‘The Belles of St. Louis’ celebrate Irish music and culture with St. Patrick’s Day show

By STLPR

St. Louis Irish musicians Eimear Arkins and Eileen Gannon have performed and toured together for 10 years. In that time, they’ve seen the region’s music scene grow and thrive.

“The word is starting to get out about how St. Louis is a good place to be a musician, which I'm very proud of,” said Gannon, the director of St. Louis Irish Arts. “People have started moving here and setting up shop, and there's plenty of gigs to go around.”

The fiddle-and-harp duo’s new album “The Belles of St. Louis” showcases their favorite Irish folk tunes and songs. They’ll perform music from the album, and new material, at their annual St. Patrick’s Day concert on Sunday at the Focal Point in Maplewood.

Born and raised in County Clare, Ireland, Arkins moved to St. Louis 10 years ago and now teaches Irish music and dance. She said that interest in Irish culture is increasing among St. Louisans, whether or not they have Irish ancestry.

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