Danu: St. Patrick's Celebration Celebrates The Heritage Of Ireland At Kean University's Enlow Recital Hall

If you're looking for traditional Irish music to set the mood for St. Patrick's Day, look no further than Danú, who will perform at Kean Stage on Saturday, March 10 at 7:30 p.m.

The seven-piece band entertains with high-energy performances on flute, tin whistle, fiddle, button accordion and bouzouki. Combined with their winning vocals in both English and Irish, it's a glorious mix of ancient music and new repertoire.

"We all grew up playing traditional Irish music from a very young age," said accordion player Benny McCarthy, who has been with the group since its inception in 1995. "People of all ages were playing in the pubs and at festivals and dances."

Up until the 1990s, it was common for parents to take their kids to the pubs in the evening to hear live music. Today, people under 18 are only allowed in pubs until 9 p.m., so the younger generation is missing out on experiencing much of their musical heritage.

"It's a pity as most sessions with the older musicians start at 9:30 or 10 p.m.," said McCarthy. "We do need to find new ways to keep this connection to the older players outside the pub setting."

While it may not be a pub, Danú will perform at the intimate Enlow Recital Hall on Kean University's east campus. People of all ages are invited to accompany the band on a musical journey as they sing and tell stories about their native homeland.

"It's a very social music that comes from the gathering of people to play, sing, dance or tell stories," he said. "Ireland is known worldwide for being a friendly, fun nation and our music is also friendly and fun. It's feel good music that everyone can react to, even if they don't understand the language."

Danú formed in 1995 when several traditional Irish musicians were asked to represent their country at the world's biggest Celtic festival in Brittany, located in northeast France. A friend called them Danú, which is the name of the Queen Goddess in Celtic mythology. Their album, Think Before You Dance, was named Best Overall Traditional Album of the Year by Dublin-based magazine Irish Music and they were twice named Best Traditional Group at the BBC Folk Awards.

Danú has had several different lineups based around a core group hailing from all corners of Ireland, so the energy and musical idea of the band has remained rich and vibrant. Star vocalist Nell Ní Chróinín came on board in 2016, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the band's legacy. She was named Traditional Singer of the Year in 2012 by TG4, an Irish public service television network, and was also winner of the prestigious Oireactas Corn Uí Riada award in 2014.

"We've had the fortune of being comprised of some of Ireland's best musicians and singers," said McCarthy. "We have performed all over the world, arranged lots of great music and released nine albums," said McCarthy. "Long may it continue!"

Danú will perform on Saturday, March 10 at 7:30 p.m. at Kean Stage's Enlow Recital Hall, 215 North Ave., Hillside. Tickets are $40 to $60 and are available at the Box Office in Wilkins Theatre, by phone at 908-737- 7469 or at www.keanstage.com.

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