Harpist spins Irish tales, folklore

The Sonoma Community Center will present “Fairytales and Folklore from Ireland,” an afternoon of traditional Irish storytelling at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 22.

Award-winning artist Patrick Ball will share tales that are tender, funny, and filled with wild flights of the imagination, while accompanying them live on the rare and legendary Celtic harp.

Ball is one of the premier Celtic harp players in the world and a captivating spoken word artist.

In playing the ancient harp of Ireland and performing tales of wit and enchantment, he blends two cherished traditions into a theatrical performance that appeals to all ages.

Ball has been awarded grants for his work by the Zellerbach Family Fund ?and the California Arts Council.

He is the recipient of the Circle of Excellence Award from the National Storytelling Association.

This performance is third in a series of multi-cultural story-telling events presented by Sonoma Community Center’s Playhouse program.

“Performances like Patrick’s are the perfect alternative to the digital lifestyle so many young people experience today,” said Toni Castone, executive director of Sonoma Community Center. “We’re thrilled to share his talent with families in our community.”

Tickets to each performance are $5 for children, $10 for adults, with a 10 percent discount for SCC members. To purchase tickets, call 938-4626, ext. 1 or visit the Sonoma Valley Box Office at svbo.org.

SCC’s Playhouse series is made possible by support from Sonoma Wine Country Weekend.

The Sonoma Community Center enriches the lives of the people of Sonoma Valley by fostering a broad range of cultural, educational and community services, and by ensuring the preservation and restoration of its historic building.