Ceol Cascadia Irish Music Association is starting a regular Irish music series at the Phinney Neighborhood Center and they’re kicking things off with Skara Brae, a legendary Irish vocal group from the 1970s. The group will perform at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 30.
The group was formed in the 1960s by the late Mícheál Ó Domhnaill, his sisters Maighread and Tríona, and Dáithí Sproule. If these names seem familiar, it’s because the original members of this group went on to help found some of the world’s best-known Irish bands, Altan and the Bothy Band. Skara Brae existed for only a few years before breaking up, but during that time they recorded an album that has had a profound influence on the development of Irish music, the eponymously titled “Skara Brae”. On this album, and in their concerts, the group was among the first to combine modern guitar and keyboard arrangements with the rare repertoire of songs in Irish Gaelic from Donegal in the north of Ireland. Micheal and Daithi also pioneered the use of DADGAD guitar tuning for Irish traditional music in this group.
The band broke up in 1972, but had acclaimed reunions in Ireland and Europe in 1997 and 2005. Domhnaill died in 2006, but the three remaining members continue to tour.
The cover of Skara Brae’s classic 1970 album.
The concert is from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 30, at the PNA, 6532 Phinney Ave. N., in the Brick Building’s Community Hall. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets through BrownPaperTickets are $25 general, $23 seniors and Irish Heritage Club members, children under 18 are half-price.
