VALLEY LEE, Md. — Music from Poplar Hill has announced its second event of the 2024-25 season, featuring an evening of traditional music from Ireland, Scotland, England, and the Hebrides, performed by the James Martin Tyre Isle Band. The concert will take place at St. George’s Episcopal Church in Valley Lee, Maryland, on Friday, November 8, 2024, at 7:30 p.m., just 15 minutes from Leonardtown.
The James Martin Tyre Isle Band, based in New York City, is renowned for its deep connection to the musical traditions of the British Isles. The group, led by James Martin, features three master musicians who bring their expertise to these beloved traditions. Their performances include not only well-preserved traditional melodies and rhythms but also new compositions that continue the living legacy of British Isles music. The band is celebrated for its ability to convey universal human emotions through the songs of everyday people.
James Martin: A Multifaceted Artist
James Martin, the band’s leader, is not only a musician but also an accomplished dancer, choreographer, and filmmaker. He brings a wealth of experience from his long career in the arts. Martin served as an Associate Arts Professor at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts Dance Department from 1989 to 2023. His work has taken him around the globe, teaching at prestigious institutions such as the Mark Morris Monnaie Dance Group in Brussels, the Ballet Academy of Stockholm, and the National Institute of Dance.
In addition to his achievements in dance and music, Martin has made significant contributions to film. His documentary Under the Whale received recognition at numerous film festivals, earning the American Filmatic Arts 2019 Grand Jury Award for Experimental Documentary. The film, which was performed by 29 dancers from the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts in Queens, NY, was also nominated for Best Director and Best Experimental Documentary by the 2020 Oregon Documentary Film Festival.
Youth Workshop at Chopticon High School
As part of its mission to promote educational programming, Music from Poplar Hill will offer a special workshop led by the James Martin Tyre Isle Band for students at Chopticon High School on the morning of November 8. This youth-oriented event is a cornerstone of the Music from Poplar Hill series, which strives to provide educational opportunities either free of charge or at minimal cost to participating students.
According to the series’ organizers, every guest artist involved in the Music from Poplar Hill events contributes to educational outreach, enriching the lives of young people in the community through hands-on experience and engagement with the arts.
Tickets and Information
The November 8 concert will be held at St. George’s Episcopal Church, located at 19167 Poplar Hill Lane in Valley Lee. Seating for the event is open, and space will be limited. Tickets and additional information about the performance can be found on the Music from Poplar Hill website at www.musicfrompoplarhill.org.
About Music from Poplar Hill
The Jo Ricks Music Series, which operates under the Music from Poplar Hill banner, was established to bring world-class musical talent to Southern Maryland. Its mission includes offering affordable performances and educational programming for children and youth in the area. According to Eliza Garth, the series’ Artistic Director, the initiative allows local residents to enjoy performances by established artists from cultural hubs without leaving their community. Garth also encourages concert-goers from surrounding counties and regions to visit St. Mary’s County and explore the area’s natural beauty and warm atmosphere.
“We’re excited to add to the cultural offerings in Southern Maryland with Music from Poplar Hill: The Jo Ricks Music Series,” Garth said. “Residents here can enjoy the talents of established artists from nearby cultural centers, right here in our community. And, of course, we welcome concert-goers from surrounding counties and the wider region to visit St. Mary’s County, attend our events and discover the geographical beauty and friendly vibe we offer.”
The series is named in honor of Jo Ricks, a beloved member of the Southern Maryland and Washington, DC communities. Known for her passion for bringing people together through music, Ricks believed in the power of music to nourish the soul, enrich lives, and foster a sense of community.
Support and Funding
Music from Poplar Hill and its educational programming are made possible through the support of the St. Mary’s County Arts Council and generous contributions from individuals and foundations. This community-driven effort aims to make high-quality music and cultural experiences accessible to all residents of Southern Maryland.