In January 1978, the Green Fields of America was the first ensemble of traditional ethnic performing artists to tour the United States under official U.S. government sponsorship. Forty years later, they celebrated their anniversary of sharing Irish and Irish American music and dance with the world at the 2018 Folklife Festival.

While the lineup of the group ebbs and flows over the years, this particular performance at the Festival featured Liz Hanley on fiddle and vocals, Mick Moloney on mandolin, Athena Tergis on fiddle, Billy McComiskey on button accordion, and Brenda Castles on concertina. The lyrics of “Sanctuary” were written by contemporary Irish poet and playwright Vincent Woods, recalling the blue-green mountains of his homeland.

The concert was made possible in part by the support of the Embassy of Ireland, USA.

Elisa Hough is the editor for the Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage.