Join me tonight at the Page-Walker Arts & History Center in Cary for a unique St. Patrick’s Day event. I’ve been asked to kick off an exhibition by four photographers: Patrick Bartley and Heath Clayton of Cary Photographic Artists in Cary, North Carolina; Andrew Kelly of Duleek Photo Group and Andrew Ellis of Navan Camera Club in County Meath, Ireland. The title of the exhibition is At the Edges of the Day.

Organizers say “the exhibition explores the people, places, economy and culture of Sister Cities (Twinning) Cary, North Carolina and County Meath, Ireland as seen through the eyes of these photographers. Both communities have undergone tremendous population and economic growth. The four photographers illuminate and illustrate this change in the people, land and culture. The term At The Edges of the Day is drawn from what photographers commonly call the best ‘lighting’ to capture a subject.”

The Irish photographers came to Cary last fall when the landscape was ablaze in all of its autumnal glory. Mix in the pageantry of Cary Band Day, the State Fair and a red hot political climate and you have a recipe for some rich photographic art. The Cary photographers travelled to County Meath earlier in 2008 and immersed themselves in the beauty and history of the ancient land. New friendships were born in this wonderful cultural exchange and fresh eyes were cast upon foreign landscapes resulting in some highly creative new images.

I will initiate the program with some of my Celtic music. I will also talk about Irish influences on both my music and book Blue Ridge Reunion. The program starts are 7:00P.M. I hope to see many of you there.

What are you doing to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day? Any green griddle cakes?   Please share.