Events

Attendees are presented with traditional pieces of Irish music, folklore and dance. Following the historic time-line of Irish emigration to the United States, participants are made aware of the evolution of Irish music, once immigrants reached America. They will listen to the transformation of Irish music into today’s western, jazz and bluegrass. The resurgence of Irish music, dance and culture are also examined. Brian FitzGerald and Martin McCormack of Switchback have been playing their brand of eclectic Celtic and Americana music at sold-out concert halls, performing arts centers and festivals for over 20 years. Featuring a mix of Irish music and original songs, their concerts have been described as “breathtaking scenery for your ears.” With a mix of mandolin, guitar, and bass their harmonies have won comparisons to the Louvin Brothers, the Everly Brothers and Simon and Garfunkel. Held in conjunction with the concert featuring Martin Hayes and Dennis Cahill with Switchback on April 22 at 8 PM in Pollak Theatre

Traditional Native American storytelling is deeply rooted in the earth – honoring all life, especially the plants and animals we depend on. Years upon years of a kinship with the land, life, water and sky has lead to intimate connections to the earth and a relationship of give and take with the natural world. Kevin Locke, visionary Hoop Dancer, preeminent player of the indigenous Northern Plains flute, storyteller, cultural ambassador, recording artist and educator leads an ensemble of multi-talented performers in an uplifting evening of storytelling interwoven with traditional Native American music and dramatic dance elements. Featuring music from Locke’s 2009 Nammy (Annual Native American Music Awards) award-winning album “Earth Gift” this world-premiere event will empower and energize us all to become stewards of our surroundings, preserving our world for posterity and encourage us to live together as part of the Universal heartbeat.

Take a musical journey through the decades with Taylor Hope, a prominent electric violinist in the New Jersey music scene and student at Monmouth University. Along with well-known musicians such as Glen Burtnik, Joe Bellia, Joe LaFragola, and others to be announced, Taylor will lead the audience from the groovy vibes of the 1960’s to the cutting edge styles of today. So come out to Pollak Theatre for an unforgettable night of rock and roll with Taylor and her friends.

A musical cavalcade featuring the Monmouth University Chamber and Concert Choirs, Chamber Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble, student bands and soloists. The concert is conducted by Professor Michael Gillette, Professor Bryan Jenner and Dr. David M. Tripold.

Two world renowned Celtic duos come together for the first time on the Pollak Stage for a spectacular night of Irish music. Irish fiddle virtuoso Martin Hayes and American master guitarist Dennis Cahill have garnered international renown for taking traditional Irish music to the edge of the genre with slow-building, fiery performances while incorporating sensibilities from the worlds of blues and jazz. NPR calls them “one of the best fiddlers on the planet and a subtle guitar master” and The New York Times says “simply exquisite.” Hayes and Cahill have performed for President Obama and leaders of the European Union, in major concert halls and headlining festivals around the globe.

Brian FitzGerald and Martin McCormack of Switchback have been playing their brand of eclectic Celtic and Americana music at sold-out concert halls, performing arts centers and festivals for over 20 years. Featuring a mix of Irish music and original songs, their concerts have been described as “breathtaking scenery for your ears.” With a mix of mandolin, guitar, and bass their harmonies have won comparisons to the Louvin Brothers, the Everly Brothers and Simon and Garfunkel.

Two incredible singer-songwriters perform on the Pollak stage in this co-bill representing the best of American music traditions. The attraction of Jimmy LaFave’s music lies in his voice and vision that strikes responsive chords at the heart of folk, blues and American roots rock & roll. Jimmy has devoted most of his life to making music, beginning as a young boy in Texas, then moving to Oklahoma where he crafted his sound, a combining his experiences among authentic songwriters from the tradition of Woody Guthrie. His discography includes 8 critically acclaimed CDs and he has toured extensively through the U.S. and Europe. Amy Helm’s deep musical roots are enriched by her stunning vocal and other creative gifts revealing a spellbinding artist who moves easily through a broad range of musical styles. The daughter of music legend Levon Helm and singer/songwriter Libby Titus Fagen, Helm wields a powerful voice that can both stir and soothe, whether she is singing traditional gospel, blues standards or her own heartfelt compositions.