36 STRINGS: Harpist Lily Neill, left, and guitarist Clive Carroll usually perform solo, but they join forces for a concert at Christ Congregation Church on Friday, March 20. (Photo by Oliver Strong)
The Princeton Folk Music Society presents harpist Lily Neill and guitarist Clive Carroll at Christ Congregation Church, 50 Walnut Lane, in concert on Friday, March 20 at 8 p.m.
The program includes blues, dances from Eastern Europe, tunes from the Balkans, Irish airs, ragtime numbers, and Elizabethan lute classics.
American-born Neill began performing as a child, amassing an impressive number of awards, and recognition from everyone from U.S. President Bill Clinton to legendary Irish band, “The Chieftains.” She plays a relatively modern type of harp that is a cross between the medieval Irish and Scottish harps, and the pedal harp. Her concerts feature everything from original compositions and tangos, to Elizabethan music, ragtime, and traditional tunes from across the globe.
English guitarist Carroll has toured and collaborated with classical and steel string guitar greats such as John Williams, Tommy Emmanuel, Xuefei Yang, and Ralph Towner. Early in his career, he got a gig as the opening act for legendary fingerstyle guitarist John Renbourn. The two discovered that they shared a lot of musical tastes, including medieval and Renaissance music, jazz, and some contemporary classical music. That night led to a friendship and touring partnership that lasted until Renbourn’s death in 2015 and helped shape Carroll’s musicianship.
Tickets at the door are $25 ($20 members). Livestream is also available. Visit princetonfolk.org for more information.