Irish Singer Rory Makem

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One of the leading voices in the Irish song heritage, Rory Makem will bring A Christmas Tradition concert to the Irish Cultural and Heritage Center, 2133 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee on Saturday, Dec. 15 at 7:30 p.m.

Born in County Louth, Ireland, Makem continues the lineage of an Irish music dynasty begun by his grandmother Sarah Makem, who was sought after for her vast collection of Irish songs. His father, the legendary Tommy Makem, who died in 2007, is widely known as the modern Bard of Armagh. Touring with the Clancy Brothers, Tommy brought Irish music to an international audience beginning in the 1950s.

A seasoned performer with more than 25 years on the road. Makem captivates audiences with his skilled musicianship, his charisma and passion for the songs, his extensive knowledge of poetry and history, and his sense of humor. An adept interpreter of folk songs, he is also a multi-instrumentalist.

Makem is well known to Milwaukee audiences through frequent performances at Irish Fest accompanying his father and with Makem and Spain. Makem and Dónal Clancy, son of the late Liam Clancy, made their debut as a duo at the ICHC in 2017.

Not limiting himself to the stage, Makem has performed on movie soundtracks and his compositions can be heard woven into a number of PBS programs. He has recorded with many of the luminaries in folk music including Noel Paul Stookey, Tom Paxton, Schooner Fare and Gordon Bok.

Concert tickets are $25 in advance, $29 on concert day, $10 for students with ID and free for ages 12 and under. For more information and to order tickets online, go to www.ichc.net or call (414) 345-8800.

The Celtic Christmas Boutique and bake sale in the ICHC Parlour will begin prior to the concert at 6 p.m. and remain open during the concert and intermission. The Hallamor - or great hall - will be decorated for the holidays.