Mike and Nancee Micham
Christmas from Ireland to the Ozarks
By Jill Draper
Two Branson-area musicians will present a program, “Christmas from Ireland to the Ozarks,” from 2-3 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10, at the Red Bridge Library.
Mike and Nancee Micham will educate the crowd as they entertain, showing how traditional Irish music shaped the folk songs and stories that settlers in southern Missouri have long enjoyed.
The duo, called EznDil, have played at Silver Dollar City’s McHaffie Homestead and the Kansas City Renaissance Festival for years. Both sing, and they use a variety of instruments including Irish drums, guitar, fiddle and penny whistle.
At the library they’ll begin with traditional carols such as “I Saw Three Ships” and “The Holly and the Ivy,” interspersed with short stories about the history of wassailing and other customs. Halfway through the program, they bring it home to the Ozarks with country favorites like “Christmas Time’s A’Coming” and tunes from Steve Earle and Peter, Paul and Mary. The end will feature a medley of familiar songs.
Reserve a spot online at mymcpl.org/events or call the library at 816-942-1780.