Acclaimed Celtic fiddlers, dancers to perform at SFA

The StepCrew, with its fusion of Irish step, traditional tap and the loose-limbed Ottawa Valley step dancing, will present its Celtic-inspired show in W.M. Turner Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 22, as part of the Stephen F. Austin State University College of Fine Arts' University Series.

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - "Brilliant," "virtuoso" and "sensational" are just a few of the adjectives critics and colleagues use to describe the performances of The StepCrew, a company of six dancers/musicians with a five-piece band and vocalist who bring together three dance forms - Irish step, traditional tap and Ottawa Valley step dancing.

The group will present its Celtic-inspired show at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 22, in W.M. Auditorium as part of the Stephen F. Austin State University College of Fine Arts' University Series.

"The StepCrew is a brilliant visual and musical display of the most talented dancers I've seen," said Paddy Moloney, founder and member of the six-time Grammy Award winning Irish band The Chieftains. "(They do) not simply draw their audience in, they take them by the hand and remind us what dance is meant to be about - fun."

And Moloney speaks from first-hand knowledge; three members of The StepCrew have performed with The Chieftains for over a decade.

Jean Butler, former dance star of "Riverdance" and "Dancing on Dangerous Ground," echoes Moloney's praise: "The focus, energy and sheer virtuosity on display from the entire cast is nothing short of mind-boggling."

"Don't miss this fantastic show!" exclaimed Dr. John W. Goodall, associate dean of the SFA College of Fine Arts. "You'll be absolutely amazed by the talent and infectious energy emanating from the stage."

Prior to the performance, Elizabeth Rhodes, SFA professor of kinesiology and co-director of the SFA dance program, will give an informative talk at 7 p.m, in Griffith Gallery, across the hall from Turner Auditorium. The audience is invited back to the gallery for a post-performance reception to meet the cast and honor the event's corporate sponsor, BancorpSouth of Nacogdoches.

Turner Auditorium and Griffith Gallery are located in the Griffith Fine Arts Building, 2222 Alumni Drive.

Tickets range from $35 to $17.50, with discounts available for seniors, students and youth. For tickets or more information, please go to www.finearts.sfasu.edu anytime or call (936) 468-6407 or (888) 240-ARTS during business hours after the university's spring break (March 12 through 16).