IONA returns to Warwick

WARWICK-The Washington, D.C. based band IONA will return to Warwick for a Winter Solstice holiday concert on Friday, Dec. 17, at 8:30 p.m., hosted by The Warwick Valley Winery, Distillery & Orchards. IONA treats its audience to high energy entertainment featuring top flight fiddling, driving percussion and strong vocals. Presenting the music and dance of all the Celtic countries n Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Cornwall, the Isle of Man, Brittany, Asturies and Galicia n IONA emphasizes that America is not only the repository of all these cultural influences, but also the progenitor of many of its own. Audiences are always encouraged to join in the show. IONA has existed since 1986, and has evolved into one of the top rated pan-Celtic groups in the world. Co-founded by Barbara Tresidder Ryan (lead vocals, Celtic bouzouki, guitars and bodhrán) and Bernard Argent (wooden flute, whistles, doumbek, back-up vocals), IONA now claims one of the finest young Scottish fiddlers in America, Andrew Dodds, who has been winning competitions across the country since he was 9 years old. Chuck Lawhorn will perform on 6-string bass guitar, whistles and vocals. IONA has released eight albums, the most recent of which, Branching Out, has received rave reviews world-wide. For more information about IONA, visit their website at www.IonaMusic.com. Tickets are $18 in advance or $22 at the door. Because Iona's previous appearances at the winery were sold out, the winery recommends that reservations be made for the limited seating. Doors open at 7 p.m. for dinner and wine tasting. This concert is part of a continuing series of evening concerts presented by the Warwick Valley Winery Distillery and Orchards in its indoor performance room. The evening series is also an extension of the Uncorked and Unplugged Music Series, a free series which showcases local performers every Saturday and Sunday afternoon throughout the year. The winery is located at 114 Little York Road, Warwick. For more information, directions and reservations, contact the winery at www.wvwinery.com or at 258-4858.