Grayling Visitors Bureau

The Irish Rovers will be performing at the Kirtland Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday, March 12th for a 7pm show. The year 2011 will mark the 46th anniversary of the birth of the Irish Rovers. These international ambassadors of Irish music have charmed and entertained people around the world, and continue to delight audiences with their exciting stage shows. The Irish Rovers have never lost their timeless ability to deliver a rollicking, rousing performance of good cheer that will soon have you singing and clapping along.

With their trademark “Unicorn” song and their hit song “Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer”, the Roves have made their place in music history. The story of the Irish Rovers starts in Canada in 1963, when the 16-year old George Millar and 23-year old Jim Ferguson, both new emigrants from N. Ireland, met in Toronto at an Irish function. They ended up singing together ’til dawn; and so the Irish Rovers were launched. They performed as a duo until George’s cousin, Joe Millar, immigrated to Canada the following year. Joe, who played button-key accordion and harmonica, and also sang traditional ballads, was recruited as he stepped off the plane. After several months of engagements around Ontario, the trio made their way to Calgary, Alberta, where they joined forces with George’s brother, Will Millar. The Irish Rovers continue to perform in theatres around the world, with original members George Millar, Joe Millar and Wilcil McDowell. Will Millar retired from the band in 1995; and sadly, Jimmy Ferguson passed away in 1997. Completing the Irish Rover line-up today is Kevin McKeown, who has been with the band since 1984, and John Reynolds and Wallace Hood, who both joined in 1995. Sean O’Driscoll, a multi-instrumentalist, accompanies the band on many of their tours, and plays on new Rover recordings.
The Irish Rovers are still passionate about performing and will continue to tour and entertain their legions of fans. Like the Unicorn, the Rovers are legendary and magical, and a good time is guaranteed for all. This event is sponsored in part by Eagle 101.5 fm.

Tickets for this performance by The Irish Rovers are $28 & $26 and are available online at www.kirtlandcenter.com or at the ticket office at 989-275-6777. Senior, student, group and family discounts are available, contact the Ticket Office for more details.

The Children’s Learning Center will be available for child care, and free shuttle service is provided. For more information contact the Kirtland Center at 989-275-6777.

The Irish Rovers video