Chincoteague Island .Net

The Celtic Islanders will perform their unique mix of Irish and bluegrass music in a free concert at 3 p.m. on Saturday September 6, 2008 in Reed Park in downtown Chincoteague.   The concert is part of the Chincoteague Cultural Alliance?s Music at the Dock Series made possible by grants from the Virginia Commission for the Arts and the Town of Chincoteague

The trio’s repertoire consists of traditional Irish folksongs with a touch of bluegrass.  Celtic Islanders have been performing together in pubs around the Washington Metro area since 2003.  They provide a spirited blend of Irish music, ranging from the light-hearted barroom favorites to the poignant ballads depicting the struggles of the Irish people, with a bit of American bluegrass thrown in as well.  Celtic Islanders performances always include traditional and well known jigs and reels.

Bill Weiskopf, leader of Celtic Islanders, is a resident of Chincoteague Island.  Bill plays mandolin, five-string banjo and guitar and sings lead on many of the Irish songs.   He started listening to Irish music at an early age, when he lived for a few years with his grandmother, who was born in County Cork, Ireland.    Bill has performed Irish music in one form or another since 1982.  He performed for several years at Matt Kane’s Bit of Ireland in Washington DC.  Matt Kane’s was one of the original Irish pubs in the Washington DC area, and it was there that the Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem launched their long and successful U.S. careers.

Celtic Islanders formed in 2003 when the three members played Irish music during Bill Weiskopf?s wedding on Chincoteague Island.  Donna Neil and Bart Branscum complete the trio with their vocals, guitar and bass.

From the Irish Washerwoman to Whiskey in the Jar, to Brennon on the Moor and the M.T.A., Celtic Islanders will engage you with an afternoon of enjoyable music.  Bring a chair or spread a blanket and enjoy the concert.