A once-in-a-lifetime concert in September 2002 brought together top country and bluegrass stars with the legendary Irish band The Chieftains to celebrate the ties that bind Ireland’s enduring musical heritage to the heartland of America.

This superb concert led to the production of the television special THE CHIEFTAINS: DOWN THE OLD PLANK ROAD, to air in June on more than 125 PBS stations across the country (check local listings). Pulitzer Prize-winning author Frank McCourt serves as program host.

Filmed at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium, and based on The Chieftains’ 40th album, DOWN THE OLD PLANK ROAD (RCA Victor), the performances blend authentic Celtic instrumentation, composition, and arrangements on songs with deep roots in both Irish and American music. The repertoire is laced with enchanting folk ballads, lullabies, and traditional tunes -- sometimes from Ireland, sometimes from America, and sometimes shared by both musical traditions.

An all-star line-up of guest performers include Emmylou Harris, Martina McBride, Alison Krauss, Earl Scruggs, Ricky Skaggs, John Hiatt, Tim O’Brien, Patty Griffin, Gillian Welch and David Rawlings, and Jeff White. In addition, the program is sprinkled with dancers doing traditional square dance, clogging, and Irish step dance. Featured are the Opry Square Dancers, the Nashville Irish Step Dancers, and two-time Canadian Ottawa Valley Step Dancing champions Jon and Nathan Pilatzke.

This concert was the final performance of Chieftain Derek Bell, who had been with the band for nearly thirty years and unexpectedly passed away only a few weeks after the concert. The program is a tribute to his life.

The Essential Chieftains

Further Down the Old Plank Road

The Wide World Over

Water From the Well

Tears of Stone

Long Black Veil

The Bells of Dublin

Live From Patrick Street

Cherish the Ladies: Woman of the House

Tannahill Weavers: Arnish Light