The High Kings to perform on Sept. 25 at the Phillips Center

September 17, 2008

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Following a sold-out inaugural tour of Ireland, Irish ballad group The High Kings will launch a 15-city U.S. tour this autumn, stopping in Gainesville along the way. The High Kings will perform at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 25 at the Phillips Center. These four performers create a unique ensemble, re-energizing the Irish ballads and introducing new songs from Ireland.

Finbarr Clancy, Brian Dunphy, Martin Furey and Darren Holden, renowned vocalists and musicians, have incorporated some of the classic ballad repertoire from the past with modern songs in the folk idiom. The High Kings special performance was seen on PBS, nationally, in March.

The highly acclaimed composer and musical director David Downes, of Celtic Woman, brings new harmonies and rhythms to The High Kings songbook, giving them a modern style without ever sacrificing the traditional melodies and lyrics.

The group performed on “The Today Show” and “The View” in March in conjunction with the release of their debut CD/DVD and select tour dates opening for Celtic Woman.

The four-part vocal harmonies are backed by a band which includes world-class musicians: Martin O’Connor on accordion, Nollaig Casey on fiddle, Dave Keery and Ewan Cowley on guitars, Paul Moore on double bass and master percussionist Robbie Harris who performs a modern, contemporary ‘dance off’ with Irish dancer, Mick Donegan, formerly of “Riverdance.”

Tickets can be purchased for $25 to $55 by calling the Phillips Center Box Office at 352-392-ARTS (2787) or 800-905-ARTS (toll-free within Florida) or call Ticketmaster at 800-277-1700 (toll-free). Tickets may also be purchased in person at the Phillips Center Box Office, the University Box Office at the Reitz Student Union or from any Ticketmaster outlet, or online at www.ticketmaster.com. Cash, checks, MasterCard and Visa are accepted. The event is sponsored by Fresco Neighborhood Italian.