NORWICH – Just when you think that you have seen the best the Irish music has to offer, a fresh new show from Ireland is taking the art form to an entirely new level. On Saturday at 7 p.m., Celtic Crossroads will perform at the Martin W. Kappel Theater in Norwich.

The name Celtic Crossroads originates from a time in Ireland when neighboring communities met at the crossroads between towns and villages to socialize – long before the pub tradition began. With a focus on keeping the tradition of Irish music alive, each performer nurtures this bygone concept, but by virtue of their young age and raw talent, they high-kick this tradition into the 21st Century. True high-kicking from some of Ireland’s best-respected Irish dancers intensifies the pulsating rhythms of the show.

The show itself, incorporating seven world-class musicians, playing over twenty instruments on stage, is a fantastic spectacle. From start to finish audiences are captivated by a wonderful fusion of musical genres, such as Eastern European Gypsy, North American Bluegrass, world Classical and Jazz, and the various forms of Celtic music from around Europe and the rest of the world.

One of Ireland’s most respected composers and conductor, Frank McNamara, originator of the Irish Tenors, has said that the live show is “Without a doubt, the most exciting musical show to come out of Ireland in decades.”

National and international accolades, awards and championship medals are too numerous to mention for this young cast, who tour to sold out houses throughout Europe, Ireland, America, South America and Asia.

Tickets for Celtic Crossroads range in price from $16 to $24.50, with discounts for seniors and members of the arts council. Student tickets are always $10.

Celtic Crossroads is being sponsored by NBT Bank and the New York State Council on the Arts, a state agency.

This is the second performance in the Council of the Arts’ 2010/11 Performance Series. Upcoming performances include Jim Witter’s Christmas Memories on Dec. 12; m-pact on Feb. 5; and The John Henrys on March 11.

The Chenango County Council of the Arts is located at 27 West Main Street, Norwich. For tickets call 336-ARTS (2787) or go to the Council’s website at chenangoarts.org.