Andrea Stern and Laura MacKenzie share a deep respect and love for traditional Irish and Scottish music. The unusual combination of the Celtic harp with winds creates a wondrous spectrum of sound. Andrea plays a diverse range of musical styles on both the classical and Celtic harp and enjoys arranging traditional tunes. Laura has learned Celtic music from many noted tradition bearers on both sides of the Atlantic, and has herself been recognized as a Master Folk Artist by the Minnesota State Arts Board. Laura performs traditional Irish and Scottish music on wooden flutes, whistles, an array of bagpipes, concertina and voice.
Program Offerings
Performances
The Magic of Celtic Music
Andrea Stern (Celtic harps) and Laura MacKenzie (wooden flutes, concertina, various bagpipes, and voice) form the duo Willow Brae. Together they express the warm resonance of traditional music, plus the joy and spark of Irish and Scottish dance tunes. Willow Brae features a unique and wide array of seldom-heard instruments both plucked and wind-powered. Throughout their performances, Laura and Andrea provide fascinating historical and cultural information about the instruments and their music, all delivered with humor and skill. Willow Brae’s program of traditional Scottish and Irish music charms and uplifts audiences of all ages.
The Magic of Celtic Music & Dance
The music of Ireland comes alive with the duo Willow Brae, accompanied by step dancers from a Twin Cities Irish dance academy. Andrea Stern (Celtic harp) and Laura MacKenzie (wooden flutes, whistles, concertina, bagpipes, voice) perform jigs, reels, hornpipes and airs. The dancers, wearing traditional costuming, demonstrate how Irish dance steps accompany the music. Learn about Irish culture, history and lore through uplifting traditional Celtic music and dances.
Workshop
Jiggety!
Explore music, stories, limericks and lore of Ireland. Learn a simple jig step and how to identify different dance rhythms. Experience the wide range of sounds on wind powered instruments and two harps. This workshop is taught by two artists.
“Willow Brae swept us all away with their enchanting music.”
Andrea Lorenz, Program Coordinator, East Grand Forks Campbell Library
