Celtic Night
by Tom Keener
Celtic music phenomenon Seamus Stout entertains Allen Public Library patrons at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 15. Celebrated Irish dancer Jason Hickman, harmonica player Shaun Young and guitarist Kevin Vaught join Seamus Stout for an exciting evening of toe-tapping Scottish, Irish and Welsh tunes.
Sponsored by Bach to Books, this program is free.
Comprised of Jarrod Fay, Jan Cermak, Billy K Harmony and Damon Swindall, Seamus Stout has delighted fans for over twelve years. Their unique brand of upbeat Celtic music includes traditional pub sing-alongs as well as lively jigs and reels. In 2011, Seamus Stout released their fifth CD,“Raise A Pint” that introduced four original songs written by Billy K Harmony.
Jarrod Fay plays tin whistle, Irish flute, Scottish smallpipes and bagpipes. After playing trumpet and bass guitar, Jarrod began playing bagpipes and other Celtic woodwinds. Having garnered awards as a solo piper, he continues to compete with the North Texas Caledonian Pipes and Drums.
Jan Cermak plays fiddle, banjo, mandolin and Irish bouzouki. A native of New Orleans, he soaked in all of the musical culture that city has to offer. Playing an upright bass in a rockabilly band, Jan’s musical career changed when he applauded after listening to his neighbor Jarrod practicing the bagpipes.
A graduate of Northern Arizona University with a jazz trumpet performance major, Billy K Harmony now plays the guitar. His love of music has taken him through a whirlwind of different musical genres from Ska to Swing and Blues to Doo-wop.
Damon Swindall plays bodhran (the Celtic drum pronounced boron) and vocals. A native of Burleson, Texas, and a percussionist for almost twenty years, Damon amazes his fans by playing this single head drum like a drum set.
Joining Seamus Stout will be Irish dancer and Allen High School student Jason Hickman. Last year, he placed fourth at the December Regionals 2011 and 19th at the World Irish Dancing Competition at City West Dublin. A student of the Maguire Academy of Irish Dance in Plano, Jason commented on his trip to Ireland, “I decided that I would not be giving up Irish Dance for a very long time.”
Allen resident and owner of the KelticDead website, Shaun Patrick Young will play diatonic harmonicas. He will be accompanied by guitarist and folk singer Kevin Vaught, also of Allen.
The Allen Public Library is located at 300 N. Allen Dr. Call 214-509-4911 for information.
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