Act fast.
The recent concert by Solas, the Irish folk music group, sold out at The Barns at Wolf Trap, Vienna, Va., and will likely sell out in Baltimore.
“What is nice is the audience is relatively diverse,” said Seamus Egan the morning after the Virginia show. “It?s interesting how people come across you on the Internet, see if you have a show nearby, and then come. That brings us a lot of audience members.”
Not that Solas, which was formed about a decade ago, needs that much help. Not only are they favorites on the Irish folk circuit but also their 10 albums have earned a host of critical and popular kudos for the American-based band. Solas is true to its Irish genre, but it also gives its music a contemporary spin in style and material that isn’t often heard by super groups such as The Chieftains.
Perhaps that’s because Solas? set lists include not just Solas? music, but bits from various solo projects of its members, and a bit of experimental work, too. That works well, Egan said, because each member of the group has musical interests outside Irish folk.
“We?re just starting work on a new studio album, so we’ll likely start easing some of that material into our shows,” Egan said. “That will road test it a bit before we go into the studio.”
Although Egan said the group is a bit careful to not go too far toward the edge, audiences are incredibly receptive to the entire menu of music provided. Of course, some of the fans are those with roots in Ireland while others have enjoyed Irish music for decades, long before Riverdance performances popularized it with a whole new generation.
Those fans, especially don’t mind a bit of push to the outer edges of the musical genre ? or not. They just enjoy the music and are especially appreciative of the genre, he said.
“I don?t think with the audiences we have a need to do that,” Egan said. “But on a purely pragmatic level we need to push and challenge ourselves. When the Baltimore audience comes out, they?re going to see a great show.”
IF YOU GO
Solas
» Venue: Rams Head on Stage, 33 West St., Annapolis
» Time: 8 p.m. Tuesday
» Tickets: $28.50
» More info: www.ramsheadonstage.com; 410-268-4545
