‘From Larne to Clover: A Celtic Celebration' to highlight Sister City links
An upcoming concert is to celebrate the links between Larne and its Sister City of Clover, South Carolina – as well as historic Scots-Irish contributions to America.
‘From Larne to Clover: A Celtic Celebration’, presented by Raymond James, stars award-winning Irish musicians Colm Keegan and Laura Keegan, joined by pianist Brian McGrane.
Dublin-born singer, songwriter, and former lead singer of Celtic Thunder, Colm brings his expertise in teaching and storytelling to the event, inviting local groups to join him on stage in song.
The concert, due to take place on February 28 at Clover School District Auditorium, will include performances by the Clover Middle School Honors Chorus and members of the internationally recognized Clover High School Band, alongside additional student performing artists.
Each group will work with Colm ahead of the event via Zoom to learn the music and lyrics as well as the stories behind the songs, which have deep cultural ties to the Clover community.
“This concert is about community, heritage, and young people,” Colm said. “Sharing the stage with Clover’s students while celebrating Irish music and tradition is incredibly meaningful to me. Events like this remind us that music connects generations and brings people together in the best possible way.”
Clover Mayor, Bo Legg, will introduce the concert, which is divided into two acts.
Act one traces the emotional arc of leaving home, from the first decision to the long sea voyage and the journey toward an uncertain future in the American colonies.
Act two focuses on the perseverance needed to set up a new life in the Carolina backcountry, celebrating community building and the preservation of heritage.
The timing of the performance coincides with the Republic of Ireland’s upcoming Semi-quincentennial initiatives, during which the Irish government plans to highlight historic Scots-Irish contributions to America.
All proceeds from the concert will go directly to the Clover School District’s Performing Arts initiatives.
The Sister City link between Larne and Clover has been in place since 2007.
It followed a twinning relationship developed in the late 90s between the two localities, which are over 3700 miles apart.
Delegations from Larne and Clover have travelled to their respective Sister Cities on various occasions since, with the most recent being a visit from the Clover High School Band to Larne in March 2024.