Town Hall Theater gets a jump on St. Patrick’s Day celebrations by welcoming Celtic band Runa on March 8. Quickly gaining recognition as one of Irish music’s new “super-groups,” Runa has been enchanting audiences by pushing the boundaries of Irish folk music into the Americana and roots music formats since their formation in 2008.
Runa interweaves the haunting melodies and exuberant tunes of Ireland and Scotland with the lush harmonies and intoxicating rhythms of jazz, bluegrass, flamenco and blues. They offer a thrilling and redefining take on traditional music.
Runa consists of vocalist and step-dancer, Shannon Lambert-Ryan of Philadelphia, Dublin-born guitarist, Fionán de Barra, Cheryl Prashker of Canada on percussion, Zach White of St. Louis on guitar, vocals and mandolin, and Maggie White of Kentucky on the fiddle and Mandolin.
Seeking to preserve and continue a traditional culture in a modern age, Runa creates the backbone of its signature roots sound from the musical and geographical diversity of its individually established band members. Their strive for excellence and creativity blazes a trail for the future of folk music, earning them the reputation as one of the most innovative Irish folk groups of this generation.
The group has been honored internationally, winning Top Group and Top Traditional Group in the Irish Music Awards and four Independent Music Awards including Best Live Album, Best World/Traditional Song and Best Bluegrass Song.
Get in the St. Patty’s Day spirit and come see this performance live at Middlebury’s Town Hall Theater on Thursday, March 8, 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 (+$2 preservation fee) and are available at the THT Box Office (802) 382-9222, online at townhalltheater.org, or in person Monday-Saturday 12-5 p.m.