An Irish band known for its collaborations with Nashville musicians will perform as part of Arkansas State University’s free lecture-concert series October 16 at 3 p.m. in Riceland Hall in ASU’s Fowler Center. The Brock McGuire band’s Jonesboro appearance is underwritten by KASU, the on- air and online public media service of A-State, with additional support from Dr. James and Mary Sheridan of Campbell, Mo.; Dr. Troy Bartels, “Dentistry for the Entire Family;” Donn & Kacky Mixon of Jonesboro; and the ASU-Lecture Concert Series.
Named “Traditional Irish Band of the Decade” by the Irish American News, the multi-award winning Brock McGuire Band is fronted by two of Ireland’s most celebrated traditional musicians: button accordionist and melodeon player Paul Brock and fiddler Manus McGuire. The band also includes multi-instrumentalist Dave Curley (banjo, mandolin, bodhran, vocals and dance) and acclaimed pianist, composer and arranger Denis Carey.
Brock McGuire Band is steeped in the Irish musical tradition yet seamlessly incorporates elements from American old time, bluegrass, French-Canadian and other Celtic-influenced musical strands to create something beautiful, recognizable and entirely unique. This ability is exemplified in the band’s album “Green Grass Blue Grass,” featuring 14-time Grammy Award winner Ricky Skaggs. The album was named Instrumental Album of 2012 by the Irish American News and Top of the World album award winner by the UK’s Songland Magazine.
Station Manager Mike Doyle said that KASU 91.9 FM presented the Brock McGuire band in concert at The Forum in downtown Jonesboro in 2010. “We’re so glad that this exciting band is returning to our region this fall. We want listeners to attend the Brock McGuire band free of charge in Riceland Hall on the Sunday afternoon of ASU’s Homecoming weekend. In one concert, they might play Dr. O’Neill’s (Irish jig), Turkey in the Straw (American old-time) and Wheel Hoss (Bill Monroe). You’ll hear authentic Irish and traditional music performed by world class musicians.”
