Top Irish American musician Seamus Egan will headline the annual fall fundraiser of the Celtic Junction Arts Center of St Paul, MN on Saturday 12 October.
Born in Pennsylvania but raised in Co. Mayo, Egan recorded his first solo album in 1985 and swiftly built a reputation as an astounding performer, going on to found Irish-American band Solas.
The gala evening will include food, cocktails, silent and live auctions, and a special interview with Egan. Proceeds will support CJAC’s mission to promote and preserve Irish arts, with tickets available now at celticjunction.org. Early bird pricing ($100) is available until October 4th, with regular pricing ($125) until October 9th.
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A multi-instrumentalist and composer, Egan's illustrious career began at just 14 when he won four All-Ireland Championships on four different instruments, leading to his star soloist role with Mick Moloney’s The Green Fields of America. This set the stage for a groundbreaking career that includes solo work, film scores such as The Brothers McMullen, and collaborations with artists like Sarah McLachlan and Rhiannon Giddens.
Author Patrick O'Sullivan Greene @POSG visited St. Paul, MN, and received a whirlwind tour of F. Scott Fitzgerald's haunts by Executive Director Natalie O'Shea and Education Director Patrick O'Donnell. His new book 'Gatsby: Death of an Irishman' is available for preorder. pic.twitter.com/9Z3FIrYihE
— Celtic Junction Arts Center (CJAC) (@celticjunction) September 28, 2024
The event is hosted by comedian Jim Robinson whose comedic background includes work at Brave New Workshop and Disney Cruise Line’s Off-Beat Comedy Club.
"In 2009, we planted a seed with the vision to nurture Celtic arts and provide a home for a passionate community," said Celtic Junction Executive Director Natalie Nugent O'Shea. "Over the years, that vision has grown deep roots, strengthened by connections—with each other, our partners, and Ireland itself. Like the Celtic Tree of Life, these roots have supported the growth of our four programs: education, concerts, outreach, and library—each a strong branch reaching toward a vibrant future.”
MOL AN ÓIGE: Introducing the Youth Advisory Council at Celtic Junction
Activities grouped under the centre's four pillars include:
Education Program: Expanding Language and Culture
Celtic Junction Arts Center's Education Program continues to grow. It offers five Irish language classes through CJAC’s partnership with Gael Linn. It hosts free, in-person community activities, including round tables on Irish studies and mythology, and an Irish conversation circle. Additionally, CJAC is strengthening its international collaboration with Aonach Mhacha by launching a Conversation Portal (Portal Comhrá) for structured Irish language practice between our students and speakers in Armagh.
Concert Program: World-Class Music and Theater
CJAC’s Concert Program continues to grow, expanding into theater with the new touring one-man show, A Night in November. This year, the program partnered with First Avenue, The Cedar Cultural Center, and the Dakota Jazz Club to co-present international acts like Sorcha Richardson, Grosse Isle, and Altan.
Outreach Program: Empowering Youth, Building Connections
CJAC’s Outreach Program empowers youth through the Youth Advisory Council, offering arts engagement, leadership, and job support. As ambassadors of modern Ireland, they bring vibrant culture to life. Regionally, CJAC partners with the Guthrie Theatre, MPR’s Rock the Cradle, and collaborates with Minnesota’s cultural centers like the American Swedish Institute, Norway House, and the Wakan Tipi Center.
Library: Uncovering Irish-American Stories
CJAC invests in the Eoin McKiernan Library’s skilled team, including Brian Miller, a trained librarian and musician with expertise in researching Irish history and arts, and Danny Diamond, a musician and an experienced archivist from Ireland’s digital humanities field.
Adds O'Shea: 'The opportunities created through CJAC’s diverse programs have transformed lives, allowing musicians, patrons, dancers, and students to flourish. As we look to the future, we ask for the support of the Irish American community to ensure this tree continues to thrive, enriching lives for generations to come."
