The Makem Brothers, an Irish Folk Band, will appear today at 7 pm in Collis Commonground to provide their own brand of hearty folk and traditional Celtic music.
The group members, all in their late 20s, are the Makem brothers Rory, Conor and Shane.
The band's integration of an assortment of musical instruments -- banjo, guitar, bodhran, mandolin and harmonica -- creates a blend of folk tunes. Their songs reflect lighthearted ballads and sad tales as well as the traditional.
With music ranging from the 13th-century to their own vocal originals, the brotherly trio is intent on demonstrating that folk music is more than Peter, Paul and Mary acoustic music. Yet, the group also stresses the importance of keeping traditional Irish folk music alive in a respectful manner.
Traditional Irish music is deeply rooted in the Makem family. The brothers' grandmother, Sarah Makem, passed down the tunes of weavers and spinners working in the linen mills of Keady, County Armagh. She became a well known source singer in Ireland, learning the songs that no one had written down.
The Makem brothers, who grew up in Dover, New Hampshire, are the sons of the well known Tommy Makem. In the United States, Makem is commonly referred to as the godfather of Irish Music. Their father brought that music with him when he moved to Dover in 1955.
In the 1960s, Makem and the Clancy Brothers expanded the audience for Irish music, appearing on "The Ed Sullivan Show" and "The Tonight Show," as well as at Carnegie Hall.
The Makem Brothers have been striving to balance their family's long musical tradition and their own style of music. The brothers say following their father in show business has been tough, yet his guidance has been valuable. Their father comments that they are extremely good with their instruments, and have the dynamism and drive of youth.
"Anyone who has ever heard Irish folk or pub music, will love the Makem Brothers," said Mike Tierney '99, Founder and Vice President of the Irish Society. "If you have never heard the Makem Brothers, we will save you the trip to Dublin."
A student Irish folk group The Wild Rovers, will open for the Makem Brothers.
Admission to the performance is at the door. The cost is $3 for students, $5 for the general public.
