DANNY ELLIS RETURNS TO DIANA WORTHAM THEATRE WITH STUNNING 800 VOICES ON MARCH 9 AND A NEW SHOW AN IRISHMAN IN AMERICA ON MARCH 10

Irish-born and now-Asheville resident Danny Ellis performs 800 Voices, his highly lauded musical memoir of his childhood in an Irish orphanage on Friday, March 9 at 8:00pm and his new show An Irishman in America, featuring music from his latest cd release, The Space Between The Lines, on Saturday, March 10 at 8:00pm at Diana Wortham Theatre at Pack Place in downtown Asheville. Since touring the show in Dublin, London and across America, Danny Ellis has garnered much attention for his well-crafted and beautifully told memoir: the book is set for release in September of this year, and the musical premieres in Dublin in Spring 2013. Joining Danny for his March performances in Asheville are Duncan Wickel on fiddle and whistles, Daniel Barber on keyboard and percussion, and Zach Page on bass.

800 Voices is a cinematic, uplifting and poignant journey through Danny’s remarkable experiences as a child and testament to the fact that we endure, even thrive, not despite obstacles and loss but because of them. When he last presented 800 Voices to a packed Diana Wortham Theatre in March 2010, it was met with high acclaim; John Ellis, Managing Director of Diana Wortham Theatre, describes the response: “At the end of this surprisingly uplifting performance, the audience instantly rose as one … Following the final bow, the audience lingered in the theatre longer than I have ever seen – not wanting to leave – wanting to stay and talk about what they had just experienced.”

Danny’s extensive history as a bandleader, arranger, songwriter and performer are spotlighted the following night with his March 10th presentation of An Irishman in America. The evening features songs from his latest release, The Space Between the Lines, along with a rich tapestry of musical genres that have inspired him throughout his fifty-year musical career and the journeys through the many places that he lived before deciding to make Asheville his home.

Since the age of eight when he joined the school band, music has been a driving force in Danny Ellis’ life – and ultimately his saving grace. Although not known as a trombone player, it was actually Danny’s first instrument in school and his main instrument during his time touring for a decade with Irish showbands Graham Parker & The Rumour and The Foundations. Audiences will have the opportunity to hear his trombone playing at the March 10th concert. After a decade of touring Europe and several years working as a session singer in London’s Abbey Road Studios, Danny immigrated to America in 1991, ultimately settling in Asheville. He is a much sought after teacher of voice and songwriting, and has taught at the renowned Swannanoa Gathering. Danny has worked and performed with David Wilcox, Peggy Seeger, and Kat Williams as well as hundreds of students. Most recently, Danny worked with John Doyle and co-produced his latest album.

Danny Ellis’ performances are made possible by Mainstage Special Attractions Series Sponsors Arby’s and Diamond Brand Outdoors, with additional support from Media Sponsor The Laurel of Asheville.

To obtain more information about Danny Ellis’ performances on March 9 and 10 at Diana Wortham Theatre or to purchase tickets (Regular $30; Student $25; Children $12), call the theatre’s box office at (828) 257-4530 or visit www.dwtheatre.com. Student Rush tickets ($10 for students with valid I.D.) are sold the day of the show, based on availability.

The Diana Wortham Theatre at Pack Place is located in the heart of the Pack Square Cultural District in downtown Asheville, within walking distance of many shops and restaurants. The intimate theatre seats just over 500 and boasts exceptional acoustics and sightlines, making it the premier performance space in all of Western North Carolina. The Mainstage Series is supported by a grant from the North Carolina Arts Council, a state agency. The Mainstage Series 2011/2012 season sponsors are Asheville Citizen-Times, Asheville Renaissance Hotel, Creative Energy, Laurey’s Catering and Gourmet-to-go, the North Carolina Arts Council, and Blue Moon Water.