Celtic Wood and Wires

Are you curious about the history of the Gaelic Language and hearing some Irish music? If so this presentation is for you! This is a FREE event but registration is required.

Discover the history of the Irish Language, Gaelic, with Chris Norris. This informative presentation will show us on a map where the language is spoken and how many people speak it. The class is not to teach the Irish Language but a few basic Irish words will be explained to us. Attendees are encouraged to ask questions throughout the class.

Following the presentation, we will listen to music performed acoustically by four members of the local band Celtic Wood and Wires!

About the presenter: Chris Norris learned conversational Irish Language at Villanova University when he lived in Philadelphia. His teacher was from County Donegal in the north of Ireland. Currently, he is the PA State Irish Language Chairman for the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH). They have 10,000 members in the state. Chris also conducts Irish Language classes for their members.

According to the Williamsport Sun Gazette, In December 2019, Chris "received an award for his contributions and dedication to the order and service to the community," for Hibernian of the year. Also, according to the Sun Gazette, he attended Bishop Neumann High School and Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

About the Band: Celtic Wood and Wires is a five member band from the Williamsport area of central PA. The band formed in the early 2018 and has evolved into the band it is today. They play upbeat, traditional songs and tunes from Ireland, Scotland, Appalachian, and originals they created. Their first album was released in September 2021, "Close the back door" and is available on CD, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Spotify, YouTube, and Pandora.

The members of the band are Sandi Finnerty, Billie Jo Shank, Shelley Whitnack, Michael J. Miller and Carl Finnerty.

A little about each member... · Sandi’s part in the band are vocals, fiddle, mandolin and guitar. She is a founding member of Celtic Wood and Wires in early 2018. · Billie Jo’s part in the band are vocals, tin whistle, Irish flute and silver flute. · Shelley’s part of the band are vocals, fiddle, viola and ukulele. · Michael’s part in the band are vocals, guitar and Irish bouzouki. · Carl’s part in the band are the Bodhrán drum, vocals and handles the business affairs.

This program is one of the many ways the Brown Library supports the PA Forward initiative by providing social and civic literacy opportunities for learning. Location: Lowry Room Registration: Open - 40/45 Spots Available Categories: Teen, Adult Registration required https://calendar.jvbrown.edu/.../history-of-the-irish