04/12/19
HAYS, Kan. – JigJam, a multi-award winning quartet from the heart of the midlands in Ireland, will be the final performance of the 2018-2019 Encore Series season at Fort Hays State University.

The performance will be at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 16 in the university’s Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center in Sheridan Hall.

Blending the best of traditional Irish music with bluegrass and Americana in a new genre, JigJam’s energy and musical ability has captivated audiences throughout the world.

“Here’s an Irish band that’s going to impact the world as hard as Clancy Brothers or U2 if they get only half a chance,” said Midwest Records.

Performers Jamie McKeogh, Cathal Guinan and Daithi Melia all hail from Tullamore, County Offaly, with County Tipperary-born Gavin Strappe completing the quartet. All four members grew up with Irish traditional music and culture, which is reflected by the band collectively achieving over twenty All-Ireland titles at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann competitions.

They have now developed their own unique style of music influenced by American folk whilst staying true to their Irish roots.

All multi-instrumentalists, JigJam’s members change between banjos, guitars, fiddles, mandolins and double bass onstage, which creates an experience which is pleasing to both the eye and the ear.

JigJam has recorded two studio albums to critical acclaim and have been compared to the Punch Brothers by the European Bluegrass Music Association. They have made a huge impact on the Irish American circuit performing at all major festivals, including the world-renowned Milwaukee Irish Fest as well as touring various parts of the United Kingdom and Europe.

Tickets are available at the Memorial Union Student Service Center, by calling 785-628-5306 or by visiting www.fhsu.edu/encore.

Tickets for the general public are $32 reserved and $28 unreserved; for seniors and children ages 5-17, tickets are $30 reserved and $26 unreserved; and for FHSU students, tickets are $23 reserved and $19 unreserved with a Tiger Card.

About the Special Events Committee

Through the presentation of varied forms of performing arts, the Special Events Committee strives to educate, inspire, evoke thought and entertain. The goal is to promote artistic expression, cultural understanding and social awareness at Fort Hays State University and throughout western Kansas through the presentation of diverse, high-caliber performing arts programs. Information can be found at www.fhsu.edu/encore.