O’Neill Brothers to play in Austin
Published 10:18 am Thursday, October 16, 2008
The O’Neill Brothers are packing up their pianos and hitting the road again this holiday season — along with a very special guest.
The Minnesota-based brothers are bringing their Christmas concert tour to 10 Midwestern cities in December, and will be joined on stage by the internationally renowned singer and harpist Katie McMahon, the original voice of Riverdance.
They will be appearing at the Historical Paramount Theatre on Friday, Dec. 19 at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets will be $24.50 for adults and $19.50 for children 12 and under.
Together, they will present a holiday concert filled with some of favorite traditional Christmas songs, as well as memorable new collaborations.
Tim and Ryan O’Neill will play and sing beloved Christmas classics on two pianos. Dubliner-turned Minnesotan Katie McMahon will play the harp and sing Christmas carols in her enchanting voice. They’ll be joined on-stage by guest musicians and Irish dancers for a spectacular Christmas performance sure to dazzle and delight audiences of all ages.
The tour— which marks the O’Neill Brothers’ long-awaited return to the holiday stage — includes stops in Minneapolis, St. Cloud, Mankato, Austin and New Prague, Minn.; Sheboygan and Eau Claire, Wis.; Des Moines, Iowa; Omaha, Neb.; and Sioux Falls, S.D.
“We’re thrilled that Katie is joining us for this year’s tour,” says Tim O’Neill. “She has such an appreciation for the rich traditions of Christmas in Ireland, and her music communicates the warm feelings of the season in a familiar way. We’re looking forward to sharing those sentiments with our audiences.”
“I think that our musical styles will really compliment each other,” agrees McMahon. “I was amazed when I moved to the United States – even during holidays few people actually take a ‘holiday.’ In Ireland we take two weeks off to spend time with our family and loved ones. I hope this Christmas that people will truly take time to enjoy the season and join us for a show as we celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.”
The O’Neill brothers have released over 30 CDs of instrumental piano music, and sold almost two million copies- all without being associated with a major record label. Along the way, they’ve written and performed music for HBO, CBS, NBC, PBS and ESPN.
Katie McMahon, who toured with Riverdance for five years, performs Irish traditional music with a classical edge.