Flying Shoes dance on the Armistice Footbridge

Belfast Flying Shoes presents afternoon Irish music workshops and an evening concert on Saturday, Nov. 2 featuring Tigh na Coille, an award-winning teen ensemble from County Clare in Ireland. The group is traveling with their leaders, a husband and wife team consisting of renowned Irish fiddler, Denis Liddy and American-born piano and accordion player Elvie Miller.

Tigh na Coille, Gaelic for “house in the woods” or “house of wood” and pronounced teeg na quill-ah, is named for the unique location in Ireland where the group originates. The ensemble boasts numerous solo and group All-Ireland winners in instrumental, singing, and lilting competitions, as well as world champion Irish step dancers. They  play a huge variety of traditional Irish instruments, and are excited to visit Maine.

Both workshops will be taught by ear, and will focus on melody instruments, with rhythm players welcome to join. Starting at 1 p.m., Elvie Miller will work with the intermediate level players while Denis Liddy leads the advanced group.

At 7 p.m. Tigh na Coille will present a diverse concert, sharing the stage with their group leaders, members of Maine-based teen fiddle groups, and workshop participants. Concert-goers will delight in the wide range of instrumentation, from fiddle and flute to banjo and bodhran. Singers, harpists, and step dancers will share their talents too.

Both programs will be held at Union Hall, 1 Union Street in Searsport. Built in 1863 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the municipal building is a remarkably sophisticated example of Italianate architecture. Tickets are on sale at belfastflyingshoes.org/calendar , and will be sold at the door if space is available.

Produced in partnership with Bagaduce Music and the Makers Guild of Maine, Saturday’s programs cap a three-day visit in the area for the young Irish supergroup.  Other local programs include an Irish session in Searsport, an on-air appearance as Featured Artists of the Week on WERU Community Radio, learning about our local heritage at the Belfast Historical Society and Museum, and experiencing American Halloween. Tigh na Coille will also perform at two older adult residences, as part of the Flying Shoes “Sing Along and Tap Your Toes” concert series.

For info, visit www.belfastflyingshoes.org or contact belfastflyingshoes@gmail.com .