Kansas Arts on Tour Roster - Traditional and Acoustic Music Soloists

Maria draws from a repertoire of hundreds of traditional songs in a variety of styles. Maria focuses on Scottish and Irish Celtic songs, including those for children. This pursuit has its foundation in a lifelong interest and study of Celtic culture, dance, history, stories, humor, recipes and folk traditions. She has been performing since 1982 and has produced four recordings of traditional and original music with violinist and singer Megan Hurt (often available for concerts).

Program Descriptions

Maria offers programs for children and adults. Her concerts consist of a vocal, instrumental and cultural presentation. All performances include singing with guitar, flute and bodhran (Irish frame drum) accompaniment and includes stories, sing-alongs, humor, rhythm, rhyme, poetry, costume and visual aids. Audiences hear traditional favorites such as “The Bonnie Banks o’ Loch Lomond,” jigs, reels, the songs of Robert Burns, laments, and historical ballads.

Children’s Programs include the following: translation of Gaelic language, songs about children and by children (street rhymes), easy sing-along and movement for the week ones. Children may play the instruments in smaller groups.