A conference and concert series at Emory this month will explore the connections between the traditional music of Ireland, Scotland and the American South and examine the role of folk music as a vital part of community, past and present.

"Making Connections: The Celtic Roots of Southern Music," presented by the W.B. Yeats Foundation, will take place at Cannon Chapel April 27-29. Lectures, demonstrations and panel discussions will explore a range of topics, from the migration of fiddle tunes to the role of tradition and innovation in roots music. Concerts will combine the musical traditions of the Celtic lands and the American South.

The conference opens Friday, April 27 with a keynote from American folklorist Henry Glassie, followed by a Scottish Connection concert.

Saturday, April 28 brings lectures, demonstrations and panel discussion, as well as hands-on opportunities to engage with participating master scholars and artists. The day’s events culminate with the Irish Connection concert.

Events conclude Sunday, April 29 with an Appalachian Connection focus. Performances will include Emory resident artists The Vega String Quartet playing fiddle tunes, and will finish with audience participation in "an improvised hootenanny."

"It promises to be a dynamic and enormously fun-filled weekend with a group of first-class artists and scholars focused on a topic of huge importance to anyone with a love of the traditional music of Ireland, Scotland and the American South," says James Flannery, Winship Professor of Arts and Humanities at Emory University.

The W. B. Yeats Foundation, headed by Flannery and based at Emory, promotes a greater understanding and appreciation of Irish culture.

Advance tickets are available until April 26 at these prices: Three-day pass $45/$30 general public/students; Friday $15/$10; Saturday $25/$15; Sunday $15/$10. Tickets at the door: Friday $20/$10; Saturday $30/$15; Sunday $20/$10.

For more information, visit www.wbyeatsfoundation.org.

— Staff Reports