CELTIC NIGHTS Set for Eccles Center Tonight

A dozen of Ireland's finest voices and most accomplished dancers storm the Eccles Center with thundering step dancing feet and sweet ballads tonight, February 15. Celtic Nights The Emigrants Bridge - a genuinely Irish show - sails into the spotlight at 7:30 p.m.

From the creators of Gaelforce Dance - a performance The Guardian (England) described as the "unmissable two-hour spectacular (that) has brought audiences to their feet all around the world" - Celtic Nights draws from the history and folklore of the Emerald Isle and her cousins. This brand new show features the warm, gorgeous vocals of three lads and three lasses, six extraordinary dancers and, of course, a band of merry musicians punctuated by fiery fiddles. Traditional favorites, "Danny Boy" and "Whiskey in the Jar," accompany jigs, reels and hornpipes. Joy, a wee bit of melancholy and a compelling story is woven into this colorful and lyrical Celtic tapestry.

This is the real deal. According to Enda Kenny, prime minister of Ireland, "Celtic Nights have brought our distinctive and evolving music and dance tradition to the world stage and showcased our tradition in spectacular fashion."

The hope- and passion-infused tale, given its theme of emigration, also leads to America. As the song, dance, music winds its way to a new land, the audience joins the journey. And new sounds - bluegrass, Appalachian, country - blend with the traditional Celtic music; everything from Shenandoah to American Civil War songs.

Throughout the exquisitely choreographed and arranged production and at its conclusion, the artists meet with the audience. And, yes, singing and dancing along to the tunes - be they reminiscent of playgrounds or pubs - is encouraged.

"In Park City, we love our Irish music - whether or not we can claim the heritage as our own. And this performance, direct from Ireland, creates an authentic experience that is overflowing with irresistible music and dance," says Park City Institute's Teri Orr. "It's never too early to celebrate St. Paddy's Day!"

Park City Institute presents Celtic Nights on Saturday, February 15. The concert takes place at The George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Center for the Performing Arts (1750 Kearns Blvd., Park City). Show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $20 to $69 with a 20-percent discount for seniors; ½ price tickets for children ages 16 and under; $5 seats available in the Copper Section for Summit County students (K-12). Tickets and information are available at The Eccles Center box office, 435-655-3114 or www.ecclescenter.org.