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Research Unplugged kicked off its 14th season with "Music of the Emerald Isle," a special St. Paddy's Day talk and performance. Ethnomusicologist Lisa Jenkins introduced the audience to the roots of Celtic music, its role in Irish history and culture, and its popularity around the globe.
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Members of the band Callanish play an opening number.
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Lisa Jenkins explained how the Gaelic expression Craic agus Ceol -- translated roughly as 'Music and Conversation' -- captures the lively and informal style of Celtic music and culture.
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Band percussionist Carol Lindsay demonstrates different styles of bodhrán, the Irish frame drum. While animal skins are traditional, explained Carol, today's synthetic drumheads offer easy tunability and durability.
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Gretchen Lee on fiddle shares a laugh with Patty Lambert, left, and Carol Lindsay.
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Carol Lindsay plays bodhrán while Gretchen Lee fiddles.
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The musicians confer before demonstrating the difference between a jig and a reel. There is a close relationship between traditional Irish dance and music; the words jig and reel refer to both the lively folk dances as well as the accompanying tunes.
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Patty Lambert on a traditional Irish wooden flute. Explained Patty, wooden flutes have a beautiful sound and were more affordable than silver flutes in poor communities.
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The musicians performed in the intimate theatre of the Penn State Downtown Theatre Center.
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An appreciative audience of more than 90 people turned out for the event.
Sunday, June 13, 2021
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