Caladh Nua, meaning “new harbor” or “new haven,” sails to Tryon Fine Arts Center on Sunday, March 9 at 4 p.m. during the band’s three-week tour in the United States.
American Public Radio endorses this five-piece Irish band saying, “What a terrific, young band! We suspect they are going to be around a long time.”
Throughout history, Ireland has been embraced as a land of song and singers, of music and musicians; men and women who for centuries have been inspired and nurtured by the sounds and swells of her windblown nature.

It is from the traditional heart of this musical island that Caladh Nua, (pronounced: Coll-ah Noo-ah) have been born, raised and released into the world.
To say Caladh Nua’s meeting and formation was a haphazard thing would be disrespectful to the ghosts of Ireland’s history and music. Each of Caladh Nua’s supremely talented and versatile members carry with them the musical legacy of those who have gone before.
Lisa Butler, lead vocals and fiddle: Born in the town of Carlow, on the banks of the River Barrow, this award winning fiddler has been acclaimed not only as a musician of the highest caliber but also as the owner of one of the most lyrical voices in contemporary traditional music. Her vocals have been described as having the ability to present songs, both old and new, in a style interpreted with sympathetic and intuitive emotion.
Eoin O’Meachair, banjo and whistles, backing vocals: Born in the town of Carlow, on the banks of the River Barrow, this gifted and highly accomplished banjo player is steeped in the music and culture of Ireland. A fluent Irish speaker and recipient of many national plaudits, Eoin has been playing music from the age of 13.
Derek Morrissey, button accordion: From humble beginnings in the bucolic setting of village of Ballymacarbry in West Waterford, introduced to the accordion at the age of  7 by his grandfather, Derek has toured the world with the shows, ‘Dance Through The Ages’ and ‘Celtic Legends,’ gracing the stages of cities through Kuwait, Romania, Portugal, Switzerland, France and beyond.
Paddy Tutty, Bodhrán (Irish drum) and lead fiddle: Hailing from the Dungarvan area of the County Waterford, Paddy has described himself as a humble carpenter, a noble claim until one learns that this humble carpenter is also a craftsman of note who designs and makes all of his own instruments.
Colm O’Caoimh, guitar, backing vocals: Born in the medieval village of Kilkenny, Colm first learned music through classical piano and violin. It was his intrinsic passion and love for Irish music which eventually drew Colm, a fluent Irish speaker, to the guitar. His solidly imaginative playing and delicate finger-style is described as being both the backbone and powerhouse of Caladh Nua.
Through Caladh Nua’s collective influences, both the history and future of Irish music spark to life with a charismatic verve. From slow airs and plaintive vocals hauntingly delivered to modern arrangements played with virtuosity and spell-binding flair, Caladh Nua respectfully delivers the music of their heritage and carry it forward seamlessly into the future.
With a long list of TV and Radio appearances to their credit, two highly acclaimed albums and another underway, Caladh Nua’s musicians are as accomplished off-stage as they are on.  Caladh Nua was invited to play for the Irish president at her residence in Ireland and has made a series of international tours from Mumbai to Vancouver.
After the concert and for an additional fee, patrons are invited to raise a pint of a variety of Irish beers and stouts at a post-show reception for the band.
WNCW is media sponsor for the Caladh Nua concert.
Tryon Fine Arts Center’s Main Stage season is sponsored by Millard and Company. Tickets for the performance and the post-show party are available online at www.tryonarts.org or by calling 828-859-8322. Tryon Fine Arts Center (TFAC) is a nonprofit organization that operates and programs a 300-seat performance venue and 150-seat amphitheater for music, opera, theatre, dance and lectures on Melrose Avenue in Tryon. TFAC is open Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
– article submitted
by Marianne Carruth