Golden Bough - Celebrate the Season the Celtic Way December 20, 2008

Golden Bough will present a festive family program that incorporates old world carols and other Celtic songs of the holidays, along with their own compositions written especially for the Yuletide season. The concert will include lively instrumental pieces, haunting ballads, humorous sing-a-longs and a special appearance by the McGrath Irish Dancers.

"Civic Arts is all about family and we strive to help families make memories that will last a lifetime by offering engaging arts experiences for all ages," says Civic Arts Manager Andy Jorgensen. "In keeping with our international theme for the holidays this year, Golden Bough will entertain us with ancient songs and instruments that are just as captivating today in the Tri-Valley as they were hundreds of years ago in the British Isles. We invite the community to join us for holiday fun, Celtic style, that's affordable and close to home at the Amador Theater."

Golden Bough, founded in 1980, has brought its winter concerts to family audiences worldwide in a celebration of rare carols and songs in observance of the Winter Solstice and the New Year. The trio of Paul Espinoza, Margie Butler and Kathy Sierra capture the essence of traditional music on a variety of acoustic instruments, including Celtic harp, penny-whistle, guitar, accordion, mandolin, mandola, violin, viola and bodhran (a hand-held drum, particular to the Celtic culture).

The McGrath School of Irish Dance was established by Annie McGrath in 1950 in Waterford, Ireland. Her daughter, Valerie, opened the California branch of the company in Dublin, Calif. forty years later. The successful troupe boasts several state dance championships and has placed first in several categories on recent trips to Ireland. This year's All-Ireland Champions, they will entertain with Irish jigs, reels and hornpipes.

$15, $20 & $25; on line at www.civicartstickets.org, by phone at (925) 931-3444 or in person at the Amador Theater Box Office. Box Office hours are Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., and two hours prior to show time.

Official Website: http://www.civicartstickets.org