Two shows are coming to the Performing Arts Center at Kent State University – Tuscarawas that are sure to bring out the Irish in everyone. “Celtgrass” originators We Banjo 3 will perform on Thursday, March 3 and then celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Velocity Irish Dance as they tap their way onto the PAC stage on Thursday, March 17. Both shows are at 7:30 p.m.
Debuting in the U.S. in 2012, We Banjo 3 has since emerged as fast-rising touring darlings in the country that two of the members now call home. The Galway, Ireland, and Nashville-based quartet––comprised of two sets of brothers, Enda & Fergal Scahill and Martin & David Howley––continually push musical boundaries while maintaining an unwavering devotion to the essential audience experience. WB3 seamlessly converge the shared and varied traditions of Americana, Bluegrass, and Celtic music with pop-sensible songcraft to create a truly unique and gratifying signature sound. Brilliantly commanded instruments––banjo, fiddle, mandolin, guitar, and percussion––effortlessly elevate lead singer David Howley’s propulsive voice. Live on stage, their songs carry the listener along until, at the perfect moment, the band crescendos into catchy choruses with pitch perfect harmonies.
Perfectly timed on St. Patrick’s Day is Velocity Irish Dance, the next generation in Irish tap. Led by five-time World Champion Irish dancer, David Geaney & Guinness World Record Holder, Tyler Schwartz and joined on stage by a motley crew of mind-blowing musicians and world class dancers, it’s nothing like you’ve ever seen before! Created by David Geaney & World Record Holder for the fastest feet in the world, James Devine, these illustrious hoofers come together in an intimate, no-nonsense jam session of impossible scuffles and shuffles. A multimedia show for all ages that earnestly traces its evolution while toying with tradition, Velocity is a high-octane celebration of the past, present and future of Irish dance.
Tickets for We Banjo 3 start at $31 and tickets for Velocity Irish Dance start at $39. Both shows are on sale now at the Performing Arts Center box office, 330-308-6400 or online at www.kent.edu/tuscpac. The box office is open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
As part of its health and safety protocols and consistent with many venues across the country, The Performing Arts Center is instituting a mask requirement for entry to the facility for everyone, regardless of vaccination status. For more information visit: www.kent.edu/tuscpac/health-and-safety
The Performing Arts Center’s 2021-2022 Season is sponsored by the Tuscarawas County Community Foundation.
Free and convenient parking is available for all shows. The Performing Arts Center is located on the campus of Kent State Tuscarawas at 330 University Dr. N.E. in New Philadelphia.