MOUNT VERNON — Longtime fans of folk and Celtic music in north central Ohio know that the Highlands of Ohio Folk and Celtic Music Society, run by Melanie and Fate Christian of Mansfield, regularly brings outstanding shows to the area in such venues as the Bellville Opera House.
In August, they will be bringing their first show to the Memorial Theater in Mount Vernon, as they present the Celtic rock group Rathkeltaír in concert on Friday, Aug. 22, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets will be available at the First-Knox National Bank on the square starting Aug. 1, or at the door of the theater on the night of the concert. There is a discount for students, and children under 12 get in free.
Taking top honors for Best Celtic Rock Band of 2006 in the Celtic MP3s Music Magazine Annual Audience Poll, Rathkeltaír (pronounced rath-KELT-ur) enjoys a loyal and growing international fan base. The group consists of bagpiper Neil Anderson and drummer Nick Watson, two original members of America’s ground-breaking Celtic rock supergroup 7 Nations, and guitarist Trevor Tanner, front-man/lead guitarist/songwriter for The Bolshoi, one of the most influential UK rock bands of the late ’80’s.
The same year the band won the award, piper Neil Anderson was called up for a tour of duty in Iraq. The band down-shifted temporarily while Neil went off to serve his country, but Anderson’s recent return home has kicked the band into high gear again, with a new compact disc and lots of new dates in the works.
The name “Rathkeltaír” comes from drummer Nick Watson, a native of County Down, Northern Ireland. It means “hill of the Celts” and is an ancient archaeological site near the village where Nick grew up.
The band is working on its second studio CD, “Big White Van,” which is scheduled for release this summer. Anderson plays Highland and uilleann bagpipes, tin whistles, mandolin and sings vocals. Tanner sings vocals and handles guitars, keyboards and effects. Watson plays drums and percussion and assists on vocals.
More information about the band can be found at their Web site, www.rathkeltair.com. More information about the concert in Mount Vernon can be found at the Highland of Ohio Web site at www.highlandsofohio.com, or by contacting Melanie or Fate Christian at or by telephone at (419) 522-5058.
