Chieftains to rock IU with Celtic style

This Saturday the IU Auditorium will host a large celebration of Celtic tradition that is uncommon to Bloomington. The Chieftains will be going on stage at the IU Auditorium at 8:00 p.m. for their first time in almost 19 years.\n"The show is really uplifting and fun," said IU Auditorium director Doug Booher. "That excitement really translates to the audience."\nThe Chieftains are a band of Celtic and Irish tradition that have been performing for 42 years and have released 42 albums. They have been featured in many films and have received six Grammy awards as well as 19 nominations. On top of their many honors, the Chieftains were named the official musical ambassadors of Ireland. \n"That's really the highest honor to be given," said Booher. "They are definitely one of the most renowned Irish and Celtic bands,"\nPrior to the show, the IU Department of Folklore and Ethnomusicology will demonstrate some forms of traditional Celtic dance as well as typical instruments found in the music. This small demonstration will be given about 20 minutes before the show begins. \n"It's really uplifting and fun," said Booher." They really relate to young and old alike."\nAmong many of their honors, they appeared on the 1975 soundtrack to Stanley Kubrick's "Barry Lyndon". According to the event program, they also collaborated with Van Morrison on "Irish Heartbeat," starting a string of professional collaborations with artists such as James Galway, Jackson Browne, Elvis Costello, The Rolling Stones, Sting, Tom Jones, Sinead O' Connor and Ry Cooder. \n"They've continued to hone their craft as musicians," said Booher.\nThey also ventured into the realm of bluegrass with their 1992 album "Another Country." The album won two Grammies and included artists Emmylou Harris, Ricky Skaggs, Willie Nelson, Chet Atkins and Don Williams. \nThe show will definitely be an event for all ages. The student fare of $15 to $29 should attract even those with the most remote interest.\n"I think one of the coolest things is that it's a very entertaining show," said Booher.