Irish Music in Murphys

Murphys, Ca-- A Celtic band will present the first in a series of concerts by regional musicians  at the historic First Congregational Church this Sunday afternoon.
"Cooking with Turf" will play beginning at 2 p.m. Sunday at the sanctuary at the corner of Church and Algiers streets, one block uphill from the Murphys Hotel. Refreshments will be served at intermission. A donation of $7 will be asked for at the door with the proceeds going to the musicians.
The series of concerts is sponsored by the church as a community outreach, and to provide the talented pool of local and regional musicians an opportunity to perform close to home. The band members in "Cooking With Turf" come from the Mother Lode and nearby valley towns, and play in venues from the Bay Area to the foothills. They specialize in traditional Irish and Scottish tunes.
The first congregation in Murphys was founded at the same site in 1853, and the old sanctuary building is pointed out as part of the weekly historic tours given by the local museum.
The schedule for later concerts is not yet established, but plans include music by groups that perform classics, jazz, vocal ensembles and individual performers. For inquiries about future performances contact the church office at  209-728-3141 or coordinator Sanders LaMont at 209-890-3172.