PEMBERVILLE — Enjoy two shows during the Live! In The House Concert Series on May 6 and 7.

On Saturday at 7:30 p.m., Blackthorn will play the rich tapestry of Celtic music. Traditional songs of emigration, sea shanties, lively jigs and reels, and ancient airs combine with some of Ireland’s best contemporary songs for a musical experience that captures the history and legend of Ireland and its people. Each member of the band plays multiple instruments, including wooden flute, accordion, tin whistle, ive string banjo, cittern, bones and more. These instruments complement the lead vocal of Belfast native Richard McMullan and the band’s tight blend of four part harmonies.

Tim Graves and the Farm Hands will perform bluegrass music on Sunday at 7:30 p.m. Since their inception in 2010, the band has received over 70 award nominations winning an unprecedented 32 major awards including Bluegrass Gospel band of the year at 2019 and 2020 Bluegrass Music Awards. This group includes two longtime veterans of Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry.

The shows will be at the Pemberville Opera House, 115 Main St. Tickets $12 each and are available at Beeker’s General Store, at the door or by contacting Carol Bailey at 419-287-4848 or www.pembervilleoperahouse.org. The concerts are presented by the Pemberville Freedom Area Historical Society.

More on the bands:

Blackthorn has played throughout the Great Lakes region since 1984. Based in Detroit, they can be found regularly at OMaras Pub and Restaurant in Berkley. Other venues include concert halls, universities and festivals, including main stage appearances at the prestigious Michigan Irish Festival and world-renowned Milwaukee Irish Fest.

Metro Detroiters fondly remember Blackthorns annual appearances on J. P. McCarthys St. Patricks Day show on WJR radio in the 1980s and 1990s, and later with Paul W. Smith. They have released seven CDs, and have performed with guest musicians such as members of the Michigan Opera Theater and the Motor City Brass Band. In 2010, Blackthorn was voted Best Folk Band/Artist by the readers of The Detroit Metro Times.

From large festival, to pub, restaurant or intimate performing arts center, Blackthorn provides time tested entertainment. Chuck Ward of the Milwaukee Irish Fest says this about the band, Blackthorn was very well received at Milwaukee Irish Fest, they impressed everyone with their strong and well blended songs. They are strong ambassadors in their commitment to continuing the Irish ballad tradition and a crowd pleasing addition to any festival.”

Richard McMullan: Born and raised in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Richard brings to the stage the stories and songs of his native land. He sings lead vocal and plays guitar, mandolin, cittern, bodhran and bones. Fred Klein: Fred brings a broad background to Blackthorn having played variations of rock and jazz throughout his musical career. He is firmly grounded in Celtic music and plays keyboards, tin whistle, wooden flute and accordion. Gary McMullen: The full spectrum of American and Celtic folk music, with special emphasis on Bluegrass music, best describes Garys background. He plays guitar and 5 string banjo for Blackthorn. Dennis Green: Dennys background includes choral and vocal group training as well as many years of performing in traditional and contemporary folk music ensembles. He plays bass guitar for Blackthorn David Mosher: David has been a full time musician since 1988 and is well known throughout the Midwest in the folk, bluegrass and Celtic music scenes. He plays anything with strings on it, but primarily mandolin and fiddle with Blackthorn.

Tim Graves and the Farm Hands has received over 78 award nominations, winning an unprecedented 34 major awards including Bluegrass Gospel Band of the Year at the 2019 and 2020 Bluegrass Music Awards.

They are one of the busiest touring bands in bluegrass, performing over 150 dates per year.

The group features four award-winning singers, musicians and songwriters, including two long-time veterans of Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry. The group had a No. 1 song, called “Pride.” The song was first released by Ray Price in the 1960s.