Katie McMahon, the Voice of Riverdance,
to join O'Neill Brothers Christmas Tour
Trio will focus on Christmas favorites, family traditions
New Prague, Minn. (December 11, 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 nine Midwestern cities in December, and will be joined on stage by the internationally renowned singer and harpist Katie McMahon, the original voice of Riverdance.
Together, they will present a holiday concert filled with some of your 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 onstage by guest musicians and Irish dancers for a spectacular Christmas performance sure to dazzle and delight audiences of all ages.
In an effort to help boost the spirits of anyone who needs a little pick-me-up during the holidays, The O'Neill Brothers are making a limited number of tickets in each concert city available free of charge for those in need. They'd like to invite anyone to nominate deserving friends or family to receive tickets to the show. For more information about how to nominate someone, please email info@pianobrothers.com.
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; and Omaha, Neb.
"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 complement each other," agrees McMahon. "I was amazed when I moved to the United States - even during the 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 beautiful 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 (including music for "Sex and the City"), CBS, NBC, PBS, and ESPN. Several of their collections have hit the Billboard charts, and their PBS special featuring Deborah Gibson was nominated for an Emmy award.
Katie McMahon, who toured with Riverdance for five years, performs Irish traditional music with a classical edge. Her voice was described by the Irish Times as "poetry, perfection and purity." Born and bred in Dublin, she has made her home in Minnesota for the past three years.
Complete concert schedule and ticketing information is as follows:
St. Cloud, MN
The College of St. Benedict - Petters Auditorium, St. Joseph, MN
Thursday, December 4, 2008, 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $24.50 (adults); $19.50 (children 12 & under)
Contact: (320) 363-5777 or www.csbsju.edu/finearts/box_office/ticketinfo.htm
Sheboygan, WI
Stefanie H. Weill Center for the Performing Arts
Saturday, December 6, 7:30 pm
Tickets: $27.50 (adults); $19.50 (children 12 & under)
Contact: (920) 208-3243 or www.weillcenter.com
Eau Claire, WI
The Eau Claire Regional Arts Center (State Theater)
Thursday, December 11, 7:30 pm
Tickets: $27.50 (adults); $19.50 (children 12 & under)
Contact: (715) 832-ARTS (2787) or www.eauclairearts.com
Mankato, MN
Mankato West High School Auditorium
Sunday, December 14, 3:00 pm
Tickets: $24.50 (adults); $19.50 (children 12 & under)
Contact: (952) 758-9300, (888) 966-3455 or www.pianobrothers.com
Minneapolis, MN
Hopkins Center for the Arts, Hopkins, MN
Tuesday, December 16, 7:30 pm
Tickets: $27.50 (adults); $19.50 (children 12 & under)
Contact: (952) 979-1111 or www.pianobrothers.com
Omaha, NE
Joslyn Art Museum - Witherspoon Concert Hall
Wednesday, December 17, 7:30 pm
Tickets: $27.50 (adults); $19.50 (children 12 & under)
Contact: (402) 345-0606 or www.ticketomaha.org
Des Moines, IA
Drake University - Sheslow Auditorium
Thursday, December 18, 7:30 pm
Tickets: $24.50 (adults); $19.50 (children 12 & under)
Contact: (515) 277-3727 or www.iowatix.com
Austin, MN
The Historic Paramount Theatre
Friday, December 19, 7:30 pm
Tickets: $24.50 (adults); $19.50 (children 12 & under)
Contact: (507) 434-0934 or www.paramounttheatre.org
New Prague, MN
New Prague High School Auditorium
Sunday, December 21, 3:00 pm
Tickets: $24.50 (adults); $19.50 (children 12 & under)
Contact: (952) 758-9300 or www.pianobrothers.com