This concert is a treasure to all who attend. The back and forth friendly banter always draws a laugh, and James and Donnie know how to draw the audience in. Their ability to adapt on the fly, to bring attention in a light-hearted way to someone coming in late or clapping off beat, always amuses the audience. The concert is very informal and the audience is often regaled with stories of their travels to the location, or rather mishaps along the way. The musicians also share stories about the music, helping the audience to understand the meaning behind the words or the relevant history to help enlighten the listener to the significance of the songs. Songs are performed in both English and Gaelic and include exciting tunes and heartfelt ballads.
Something that really sets these musicians apart is that they welcome the audience to come down during the mid-concert break and talk with them and look at their instruments, which include a mandolin, accordion, bodhrans, guitar, concertina, banjo and mandola. Because of the intimate atmosphere at their concert you really feel like you’re enjoying an evening with a couple of old friends. James and Donnie have often said that their visit to Cerro Coso is one of their favorite stops on their fall concert tour, and for this concert goer, it is one of my favorite Fall events to attend.
Men of Worth was formed in 1986 by James Keigher from Ireland and Donnie Macdonald from Scotland. They currently reside in Southern Oregon and Northern California, the duo travel frequently, bringing the Gaelic culture to audiences throughout the western states. Learn more about Men of Worth by visiting their website, and look forward to their 2007 concert to be held next November.
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