Christmas with the Celts

Please note that the $63 million rehabilitation of the westbound Interstate 70 Missouri River Bridge (Blanchette Bridge) will keep the westbound bridge closed from November 2012 until Fall 2013. Motorists should consider Route 370 as an alternate. Route 370 connects from I-270 in St. Louis County to I-70 in St Peters in St Charles County. Route 364 (The Page Avenue Extension) is also a viable alternative for accessing The Family Arena. For the latest details on the project please click here.

The Celts (formerly known as “The Blair Band”) have been performing around the world for 15 years. The Celts are a combination of Irish born and Nashville based Irish-American musicians. The band performs a combination of fiery Scottish/Irish traditional tunes and hits by contemporary Celtic artists like U2, Van Morrison, The Chieftains and others with a mix of traditional Celtic instrumentation.

The band’s recent television special, “Christmas with the Celts” has aired on over ninety PBS stations and associated regional networks.

Ric Blair is the leader and founder of The Celts. In talking about the music of The Celts Ric says, “Although my family (Blair means “Battlefield” in Gaelic) has strong Irish and Scottish roots, I was born and raised here in America. So, although I love both traditional Irish and Scottish music and it is a huge part of who I am and where I came from, I am also very American. I am proud of my Celtic heritage as well as my American upbringing. So, in being true to these influences I have somehow unconsciously combined the two styles; that is, very pure traditional Celtic music melded with the pop sensibilities that I have heard my whole life in American pop music. So, the music that emerged has become the music of The Celts.”

Percussionist Jeff Durham and Dublin piper Patrick D’Arcy have been with The Celts nearly since its inception in 1995. Patrick (graduate of the Royal Irish Academy of Music who has been frequently hired by U2’s Bono) is not only one of the best pipers in the world, but he has got the gift of quick wit that the Irish are known for. The bantering between Patrick and Jeff is a constant source of entertainment as each of them trades off accents leaving most wondering where anyone is really from.

The Celts have recorded 8 records, have been featured on a myriad of Celtic music compilations, and have performed everywhere from Civic Auditoriums to Festivals, Performing Arts Centers, churches and pubs. The Celts will bring audiences to their feet with infectious energy, humor, passion, and masterful musicianship. Depending on the size of a venue the show can include a spirited Irish dance ensemble.