miss the trip to America because we want to be in on the party.
“When we come to Iowa, we want to transport the people there to Ireland. We want to immerse you in our music but we won’t stop there. You’ll hear our talk, our accent, the way we joke around and our sense of fun when we perform. You’ll get everything Irish out of us.
Danu, performing Saturday (3/2) at Hancher Auditorium in Iowa City, will deliver traditional Irish tunes drawn from the band’s seven-album canon.
Photo:
Holst Photography
Music
Danú
Presented by
Hancher
Tickets
ADULT: $45 | $35 | $25
COLLEGE STUDENT: $40 | $10
YOUTH: $22 | $10
Saturday, March 2, 2019, 7:30 pm
Danú—a longtime Hancher favorite featuring musicians from Counties Waterford, Cork, Dublin, and Donegal—returns just in time to get you ready for the most Irish of holidays. The band offers virtuosic performances of traditional music from the Emerald Isle, capturing the elation and melancholy of a sound cherished far beyond the borders of the musicians’ native land. The West High School choir will join the band for selected numbers.
Event Sponsors:
Nancy Andreasen and Terry Gwinn
Deborah K. and Ian E. Bullion
Hancher Student Alumni
News
Some sites may require subscription
The Gazette - Thursday, February 28, 2019
The Daily Reporter - Sunday, February 24, 2019
A partnership between the Spencer Performing Arts Coalition, University of Iowa and Hancher Auditorium has resulted in traditional Irish ensemble, Danu, launching its U.S. tour in Spencer Thursday, Feb. 28.
Danu’s Spencer performance at 7:30 p.m. on the SCT Playhouse stage is sponsored by the University of Iowa Foundation, Hancher Auditorium, Lilian Swanson Foundation and SPARC.
“Danu is from Ireland, and usually comes to the United States one to two times a year,” said Chuck Swanson, executive director of Hancher Auditorium. “This season they are only coming once, and Spencer and Iowa City are their only Iowa stops; with other performances in Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, Massachusetts, South Carolina and Maine.”
“It will not only be a great music experience but also a great lesson in geography,” Swanson said. “One would have to travel to Ireland to experience music like this. I am a native of Spencer and it is such a joy to be able to help create an experience like this for our friends in Spencer.”
Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact Paris Young in advance at (319) 467-4849 or at paris-sissel@uiowa.edu.