Irish Folk Band Takes the Stage at Hillsdale College
Visiting folk band Goitse performed as part of the College’s Professional Artist Series
HILLSDALE, Mich. — Visiting folk band Goitse (go-wit-cha) recently brought a taste of Ireland to the Hillsdale College Campus. The quintet performed on March 8, as part of their 2022 U.S. tour and the College’s Professional Artist Series. Students, faculty and staff, and community members attended the concert in Markel auditorium.
“It was exciting to be back in Markel Auditorium with a live guest performing ensemble for our Professional Artists Series,” said James Holleman, professor of music. “It was a full house of a blend of students, campus faculty, and community audience members. This concert was three years in the making and finally came to fruition.”
The performance was exciting and high-energy, including songs that focused on the virtuosity of the band members. The bandleader, Colm Phelan, lead the audience through a journey of Irish Folk Music, sharing stories and descriptions of the music.
The name Goitse is an informal Gaelic Irish greeting meaning “come here.” Named Live Ireland’s “Traditional Group of the Year,” Chicago Irish American News’ “Group of the Year,” and winners of the “Freiburger International Leiter 2016” award in Germany, Goitse performs traditional favorites for a new generation.
Band members offered a masterclass session to Hillsdale College music students the afternoon of the show. This was a casual and spontaneous session that included a demonstration from the band, a Q&A session, and a pre-concert teaser.
The concert was the second of the semester in Hillsdale College’s Professional Artist Series.
View photos from the Goitse concert here.