Music in Bass Hall: Mai Hernon and Celtic Font

Mai Hernon & Celtic Font are what happens when traditional Irish singing meets the heartland of America. A unique combination of the old and the new. And what a fine way to celebrate St. Paddy’s weekend!

Mai Hernon

I was born in Gurteen, Co Sligo, Ireland. It is also known as Coleman Country, after the great fiddle player, Michael Coleman. It is a very traditional area of the country, and I have been lucky enough to see and hear some of the best musicians, singers and dancers as I was growing up.

I have played and sang with many well known musicians such as members of Dervish, Seamie O’Dowd, Dolores Keane, Len Graham, Rosie Stewart and many other’s. I have toured England, Ireland, Europe and America, playing and singing, and also teaching traditional singing at workshops and summer schools.

Mick McEvilley

I’m from Cincinnati, Ohio. I first took guitar and tenor banjo lessons as a kid, then started singing folk songs with The Brandywine Quartet in college.  You’ve most likely heard of us–if you then lived on the 7th floor of Schroeder Hall at Marquette University.  Otherwise, you probably haven’t.  But those are the guys that forced me to start singing, so I owe ’em.

I’ve played acoustic pop with Dennis Stehlin (we’re “The Woodpickers”) since about ’81, and have been with the Kettering Banjo Society since ’98 and more recently with the Ragtime Riverboat Rats, playing all sorts of music.

I’ve always loved folk music, and first got tuned into Irish songs listening to the Irish Tenors.  Not long after hearing the Tenors, I found Tommy Murphy and “Shamrock Radio” on the internet, and there became fascinated with the voice and songs of Mai Hernon, and–how’s this for “long story short”?–now we’re Celtic Font!

The evening will also feature some tunes from several of our local Celtic musicians.

Earlier in the day Mai will be offering a master class in Irish singing. Click here for details. 

The 2014 Season for Music in Bass Hall is sponsored by Waterhouse Restaurant in Depot Square, Peterborough. Concert goers are encouraged to enjoy dinner before the show (or brunch before our Sunday afternoon shows), or libations and snacks after the concert. For reservations call 603-924-4001

Open Tuesday – Sunday dinner starts at 5pm
Sunday Brunch 11:30am – 2:30pm