Leahys Luck brings tasty brew of Irish tunes to JMKAC March 5

Get a head start on the St. Patrick’s Day festivities when Leahys Luck performs spirited Irish music with a global twist from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Friday, March 5, in Sheboygan as part of the John Michael Kohler Arts Center’s Festive Fridays series.

For the past 19 years, Leahys Luck has continually pleased crowds at festivals and performing arts centers throughout the Midwest with its rousing and moving interpretations of traditional and contemporary Irish tunes.

“Much of their material is reminiscent of the Clancy Brothers, but the Leahys are not mere imitators. They have developed their own distinct style – and that's what makes them a listening pleasure,” said the Irish American Post.

The Milwaukee band originated as a family affair with brothers Tom and Brian Leahy and their five children. Today, with all but one of the children following careers in far corners of the United States, virtuoso musicians Randal Harrison (violin) and Stas Venglevski (bayan accordion) have joined the brothers and Tom’s son Evan to produce lively, widely accessible world music.

“Few bands communicate the great range of emotion found in Irish music better than Leahys Luck,” said Ann Brusky, performing arts coordinator at the Arts Center. “I can’t think of a better way to unwind from the workweek; I dare you not to have a good time listening and dancing to the authentic and lively music of Leahys Luck.”

Festive Fridays tickets include complimentary appetizers. Attendees may also stroll through the Arts Center galleries throughout the evening.

To purchase tickets, call (920) 458-6144 or visit www.jmkac.org/ FestiveFridays09/10. A cash bar is available; attendees must be 21. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. The Arts Center is located at 608 New York Ave., Sheboygan.

Festive Fridays is supported in part by St. Nicholas Hospital.