Legendary Irish performer in Butte

By The Montana Standard Staff - 10/24/2008

Tommy Sands with his children, from left, Moya and Fionán, will perform at 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, in the Butte Depot, 818 S. Arizona. Tickets are $15 and are available at Cavanaugh's County Celtic or at the door. This event is a fundraiser for the Tiernan Irish Dancers of Butte.For details, call 782-2102.

Ireland's legendary County Down performer, Tommy Sands, performs with his accomplished musician children at 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, in the Butte Depot, 818 S. Arizona St.

The concert is hosted by the Montana Gaelic Cultural Society.

Tickets are $15. For tickets and details, call 782-2102 or visit www.mtgaelic.org.

Sands' children who'll perform in Butte are Moya, 25, and Fionán, 26.

The concert features music from Tommy's soon-to-be released CD, "Let the Circle Be Wide.'' The CD offers 14 original compositions steeped in the Irish music tradition.

A native of north-Ireland, Sands demonstrates that in a tumultuous political environment, his music speaks louder than violence. Touring the world with his music of peace, Sands recently returned home from Israel and Palestine. Before the year is out, Tommy will travel to nine countries, including a few weeks in Afghanistan and Cuba where he will bring his "template of possibility" to the people and politicians.

While Sands' charm and warmth create an intimate solo concert setting, the addition of Moya and Fionán for this upcoming performance promises a fuller and more dynamic sound.

With fiddle, bodhran, tin whistle, banjo, mandolin, and other instruments, the concert will give the feel of a true Irish céilí, where music and dancing lift the spirit well into the wee hours.