El Camino Real de Nacogdoches members, from left to right, Robbie Roach, Jon Hall, Charlie Jones and Mark McLain perform at the museum’s Fall Jamboree in September. The band will perform on the Stephen F. Austin State University campus during the Stone Fort Museum’s St. Patrick’s Day concert from 2 to 3 p.m. March 11.
This year’s St. Patrick’s Day concert marks the return of the annual event since the last one was canceled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to Carolyn Spears, Stone Fort Museum director, Irish settlers brought their traditions to Nacogdoches in the 19th century, with more than 3,000 Irish people listed on the 1860 census. The St. Patrick’s Day concert will showcase Celtic, bluegrass, traditional country, Appalachian, folk and other music genres.
“This concert will allow us to enjoy traditional music from Ireland, as well as music that celebrates the rich history of Texas,” Spears said. “Live performances such as this allow us to connect to our musical heritage in the same way that hands-on activities help learners connect to their studies.”
According to the rotating ensemble that makes up El Camino Real de Nacogdoches, the band is East Texas’ answer to the Old Crow Medicine Show, an Americana string band based in Nashville, Tennessee. The group plays old-time acoustic music using the fiddle, guitars, mandolin, banjos and percussion.
El Camino Real de Nacogdoches formed in 2002 and has played at a variety of art, theatrical and musical events associated with SFA. It also has been featured during Nacogdoches’ annual Texas Blueberry Festival, Old-Time Christmases at Millard’s Crossing Historic Village and The Pine Knot Music Co-op. In 2017, the band released its first CD, “Camino Real: The Nacogdoches Sessions.”
The concert is free and open to the public. The band will perform on the north lawn of the museum, weather permitting. Light refreshments will be served and will include traditional Irish treats.
For more information, contact Spears at cspears@sfasu.edu or (936) 468-2408.
