Saturday, October 13, 8:00 pm

Ireland's most exciting tradition-rooted band, with its combination of virtuosic instrumentation, high-energy arrangements and ultra-sweet vocals, Dervish continues to weave its own path in Ireland's great musical heritage.  In this world of high-energy Irish music, Dervish stands out as truly magnificent, earning high praise from critics and the adulation and loyalty of fans. From Sligo in Northwest Ireland, Dervish has long stood at the forefront of traditional Irish groups, with high energy tunes played with intuitive fluidity to beautifully measured songs of life and love, to inspiring melodies that lift audiences from their seats!

These elements are drawn together by vocalist Cathy Jordan’s masterful stage presence.  Her stories to the songs and interaction with the audience draw people to the music in a way very few performers can achieve. “The musical integrity makes the group a formidable heir to the throne…of The Chieftains” international space… Simply a brilliant and uncluttered testimonial to music imagination and talent,” says the Irish Times.

Local tunes are important to the band. Liam Kelly, the group's flute player, said that their albums and concert performances contain a lot of local Sligo pieces. "We try and localize it a wee bit," he said, "do some tunes from the area. We did get a couple of tunes from that book that Bernie Flaherty put out called Trip to Sligo. You know, we listened to stuff like that, which is more localized rather than just picking tunes up from anywhere in the country."

If anyone should know about Dervish's musical policy, it's Kelly. Along with accordion player Shane Mitchell, he has been the core of Dervish's instrumental sets since the very beginning. Mitchell and Kelly are among the tightest duos in Irish music today, undoubtedly because they know each other's playing so well; like many musicians from small areas, they began to cross paths at an early age, traveling to feises and fleadhs, Irish music festivals and competitions, nearly every weekend. Curiously, although Sligo county is famed for its musicians, Sligo town itself had few youngsters involved in traditional music, so the two spent a lot of time together. "Liam and myself have been playing together since I was seven," Mitchell remembered. "When I was ten and he was twelve we used to play, for four pounds a night play waltzes all night in his dad's pub. That's how far back we go."

Formed in1989 by a group of five musicians, now seven, Dervish has entertained numerous times at the White House, and has successfully toured every corner of the globe – their latest trip to China bringing further acclaim.  When it comes to contemporary Irish folk music, they truly have no equal.  Their unique ability to create music of immense passion and verve, coupled with their stunning virtuosity, make Dervish a formidable force in world music.

If you need further encouragement to join the audience at their upcoming October concert in Northridge, consider their ten critically acclaimed CD’s and DVD’s, with another to be released before this US tour. Their music is mostly the fast and furious style typical of Sligo, and Dervish can belt out powerful sets of reels and jigs, as well as stirring melodies from the old country.  Call this a stretch to St. Patrick’s “Year”– this is the premier opportunity to catch one of the very best Irish bands on tour in this intimate 500-seat theatre with perfect acoustics—like having them perform in your living room!

For more information visit: http://www.dervish.ie/