On Friday, March 7, at 8 pm, the Niamh Ní Charra Trio will perform at Newtown Meeting House in a concert sponsored by Fairfield County's own Shamrock Traditional Irish Music Society.

This is a not-to-be-missed opportunity to see an up and coming performer in an intimate setting. Niamh Ní Charra was recently awarded the title of Female Artist of the Year by the Live Ireland Awards, and her latest recording, Cuz, was named as Instrumental Album of the Year in Chicago Irish American News’s annual Tradition in Review.

Niamh Ní Charra (pronounced “Neev Nee Khar-ra”) is a native of Killarney, County Kerry, in the southwest of Ireland. She began playing Irish traditional music at four years of age, and won numerous All-Ireland awards. She plays fiddle and concertina, and sings in both the Irish Gaelic language and in English.

Ms Charra toured with Riverdance from 1998-2006, has performed and recorded with both Carlos Núñez and the legendary Chieftains, and her music is featured in the program “Ireland in Song” which has been aired on PBS and is currently shown on Aer Lingus transatlantic flights.

Joining her in the Niamh Ní Charra Trio are two equally able musicians. Dominic Keogh on bodhrán, the Irish frame drum, hails from Kilmovee in the eastern part of County Mayo, a place rich in Irish traditional music. He was mentored by the great Sligo bodhrán player Junior Davey, and after moving to Galway city he became a founding member of the band Mórga. A regular collaborator with notable musicians in Ireland and elsewhere, he has toured with the Celtic Legends Dance show.

Paddy Kerr, on Irish bouzouki, a deep-voiced stringed instrument much like a large mandolin, grew up in County Sligo on the west coast of Ireland. Living in England when he was in his teens, he became involved in a diverse range of musical styles, but never abandoned his roots in the Irish musical tradition.

Mr Kerr currently lives in Galway, where he is in demand as both a musician and a producer. He has toured and recorded with Michael McGoldrick, Solas, Riverdance, and many other well-known individual musicians and ensembles.

Traditional Irish concerts at the meeting house have a history of selling out, so early reservations are recommended. Tickets are $20 for adults and $5 for ages 15 and under. Visit www.shamrockirishmusic.org or call 203-362-5912 to reserve a seat.

The historic meeting house is at 31 Main Street in Newtown, at the flagpole.