Celtic night is the theme of the Town Hall Concert Series at 8 p.m., Saturday, March 13, according to Wendy Chappell-Dick.

The series is held on the third floor of the town hall and admission is by donation.

By Wendy Chappell-Dick

Bluffton, originally called Shannon Ohio is known for the nearby Swiss Settlement, however the town itself was founded by Irish settlers. On March 13 we celebrate Bluffton's Celtic heritage in honor of St. Patrick's Day.

Conkers are a family group who have been performing traditional music together for over 25 years. Their performances are a weaving of the varied strands of traditional song including: English folk songs, sea shanties, nineteenth and early twentieth century hymns, street cries, and ballads.

The common thread in the fabric of their concerts has been the lovely blend of their voices and their imaginative harmonies. Although they accompany themselves on a variety of instruments such as fiddle, Irish whistle, harp, bodrhan, and English concertina they are best known for their a cappella harmony singing.

The individual members of Conkers are Sharon Wildermuth, her husband, Michael, and her sister, Sheila Rowe.

Conkers released their first CD, One-O, in 1999. The recording was reviewed in English Dance and Song, the national magazine of the English Folk Dance and Song Society by the editor, Dave Arthur: It is a strange fact that some of the finest revival recordings of English folksong come from America. One of the best is this offering from Conkers.

Following Conkers will be a set by One in a Number: The Bluffton Women's choir. The intergenerational mostly a cappella group has been in existence for over 15 years singing in event, church, and coffeehouse settings. For this concert, the women's choir has researched Irish songs of struggle, hope and love to prepare a Celtic treat for the listener.