WRAL-TV news anchor Bill Leslie and the Celtic-fusion ensemble, Lorica, will present an afternoon of original Appalachian Celtic music and storytelling at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre on Sunday, June 8, at 3 p.m.
Praised by famed cellist Yo-Yo Ma as one of the greats in modern Celtic music, Leslie is known locally as a popular morning news anchor. Yet he is recognized internationally as a successful new age recording artist who delivers powerful, lilting compositions. His music explores the rich connection between the Carolina mountains and Celtic lands of Ireland and Scotland.
Leslie’s album, ‘Scotland: Grace of the Wild,’ was just recently named Album of the Year from ZoneMusicReporter which tracks radio airplay and mostly instrumental New Age, jazz, World and Celtic music in the US and nearly 20 other countries. In addition, his CD entitled ‘Simple Beauty’ was named the 2010 Best Acoustic Instrumental Album by international radio hosts and reached number one on the World Music Charts.
Leslie’s music is most strongly influenced by the artwork of his father, William Leslie, Jr. A gifted painter, William Leslie’s watercolors capture the majestic beauty of Appalachia and its people and provide an ideal backdrop for Leslie’s warm and unique repertoire, skillful musicianship and compelling storytelling.
Leslie revealed the artwork and wrote poignantly of his quest for a spiritual reunion with his father in his book of essays ‘Blue Ridge Reunion.’ Both the book and the accompanying CD by the same name received critical acclaim.
Advance tickets to the June 8 performance are $15 (plus tax) and can be purchased online with a Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover credit card at www.wakeforestnc.gov/tickets-events.aspx. Advance tickets may also be purchased with cash, check or credit card at the Parks and Recreation Department window in the lobby of the Wake Forest Town Hall, 301 S. Brooks St. Tickets will also be available at the door on the day of the concert for $18 (plus tax). A $2.95 processing fee will be added to the cost of any ticket purchased with a credit card.
The Renaissance Centre is located at 405 S. Brooks Street.
