There is something in the Gaelic language that resists casual attention. Triskele, the Albany-based all-female Celtic ensemble, sings in it — harmonies that find you before you have decided you are listening. On Sunday, December 20, the trio brings that sound to Tannery Pond Community Center in North Creek for an afternoon holiday concert beginning at 3 p.m., five days before Christmas and deep enough into the Adirondacks to feel like a deliberate choice.
About the Show
Triskele (pronounced “Tris-Kay-lee”) has built their name on a particular kind of attention: stunning harmonies, the Gaelic language sung with intention, and a repertoire that moves between traditional Celtic pieces, original compositions, and contemporary Irish music. The group formed in winter 2009 when Dublin native Noeleen Whelan and Sharon Wheeler met at Albany Medical Center. It is not the origin story most Celtic bands carry, but it suits a group that has always worked a bit outside the expected frame. Jenn joined the lineup on flute, guitar, percussion, and vocals; across the three of them, the ensemble draws on accordion, Bodhran, mandolin, whistles, bass, and both 6-string and 12-string guitar. That is a considerable range of instruments for a trio, and the ensemble makes full use of it.
They describe their approach as “Celtic Trad. with a Women’s Touch,” a phrase that nods at the genre’s historically male character. Sharon and Jenn are both certified music therapists, which says something about how these women listen to sound. Their 2021 Christmas album, Christmas Is a Comin’, gives seasonal shape to December performances, and this show adds holiday tunes, a Santa appearance, and a reading of the Irish Night Before Christmas. Triskele has performed at Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, The Mercantile Pub in Dublin, and the Clifden Arts Festival in Ireland. A community arts center in North Creek is a different kind of room than any of those, and smaller rooms tend to bring out what their harmonies are actually doing.
Venue & Logistics
Tannery Pond Community Center, at 228 Main Street in North Creek, is a 150-seat community arts space in the north country that programs live music in one of the quieter corners of the Adirondacks. That capacity suits a band whose work lives in the space between voices. The show runs 3 to 5 p.m.
Tickets
Advance tickets are $20; day-of tickets are $25. Youth 18 and under are admitted free. Tickets are available online through Eventbrite or by calling the TPC box office at (518) 251-2505. Day-of availability is first-come, first-served. Buy tickets