The Masonic Theatre in Clifton Forge is continuing to celebrate its 105th anniversary by launching its 2010 season with an evening of Irish Music March 12.

The event called "Fiddlin' at the Masonic, an Evening of Irish Music" stars the accomplished trio of musicians, Jim Costa, Mary Dailey and Patrick O'Flaherty. The combined music of Ireland and the music of the Appalachians.

Tickets are $12 with $2 going directly to the Masonic Theatre preservation efforts.

The Masonic Theatre will spend the next two years in a renovation program to restore and enhance the building to better serve the Alleghany Highlands community.

The trio are experienced solo musicians who met at the Irish Pub in Lewisburg, WV in 2007 during a Sunday evening session. They soon discovered a shared love of the traditional music of Ireland and Appalchia, and shortly thereafter began performing as the trio Costa, Dailey & O'Flaherty.

O'Flaherty is a multi-instrumentalist and singer from Connemara, Ireland. His music career spans three decades including tours throughout America with The Poor Clares and Celtic Folks. He sings in his native Gaelic and is a master on madolin, button accordion, bouzouki and harmonica.

Costa of WV is known far and wide in Old Time music circles. He is a skilled player of fiddle, clawhammer namjo, guitar and harmonica, with an extensive repertoire of traditional tunes and songs, including authentic Uncle Dave Macon material. He is also an avid restorer of vintage folk instruments, tools and other interesting artifacts.

Dailey is a singer, sopngwriter and lover of old Appalachian and Celtic folksongs in the mid-Atlantic region for over 20 years in a variety of groups and venues including the Kennedy Center's Atrium but 'down home' settings have always been her favorite.

The show will begin at 7 p.m. The Masonic Theatre Preservation Foundation is partnering with Jack Mason's Tavern to bring the trio to Clifton Forge. After the program, the trio will perform in the pub-like atmosphere of Jack Mason's Tavern.

Tickets can be purchased at Heirlooms, Jack Mason's Tavern and Owen's Pharmacy in Clifton Forge, The Shoe Box in Covington, The Milk House Market in Warm Springs and at the door.

For more information about the Masonic Theatre go to www.historicmasonictheatre.com

Source: Virginian Review, Saturday, March 6, 2010.