Library will host Celtic musician and storyteller

COURTESY
CHARLESTOWN — Silsby Free Public Library in Charlestown will host “The Softer Side of Celtic,” a performance by musician and singer Jeff Snow, at 6 p.m. Aug. 1. Snow is a talented multi-instrumentalist who plays the music and tells the stories behind the songs. He plays six- and 12-string guitar, autoharp, Celtic bouzouki, and bodhran. He also plays the drums and a variety of other percussion instruments.

Growing up as the son of a drummer in a bagpipe band and in a home where older Celtic songs were the every day sounds, Snow developed a love for the music of Scotland, England, and Ireland. His concerts have been described as “quiet and relaxing,” and much of it is, but sometimes he’ll break out and the foot stomping begins. The magical sounds from the instruments coupled with vocals and Snow’s love and knowledge of his Scottish heritage create a delightful program of traditional and original tunes.

Much of the history of Scotland, England and Ireland is preserved in song. Hearing those stories along with the songs educates as well as entertains. There is no better example then the Ballad of Kilkelly Ireland. In 1855, John Hunt left his family’s home in Kilkelly, Ireland and came to the United States. When he left Ireland he was 13 years old. He settled in Maryland, found a job, got married and had children. He never returned to Ireland and never saw his family again. Without cell phones and the internet, communication was by annual family letter. In the 1970s these letters were discovered by songwriter Peter Jones. He wrote the ballad that tells the story of the Hunt family.

A skilled guitar player, Snow was featured in Acoustic Guitar magazine. He is a contributing writer to Acoustic Guitar magazine and Autoharp Quarterly magazine. He has performed for audiences of all ages and in a variety of settings including, concert halls, libraries, museums, churches, schools and private homes.