Friday, August 31, 2007

Gráda to play in San Juan Capistrano on Sept. 1


Acclaimed Celtic music group Gráda will perform two shows as part of the San Juan Capistrano Multicultural Arts Series on Saturday evening, Sept. 1, 2007.

The talented quintet is performing at San Juan Capistrano Regional Library on the heels of the release of "Cloudy Day Navigation," an impressive two-disc collection featuring a 12-song CD and a bonus six-song DVD featuring a wonderful live performance by the group filmed at the Temple Bar Music Centre in Dublin on Aug. 10, 2006.

The CD features outstanding songs ("Red Civic," "Cooler at the Edge," "River"), as well as breathtaking instrumental selections ("Carousel of Life," "Fifty-ninth Street," "Maria Letizia's").
Gráda includes Alan Doherty (flutes, whistles, vocals, percussion), Andrew Laking (double bass, vocals, guitar), Colin Farrell (fiddle, whistle), Gerry Paul (guitars, vocals) and Nicola Joyce (vocals, bodhran).

The group's wide-ranging talent displayed across "Cloudy Day Navigation" should come as no surprise considering the strong skills of the individual members who make up the troupe. New Zealand native Laking has a wide-ranging background playing Irish and jazz music, while flautist Doherty first gained worldwide fame as a lead soloist on Howard Shore's "Lord of the Rings" soundtrack. Ireland natives Joyce and Paul and Manchester, England's Farrell all participated in thriving regional Irish music scenes before forming Gráda six years ago.

An eclectic mix of performers including Coldplay lead singer Chris Martin, Damien Dempsey, Damien Rice and Bill Whelan have all utilized members from Gráda's ranks. The group's discography includes 2007's "Cloudy Day Navigation," as well as the group's 2004 debut "The Landing Step" and 2005's "Endeavour."

Fans of seminal Irish music artists such as Solas will be thrilled by Gráda's musicianship and performance skills in concert.
Gráda will perform at the San Juan Capistrano Regional Library, 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 1, 2007.
Tickets are $10 ($5 for children under 12).
Information: 949-248-7469

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