Irish heartbeat radio show, for December and beyond

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SLIGO, IRELAND ─ The warmth of an Irish Christmas can be celebrated worldwide on the "Irish Heartbeat with Dervish" holiday show this month, when highlights of the seasonal music special will air on NPR.org's music site.

Hosted by Dervish, one of the most recognized traditional bands in Ireland, the Christmas show includes music and stories with guests Paddy Moloney of The Chieftains and vocalist Roisin O Reilly (formerly of Celtic choir Anúna).
Recorded at the historic WB Yeats' home of Lissadell House in County Sligo, Ireland, the program also features Yeats expert Damian Brennan with stories of the renowned poet.

Moloney, an internationally-renowned piper, plays a number of lively tunes with Dervish including the Irish reel "Christmas Eve" and a Breton carol. O Reilly, a classical chart-topping vocalist, sings "O Holy Night," and "Silent Night" with Dervish's Cathy Jordan singing harmony. The members of Dervish provide spirited backing on fiddle, accordion, flute, bouzouki and guitar.
"We had the most delightful day at Lissadell House," enthused Moloney after the recording. "Roisin has a beautiful voice, and Dervish are so Irish, so wonderful, with all the power of traditional music. "

"Irish Heartbeat with Dervish" is a new hour-long weekly radio program set to launch on American stations in 2009. The show brings the energy of a live Irish music session to the airwaves, with some of Ireland's biggest names as guests including vocalist Moya Brennan of Clannad, Irish rock band The Saw Doctors, The Celtic Tenors, Matt Molloy of The Chieftains, Susan McKeown, Kíla, Brian Kennedy, Frankie Gavin of De Dannan and traditional group Danú. The show's website, irishheartbeat.ie, will be updated with musical guests, participating radio stations and other information.

"Irish Heartbeat with Dervish" Christmas highlights will be heard on NPR's music site, npr.org/music in December.

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