ELMIRA – This year WSKG Public Media is taking their long running arts and culture program, Expressions, on the road and will be making a stop here in Elmira. The program will be filming a concert at the Hill Top Inn in Elmira featuring the traditional/Celtic rock group, Kilrush, this Thursday evening.
“For years we would bring the audience to our studio in Vestal for these concerts, but our coverage area stretches across twenty one counties in upstate New York so we felt it was time to go into the communities we serve and record these performances,” said WSKG Senior Producer Andrew Pioch.
Formed in 2001, Kilrush began as a traditional Irish band, playing in local pubs and coffee houses. Over time the band’s sound evolved into a more contemporary, Celtic rock sound while still holding to their musical roots. In the twenty two years since they formed, the band has appeared at major Irish music festivals and events across New York state and beyond. This is the band’s second appearance on Expressions, the first of which was filmed in August 2009, airing in March 2010.
“Speaking for Kilrush, we are immensely grateful to be be part of WSKG’s programing once again,” said the band’s frontman, Tim Sanphy. “As well as joining Mike and the Sullivan family in celebrating 90 years of being part of the community and sharing in Irish Culture. Personally, as lifetime fan of both WSKG and Hilltop Inn, putting this event together is a humbling and satisfying feeling.”
In addition to the concert performances, each episode of Expressions will feature segments on local businesses such as the Hill Top Inn and their value to the community.
“Hill Top has been locally owned for over ninety years and just like WSKG, understands how important supporting your neighbors can be,” Pioch told Elmira Telegram.
As for the band, they too understand and appreciate the community’s support of the band over the years.
“Above all, the tremendous support for this event has been overwhelming,” said Sanphy. “Kilrush has enjoyed an incredibly successful year and owes decades of gratitude to our family, friends and fans, who are all inclusive as one and the same.”
Seating for this event is sold out, but the episode will be available for viewing on WSKG and the PBS app at a time and date to be determined. For more information or to learn more about Expressions, go to WSKG.org