Celtic-Fusion Ensemble "Lorica" Here March 11

WRAL-TV news anchor Bill Leslie and the Celtic-fusion ensemble, Lorica, return to The Clayton Center on Sunday, March 11, at 3 p.m., for an afternoon of original Appalachian Celtic music and storytelling.

The concert compliments a special art exhibit showcasing the watercolors of William Leslie, Jr., on display in The Clayton Center Main Lobby Gallery from March 1-31.

Praised by famed cellist Yo-Yo Ma as one of the greats in modern Celtic music, Leslie may be known locally as a popular morning news anchor, but internationally he has a reputation as a successful new age recording artist who delivers powerful, lilting compositions. His music explores the rich connection between the Carolina mountains and Celtic lands of Ireland and Scotland. His most recent CD, Simple Beauty, was named the 2010 Best Acoustic Instrumental Album by international radio hosts and reached number one on the World Music Charts.

Leslie’s music is most strongly influenced by the artwork of his father, William Leslie, Jr. A gifted painter, William Leslie’s watercolors capture the majestic beauty of Appalachia and its people and provide an ideal backdrop for Leslie’s warm and unique repertoire, skillful musicianship and compelling storytelling.

Leslie revealed the artwork and wrote poignantly of his quest for a spiritual reunion with his father in his book of essays Blue Ridge Reunion. Both the book and the accompanying CD by the same name received critical acclaim.

Tickets to this performance also include a reception in the lobby art gallery with Bill Leslie following the show.

Tickets are $20 and are available through The Clayton Center Box Office by phone at 919-553-1737, from 10 a.m. until noon and from 1 until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or online at www.theclaytoncenter.com.

All shows in the 2011-2012 Palladian Series are held in the renovated and historic 600-seat auditorium at 111 E. Second St. in downtown Clayton, located about 15 miles east of Raleigh.

The Clayton Centers Palladian series closed on Saturday, April 14, with a concert by legendary folk singer Nancy Griffith. Tickets to that show are $34.

Other popular artists presented in past seasons at The Clayton Center include Kathy Mattea, Dianne Reeves, Ricky Skaggs, Johnny Winter, Jesse Cook, Jim Brickman, Doc Watson, Eileen Ivers, Riders In the Sky, the Harlem Gospel Choir and David Sedaris.