SOLAS - Presented by Andy Byron's Americana Music Series

Solas is the quintessential Irish-American band recording and touring in the US today. Fifteen years ago, in a manner befitting their name (Gaelic for "light”), Solas burst onto the Irish music scene and instantly became a beacon – an incandescent ensemble that found contemporary relevance in timeless traditions without ever stooping to clichés. Anchored by founding members Seamus Egan (flute, tenor banjo, mandolin, whistles, guitars, bodhran) and Winifred Horan (violins, vocals), Solas is rounded out by Mick McAuley (accordians, low whistle, concertina, vocals), Eamon McElholm (guitars, keyboards, vocals), and newest member and lead singer, Niamh Varian-Barry. Through fresh and unexpected arrangements of age-old tunes, compelling and topical originals and covers, and unparalleled musicianship, Solas continues to define the path for the Celtic music world and drive the genre forward.

Solas, the quintessential Irish-American band, burst onto the music scene in 1996 with fresh and unexpected arrangements of age-old tunes, compelling originals and covers, and unparalleled musicianship. Fifteen years and ten albums later, the band continues to break new ground and move the Celtic music genre forward with their latest project, Shamrock City.

With "Shamrock City," band leader Seamus Egan set out to tell the true story of his his great-great uncle, Michael Conway, who left Co. Mayo, Ireland in 1910 and boarded a ship bound for the copper mines and boxing rings of Butte, Montana. Six years later, in a cloud of mystery, he was dead at the hands of local police. But Shamrock City is more than the story of the place once called "The Richest Hill On Earth" -- it's a story inspired by real people who left their homes and risked it all for a shot at something more.

Solas' 2013 Shamrock City CD release tour will feature an innovative stage show with photos, film, and stories as well as "Tell Your Story," an online portal for fans to share their personal family histories. For anyone who associates Irish music solely with pubs, green beer and March, be prepared to have your mind firmly changed.