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Portsmouth Community Concerts: Seán Heely Celtic Band (Portsmouth)
March 20 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
$25The mission of Portsmouth Community Concerts is to promote appreciation for the performing arts by presenting a series of diverse concerts by professional artists from the nation and the world and by providing educational opportunities to students.
The Waddington Brothers, a band of four brothers from rural North Dakota, perform what they live: music that is real to them, that takes listeners on a journey through the heart of the American West. Seth, Ethan, Jacob, and Job Waddington skillfully blend cowboy and bluegrass music, creating a style that’s timelessly classic and yet refreshingly new and unique. With their rich, stirring vocal harmonies and instrumental versatility that ranges from hard-driving bluegrass to more mellow acoustic tones, this quartet has developed a sound that is truly as strong as it is special. And their gift for captivating an audience comes naturally to these men. Whether they’re singing about cowboys or cabins, hunting or horseback riding, ranches or Indian reservations.
Seán Heely, a native of Portsmouth, VA, is a U.S. National Scottish Fiddle Champion, National Champion in Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) Song, and one of the most dynamic Celtic artists of his generation. A virtuoso fiddler, singer, harpist, and composer, Seán blends the fire of traditional music with classical finesse—praised by Irish fiddle legend Liz Carroll as “one powerhouse of a fiddler.” He has performed internationally and at top U.S. venues like the Kennedy Center and Strathmore,and has shared the stage with icons such as Natalie Haas, Bonnie Rideout, and Paddy Keenan. A graduate of the University of South Carolina, Seán made his classical debut with the Virginia Symphony and was a 2019 Artist in Residence at Strathmore Music Center. His latest album, Dramagical, has received international acclaim with features on BBC, RTÉ, and NPR. Based in Washington, D.C., Seán tours with the Seán Heely Celtic Band, The Glencoe Lads, and Jennifer Cutting’s Ocean Orchestra, and serves as a passionate ambassador for Gaelic culture through performance and teaching.
Experience the Magic of Celtic Music with the Seán Heely Celtic Band. Get swept away by the irresistible energy of the Seán Heely Celtic Band (SHCB)! With a powerful blend of ancient melodies from Scotland and Ireland, vibrant rhythms from Galicia and Brittany, and original modern compositions, SHCB creates a rich musical journey through the Celtic world. Their unmistakable groove and drive invite audiences of all ages to tap their feet, clap their hands, and join in the celebration.
Each performance is woven with engaging historical narratives, forging a deep connection to the traditions they honor. From stirring Scots Gaelic (Gàidhlig) ballads to rowdy pub songs, sea shanties, and haunting airs, SHCB’s repertoire is full of powerful vocal harmonies and timeless spirit.
Led by U.S. National Scottish Fiddle and Gàidhlig singing champion Seán Heely, the band has graced prestigious stages including the Kennedy Center, Strathmore Music Center, Hylton Performing Arts Center, and the Niel Gow Festival in Scotland. They’ve also headlined major festivals such as the
Grandfather Mountain Highland Games (since 2023) and the Virginia Scottish Games.