'Irish House Party' Returns to the Raue

The Irish House Party is returning to the Raue Center for the Arts after playing to a sold-out crowd last year.

The group will perform at 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 25., at the Raue, 26 N. Williams St., downtown Crystal Lake.

The five member group combines Irish music and dance to conjure images of flat caps, waist coats and comely maidens dancing at the cross-roads.

"The Irish House Party is a welcome antidote to these often cheesy portrayals of Irish music and culture," said Alexandra McMillin, Raue marketing and development coordinator, said in a press release. "Don’t miss the party you’ll be talking about all year long."

The show is hosted by All-Ireland champion musicians, dancers and entertaining
presenters who create a unique Irish experience in its proper homely setting resulting in an exciting new theatre-going experience, according to the press release.

This fresh approach has made the show hugely popular with both Irish and international audiences with sell-out shows in Dublin. The whole idea is creating an atmosphere where guests can be entertained and educated about the music. There is no distance between the performers and the guests - just like a proper Irish house party.

The Irish House Party producers, Declan Quinn and Gerry Nolan, also perform, and Quinn's father plays the button key accordion in the show. Like many traditional musicians in Ireland, they attended numerous traditional house parties and felt it was time to bring this unique experience to the stage.

Tickets are only $20 - but hurry, this show is certain to be another sell-out.

Purchase tickets online at www.rauecenter.org, via the Box Office at 26 N. Williams St., or by calling 815-356-9212.