Music lovers are in for a treat this June with two world-class acts performing on Theatre by the Lake’s Main Stage: traditional Irish music group Lúnasa on Sunday 23 June, followed by The Pasadena Roof Orchestra on Sunday 30 June.
Lúnasa is internationally acknowledged as being the finest traditional Irish instrumental outfit of recent times. Band members Kevin Crawford (flutes, low whistles and tin whistles), Trevor Hutchinson (double bass), Ed Boyd (guitar), Seán Smyth (fiddle and low whistle) and Cillian Vallely (uilleann pipes and low whistles) have performed over 1,500 shows across 36 countries since forming in 1997, and are renowned for their stunning shows and constant touring cycle. They have appeared at venues such as The Hollywood Bowl, Dublin’s National Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House and Moscow International House of Music.
The band’s inventive arrangements and bass driven grooves have steered Irish acoustic music into new territory, and their blend of innovation, virtuosity, and passion has brought them to the forefront of Celtic music. Their upcoming gig is their first time performing in Keswick, and part of their current UK tour.
From contemporary Irish folk we then travel the musical gamut (and back 90 odd years) to dance hall classics from the 1920s and 30s, with The Pasadena Roof Orchestra.
Band leader Duncan Galloway, and his musical comrades, will be performing an impressive programme of music from the dance band era, including songs from Irving Berlin, George Gershwin and Cole Porter, plus classic tunes from Louis Armstrong, and sumptuous arrangements from the likes of Duke Ellington and his orchestra – all served up with a liberal dash of ‘British humour’ as one critic put it.
The Pasadena Roof Orchestra was founded by John Arthy in 1969; as a young bandleader John had the good fortune to discover 1500 arrangements from the 1920s and 1930s lying dormant in an attic in Manchester. The Orchestra’s unique style, attention to musical detail, and relentless sense of fun soon became a hit not only in the UK, but far and beyond. They’ve toured the USA five times to critical acclaim, have appeared at the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, travelled to Hong Kong, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Kiev, and performed at the Albert Hall in London.
The Orchestra celebrate their 50th birthday this year; join the celebration at Theatre by the Lake and experience the ‘pure champagne’ and delight of one of their live shows.
Lúnasa tickets are priced from £15 to £22, with tickets for The Pasadena Roof Orchestra from £15 to £25. To find out more visit www.theatrebythelake.com or call the Box Office on 017687 74411.
