Titans of Irish traditional music, The Teetotallers appear April 18 at Diana Wortham Theatre

Marvel at the sound of three world-class musicians when The Teetotallers return to Asheville for a triple threat evening of their combined talents, 8:00 p.m. Friday, April 18, at Diana Wortham Theatre. Presented in partnership with The Swannanoa Gathering at Warren Wilson College, Asheville favorite John Doyle along with two top titans of Irish traditional music, Martin Hayes and Kevin Crawford, unite to form The Teetotallers, an unbelievable dream team of Celtic and world music magic.

Asheville’s own John Doyle earned his reputation for guitar brilliance, first as a member of Solas and now in his thriving solo career, performing all over the world and as a highly sought-after session player. Known for having one of the most ravishing violin styles in all of Celtic music and a recipient of numerous awards including BBC Radio Folk Instrumentalist of the Year, Martin Hayes is one of the most extraordinary talents in the world of Irish traditional music. And Kevin Crawford is one of the most virtuosic flute and whistle players in all of Ireland – and a longtime member of Irish acoustic super group, Lúnasa. As a trio, The Teetotallers was born from a tour supported by the Music Network, an arts organization funded by The Arts Council of Ireland.

About the Musicians:

John Doyle (guitar) is among the most talented and innovative musicians to come out of Ireland in recent years. An Asheville resident since 2007, he is known as an extraordinary acoustic guitarist – as well as an accomplished singer and songwriter. He has collaborated with numerous artists including Tim O’Brien, Seamus Egan and Kate Rusby, toured as half of the Liz Carroll and John Doyle duo, and toured with Joan Baez as her guitarist and music director from 2008 to 2010. He is also a founding member of the acclaimed Irish super-group Solas with whom he recorded four albums, one of which was Grammy nominated.

Martin Hayes (violin) was originally raised in Maghera, Feakle, County Clare, but has been based in the United States for the past 25 years. His unique sound, skill, and sense of music’s past and future combine to create a formidable artistic intelligence. Hayes has received national and international awards including the prestigious Gradam Ceoil, Musician of the Year in 2008 from the Irish language television station TG 4; a National Entertainment Award (the Irish Grammy), and – before the age of nineteen – six All-Ireland fiddle championships.

Kevin Crawford’s (flute) was born in Birmingham, UK, to Irish parents who had emigrated from County Clare. Crawford’s early life was one long journey into Irish music and back to County Clare, where he eventually moved while in his twenties. Crawford was a member of the acclaimed band Moving Cloud, and then in 1998 joined the world-renowned band Lúnasa in, playing flute and whistle. A virtuosic flute player, Crawford has recorded two solo albums: D’Flute Album and In Good Company. His sly commentaries often provide an added bonus to Teetotallers performances.

The Teetotallers’ Asheville performance is presented in partnership with The Swannanoa Gathering at Warren Wilson College, and made possible by Celtic Series Sponsors Don & Nancy Ackermann Cole, First Citizens Bank and Ward & Smith, P.A.; with additional support from Media Sponsor WNCW 88.7 FM.

The new entrance for the Diana Wortham Theatre at Pack Place is marked by the location of the theatre’s new marquee between 12 and 14 Biltmore Avenue. Patrons enter the theatre through the breezeway next to Marble Slab Creamery, and into a large interior courtyard for Pack Place with multiple glass doors to the theatre’s lower lobby and new box office. The intimate theatre seats just over 500 and boasts exceptional acoustics and sightlines, making it the premier performance space in Western North Carolina. The Mainstage Series is supported by a grant from the North Carolina Arts Council, a state agency. The Mainstage Series 2013/2014 Season Sponsors are the Asheville Scene, Blue Moon Water, Creative Energy, Laurey’s Catering and Gourmet-to-go, the North Carolina Arts Council, and the Renaissance Asheville Hotel. To obtain more information on the Mainstage Series or to purchase tickets, call the theatre’s box office at (828) 257-4530 or visit www.dwtheatre.com.