SOUTH CARTHAGE — New England Celtic Arts will present Goitse( pronounced gwi-cha) At Skye Theatre Performing Arts Center in South Carthage, Maine on Wednesday February 15th, and at Unity College Center for the Performing Arts in Unity on Thursday February 16th.. Curtain at Skye is 7:00pm and 7:30pm in Unity. They are also playing at “The Rack” in Carrabassett Valley on Tuesday February 14 for the annual Carrabassett Valley “Dirt-bag Prom”. A Pre-show jam sessions at Skye & Unity will start 1 hr prior to curtain.

Traditional Melodies, Modern Rhythms and new compositions are synthesized by this five piece band all of whom are students of Traditional Music and Dance at the University of Limerick. The band, which is now entering its third year, was formed after Eoin Coughlan asked musicians to play for Telethon at Dolan’s, Limerick. The session produced exciting playing and an instant chemistry between the musicians and on that night Goitse was formed.

Conal O’Kane from Philadelphia, is a multi instrumentalist who adds another dimension to the group with his Donegal/American influence. The American grew up learning fiddle and Banjo during summers in Buncranna before learning Guitar in Philadelphia. His particular interest in music theory shines through in his striking chord choices and punchy rhythms.

Áine Mc Geeney is a vibrant fiddle player along with being a recognised singer. She spent an extended spell touring with Michael Flately’s world famous dance show “Lord of the Dance”. Alongside her excellent performing skills Aine’s teaching abilities have been recognised, having taught alongside well known musicians such as Tommy People’s and Cathal Mc Connell.

Colm Phelan, also from County Laois, enjoys a large fan base of Bodhrán enthusiasts. Back to back All Irelands and a World title, together with success as a céilí band drummer, have helped establish him as an expert tutor in this field. Colm has taught in France, Germany, Holland, Italy, at the international summer school Craiceann on Innis Oir.

Tadhg Ó Meachair, who hails from the capital of Ireland, has quickly gained recognition as being one of Irelands top young Piano and Piano Accordion players. The much sought after musician was a main feature in the recent television series by Donal Lunny for TG4, “Lorg Lunny”. Tadhg is one of the more prolific composers in the band with his compositions fitting both the old and new tradition.

Dave Curley (Dathaí Mac Oirealla) heralds from Galway’s Corofin as a multi instrumentalist and singing prodigy, playing guitar, banjo, mandolin, bodhrán amongst other things along with his velvet vocals. A youth steeped in music led him to study the BA in Irish Music and Dance and the University of Limerick. Having performed with many acts such as Paddy Keenan and Rí Rá, Dathaí proved to be a fantastic addition to the band with his silky voice, multi instrumental talents and steals the show with his sparking dancing.

Goitse have gone from supporting acts and opening concerts for Beoga, Martin Hayes and Denis Cahill, Donal Luny Martin O Connor and Andy Irvine, The Alan Kelly Quartet, the trio of Cathal Hayden, Seamie O Dowd and Johnny Ringo Mc Donagh to performing concerts in the four provinces of Ireland, parts of Europe and even as far afield as Africa. Goitse’s debut album which, was released in January 2010, has gained much praise from critics with the Hotpress Magazine assuring Irish traditional music lovers that “They play with an easy assurance that should cause those fretting about the future of Irish trad to rest more easily at night”. Either in a pub setting, a concert hall, or a festival, this band is a crowd pleaser..

Skye Theater is located 3 miles West of East Dixfield village at 2 Highland Drive off Winter Hill Rd and US RT. 2 in South Carthage. UCCPA is at 42 Depot Street in Unity. Ticket price is $15.00 at the door. For reservations call Skye Theatre at (207) 562-4445 or UCCPA at (207) 948-7469. Reservations are strongly suggested at both venues.

The Rack is at 5016 Access Road Carrabassett Valley, Me. 237-2211 Cover charge at The Rack is $5.00 Show starts at 9:30 pm

More information is available at: http://www.necelticarts.com