Mountain City Traditional Arts Presents Irish Music Group, the East Coasters

25 E. Main St. in Frostburg

Frostburg State University’s Mountain City Traditional Arts will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day a little early when they present the Irish music group, the East Coasters, on Wed., March 12, at 7 p.m. at 25 E. Main St. in Frostburg. An energetic trio of young Irish musicians from the MidAtlantic region and beyond, the East Coasters’ sound and arrangements are inspired by a rich blend of traditional Irish and Celtic music that’s found an enduring home in their U.S. local communities.

Fiddler Madeline Dierauf, from western North Carolina, began playing Irish music under the tutelage of Asheville’s Beanie O’Dell before quickly becoming immersed in Atlanta’s Irish music scene. Her music has taken her to many stages, from Wilkesboro's Merlefest to IrishFest Atlanta and the Atlanta St. Patrick's Day Parade. Dierauf’s sensitive and thoughtful approach to the tunes and harmonies is a cornerstone of the band’s unique sound.

Richard Osban, a tenor banjo player and guitarist from Baltimore, Md., cut his teeth on Irish music while living in Europe. He toured internationally with several Irish and Scottish music projects before returning to the US. Osban has performed on festival stages and been an instructor at many teaching festivals in both Europe and the U.S., and his deliberate approach to harmony reinforces and underpins the band’s groove.

Calum Bell is a multi-instrumentalist who has been performing on New England stages since the age of seven when he started touring with the Bell Family Band from Boston. He brings a mastery far beyond his years to the Irish fiddle and flute and regularly tours with international Irish music and dance shows in the U.S. and Europe. Bell’s innovative approach to the music combines syncopation and creative harmonies with a deep respect for the tradition.

Together, the energy and musical expertise the trio brings to the stage demonstrates the multi-generational roots of Irish traditional music as it’s flourished in the U.S.

MCTA is a program of FSU and a founding member of Maryland’s Folklife Network. It receives support from the Maryland Traditions Program of the State Arts Council. For more information, call 301-687-8040.

Music