Sláinte, a celebration of Irish Culture is the Harrell Health Sciences Library’s St. Patrick’s Day gift to the Campus. Hosted by the Library’s Irish-born Information Resources and Services Support Specialist, Seamus Carmichael, it features performers from the Penn State Hershey community and from his network of Irish Music contacts.

In Sláinte, Carmichael tries to give people an authentic Irish cultural experience. This event is built around the distinctive dance music of Ireland as played in the “Session” where musicians meet to share songs and tunes old and new. It links the music, song and dance of the country with the visual and literary arts of Ireland as seen in the work of some of Ireland’s poets.

Humanities professor Kimberley Myers, will offer a selection of short poems by Irish writers and Carmichael will show a selection of artwork illustrating the poetry of Padraic Fiacc.

The other participants are an eclectic group of local musicians and singers, including hammer dulcimer player, Mary Grace Lee, and mandolin player, Henry Koretzky, with talented young multi-instrumentalists and dancers, Bridget and Alannah Redmond. Rounding out the list of performers are the Library’s own Esther Dell and Dr. Keith Cheng who will offer piano pieces from Irish composers.

Sláinte (pronounced Slant-ya) is a Gaelic word meaning “Health”, often used like “Cheers” as a toast when sharing drinks.

This event is free, and open to the public.