Direct from Ireland, Danú Brings Authentic Irish Music to the MAC

In anticipation of St. Patrick’s Day, the McAninch Arts Center (MAC) presents the award-winning Irish music ensemble Danú at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 8. With performers hailing from Counties Waterford, Cork, Dublin and Donegal in Ireland, Danú is one of the leading traditional Irish ensembles of today. Their standing-room only concerts throughout Ireland feature high-energy performances and a glorious mix of ancient Irish music and new repertoire. The Washington Post calls them, “a vibrant mix of virtuosity, energy, and empathy.” WDCB 90.9FM Chicago’s Home for Jazz, is the Media Sponsor for the MAC performance.

The performers of Danú include Nell Ní Chróinín (Lead Vocals, Flute & Whistles), Benny McCarthy (Button Accordion, Melodeon), Oisín McAuley (Fiddle, Backing Vocals), Éamon Doorley (Irish bouzouki, backing vocals), Ivan Goff (Uilleann Pipes, Flute and Whistles), Tony Byrne (Guitar, Backing Vocals) and Billy Sutton (Bodhran [Irish Drum] and Mandolin).

Based in the city of Waterford, Ireland and named for the ancient Celtic goddess of fertility and wisdom, Danú has released nine albums and a DVD since forming in 1994. Danú’s honors and awards include being voted Best Overall Traditional Act by Dublin’s magazine Irish Music and twice voted Best Traditional Group in the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards. Danú has toured throughout Europe and North America with stops at The Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles and Symphony Space in New York City. Their live performances have been broadcast on NPR, the CBC, and the BBC.

In advance of the concert and, in accordance with the MAC’s ongoing commitment to enrich the cultural vitality of the community, dancers from the Trinity Academy of Irish Dance will salute the upcoming St. Patrick’s Day holiday with a brief performance in the MAC lobby at 6:30 p.m. Trinity Academy of Irish Dance, which has the unrivaled distinction of winning more world titles than all other American Irish dance schools, has locations throughout Illinois and Wisconsin including Chicago Northwest, Lakeview, Elmhurst, Palatine, Western Springs, Milwaukee, and Madison.

Danú performs at McAninch Arts Center (MAC), located at 425 Fawell Blvd. on the campus of College of DuPage at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 8. Tickets are $50-$60.For tickets or more information, visit AtTheMAC.org or call the MAC Box Office at 630.942.4000. The Box Office is open Tuesday through Saturday 12 noon to 6 p.m. and two hours prior to performance.