The Jackson Symphony Orchestra and Community Music School is pleased to present the 3rd annual Irish Festival, sponsored by Eric and Patti Poppe. This collaboration will feature several musical ensembles, including local professional musicians of the JSO, familyfriendly activities, and other surprises! This twoday festival is designed as a regional music/arts festival that promotes Irish and Celtic culture and heritage while providing enjoyment, enrichment, and educational opportunities for families and residents of Jackson and neighboring counties.
This event, now in its third year, will also serve as a Memorial Tribute to the late Mary Ann Donley Kessler, who, according to family members was “VERY Irish”. Mrs. Kessler was a former principal at East Jackson and a longtime and very active member of St. John’s Catholic Church. She was married to William Kessler, a retiree of Consumers Energy and a resident of Grass Lake Township. The couple raised 7 daughters, often referred to as the Kessler Girls. According to daughter Patti Poppe, who is a lead sponsor of the Jackson Irish Festival, this tribute to Irish culture and music is a very fitting way to pay tribute to her mother’s legacy.
Current Community Music School director David Lamse is thrilled to present the Irish Festival. “I am impressed when I see so much local support for not only the Jackson Symphony Orchestra but also the Community Music School. The Jackson area is fortunate to have such a wonderful musical organization that serves the community in so many ways. We are so grateful to Eric and Patti Poppe for their generous support of the Irish Festival, and looking forward to working with the Jackson District Library this year. This is sure to be a fun event for the entire family! ”
The opening performance on Friday night, 7:30pm at the Wax, welcomes back the Ann Arborbased band The Moxie Strings with the electrifying combination of fiddler Diana Ladio and cellist Alison Lynn. With their feelgood melodies and footstomping, rockinfluenced rhythms, this duo has put a fresh, enticing spin on Celtic and Americana music. They will join forces with world percussionist Fritz McGirr, who lends an engaging rhythmic energy to the show. Though rooted in tradition, The Moxie Strings offer listeners the unique opportunity to experience some of the world’s best known instruments and oldest genres through a young, progressive lens.
Tickets for The Moxie Strings concert are $15/adults, $5/children, available on the CMS website, at the door, or by calling the Community Music School office at (517) 7823221 Ext. 118.
On Saturday March 12th, Irish Festival events will start from 12pm at the Jackson District Library Carnegie Branch located at ?244 W Michigan Ave, Jackson MI 49201. This hour will feature? an irish harp and flute/pennywhistle duo, accompanied by storyteller Yvonne Healy. Free admission.
Professional performer for 40 years, Yvonne Healy was born across the water. She grew up on an American Main Street with Irish language, stories and culture. The inherited gene for adventure led Healy to graduate from Swarthmore College, spend halfalife acting in New York’s soap operas and theaters, summer in yoga ashrams, and always to tell stories. These days, Healy incarnates ‘Midwest Nice’ with longtime husband, 2 teenage daughters, and 2 fluffy dogs on a Michigan lakeshore. ?As a volunteer, Yvonne publishes the monthly ?MI Story since 2001. She has also served on Board of Directors, Conference Program Chair, and producer for the National Storytelling Network, Northlands Storytelling Network, Detroit Story League Festival, Midwest StoryFest, and the Ann Arbor Storytellers Guild. Yvonne regularly scrubs pots in homeless shelters and enjoys wedded bliss with the same wonderful man since 1984.
Deidreanna Potter started studying the harp at age 10 under Kelly Yoakam. When she was 11, she was accepted by MSU Harp Professor Lauralee Campbell (now retired) to continue her training. Deidreanna, being a homeschool student, was invited to join the Michigan State University Symphony Orchestra as a High School Honors Student at age 13 and continued to play with MSU ensemble groups for several years as requested. Deidreanna was named the Lansing Symphony’s 2009 Youth Concerto competition winner with her performance of Ravel’s Introduction and Allegro. She was also named 2012 Lansing Concert Band Young Artist Competition (Kenneth G. Bloomquist Prize) winner with her performance of David Bennett’s La Rougette. She has played in several ensembles throughout lower Michigan both professional and community including the Mason Symphony, the Jackson Symphony, the Jackson Youth Symphony, the Livingston Symphony Orchestra, the Lansing Concert Band, the Meridian Community Band, Lange Chorale, the Jackson Chorale, MSU Children’s Choir, and Michigan State University Ensembles. She has also enjoyed playing at the State Capitol for the annual “Silver Bells In The City” celebration. Highlights of Deidreanna’s feature performances with orchestras have also included Debussy’s Danses sacrée et profane, Glière’s Concerto for Harp and Orchestra, and Mozart’s Concerto for Flute, Harp, and Orchestra. Currently residing in Charlotte, MI, she is one of seven children and enjoys working with other musicians whether in full orchestra, smaller chamber setting, or at her church.
Tabitha Potter began her musical studies on the piano with her grandmother at age 6. At the age of 10 she began studying the flute. During her 8 years of flute playing, she has been privileged to be under the tutelage of several fine flautists, and currently studies with Dr. Tess Miller of St. Johns, MI. Tabitha has also taken a keen interest in the pennywhistle and has enjoyed bringing an Irish flare to many settings. She loves bringing music to people everywhere, and has performed in chamber settings, recitals, and at her church.
From 2-3pm at the JSO Weatherwax Hall, we will feature the band Limerick along with familyfriendly arts and crafts, snacks, and music. ?Based in Lansing, Michigan, Limerick plays traditional Irish music with a dash of bluegrass and folk. With an exciting variety of dazzling instrumentals, hilarious songs, and sentimental ballads, Limerick brings the stage to life, encouraging the audience to sing along or dance a jig. The band is comprised of Steven Glynn on banjo and vocals, Vincent Shaw on mandolin and vocals, Tim Patterson on octave mandolin and bass, and Sarah Patterson on violin. Sarah is a member of the Jackson Symphony Orchestra and both Sarah and Tim teach at the JSO Community Music School. Limerick is thrilled to be a part the annual JSO Irish Festival! Free admission.
