The Irish Rovers Perform Christmas Concert at State Theatre Tonight

By: Dec. 04, 2015
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Band members hail from Ireland and one from Scotland, however The Irish Rovers formed in Toronto, Canada and have produced over 40 albums in North America with many more internationally. The group makes a stop at the State Theatre for a Christmas Concert as part of their 50th Anniversary Tour.

Show time is tonight, December 4 at 7:30 PM. Tickets are $35 and $30 and can be purchased by visiting the State Theatre Box Office, 453 Northampton Street, Easton, by calling 1-800-999-STATE, 610-252-3132 or online at www.statetheatre.org. Sponsored by The Morning Call.

The band first became known on American television in the 60s as guests on The Tonight Show, The Smothers Brothers Show and the Mike Douglas Show, gaining experience before hosting their first of three television series The Irish Rovers Show in the 70's. Fans will relive their early hits like "The Unicorn," "Whiskey on a Sunday," and "Wasn't That A Party," plus well-known holiday favorites like "Christmas in Killarney" "Oh, Holy Night," and "We Wish You A Merry Christmas."

The primary voices heard in the group's early songs were Will Millar (tenor), Jimmy Ferguson (baritone), George Millar and Joe Millar, and in the last twenty years, also John Reynolds and Ian Millar. Wilcil McDowell's accordion has been a signature sound of the band throughout their more than 50 years.

All but one of the band members are from Ireland. Founding member George Millar and his cousin Ian are both from Ballymena, original member Wilcil McDowell is from Larne, Sean O'Driscoll from Cork, Gerry O'Connor from Dundalk, with Morris Crum from Carnlough and percussionist Fred Graham from Belfast. Flute/whistle player Geoffrey Kelly was born in Dumfries, Scotland.

The band's 2012 album "The Irish Rovers, 50 Years" is being released at concerts on their 50th Anniversary Tour. The days of the long tours are coming to an end for these lads as they are now completing one last world tour. After that, they will finally be available for special events, festivals and longer stays. International touring will happen only on a very limited scale.

For more information, visit theirishroversmusic.com.



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