Celtic troupe blends traditional, eclectic

The Beggar Boys will perform "A Celtic Christmas" at the Irish Cultural Centre in Canton at 7:30 p.m. tomorrow.

The group, based on the North Shore, is bringing its annual Christmas program to the Canton venue for the first time. The Beggar Boys perform traditional Celtic music and new music in traditional styles from Ireland, Scotland, England, and Wales.

The group consists of Michael O'Leary on vocals and bodhran (Irish drum); Michael Albert on fiddle, whistles and vocals; Larry Young on fiddle and vocals; and Henry Lebedinsky on bouzouki (a stringed instrument adopted from Greek music) and vocals.

Young performs Colonial and maritime music in addition to Celtic. Albert has performed on oboe and violin with symphony orchestras and early music ensembles. Russian-born Lebedinsky performs dance music from the 17th and 18th centuries on harpsichord, organ, and clavichord. And Leary has sung with traditional Irish music performers Bridget Fitzgerald, Andy Irvine, Niamh Parsons, and Aoife Clancy.

One of the largest Irish organizations in the country, the Irish Cultural Centre covers 46 acres at 200 New Boston Drive, Canton.

Tickets for the concert are $12 at the door; $10 for students, seniors and center members. Children under 10 are free. For more information call the center at 781-821-8291.

ROBERT KNOX