Even though this high school junior still resides in Pennsbury Township, he spends a disproportionate share of his time around the world – winning musical accolades in the process.

So when the acclaimed Méara Meara trio performs on Monday, June 27, at the Blue Ball Barn in Wilmington, the venue holds particular appeal for Keegan Loesel, a master of uilleann pipes, whistles, and vocals.

“We are so often playing out of the region, it's nice to have a show at ‘home,’” he said.

Keegan, who has already amassed more accolades than many musicians accrue in a lifetime, will be joined by fellow teen band mates Haley Richardson, a fiddler and vocalist, and Dylan Richardson, who plays guitar and bouzouki, both of whom reside in South Jersey.

Méara Meara, pronounced MARE-uh MAR-uh, is Irish for “lively fingers,” and the group will happily demonstrate them. Its performance with the premier Irish band The Chieftains prompted multi-instrumentalist Tim Edey to proclaim: “Haley, Keegan and Dylan are absolutely astounding musicians and singers with skills and musical emotion that belie their years. Watching them play made me think that here is a true contender to any modern celtic/roots band... watch out scene.”

The trio promises an evening of mighty Irish music at the Wilmington concert, hosted by the Green Willow Folk Club. Haley Richardson recently received the Junior Fiddler of Dooney title and has won seven Mid-Atlantic Fleadh awards and two All-Ireland titles.  Keegan has won 12 Mid-Atlantic Fleadh titles and is also an All-Ireland medalist. Dylan Richardson, while not as interested in competing, has also qualified for the All-Ireland competition, a press release said.

Doors will open at 7 p.m. for a 7:30 p.m. performance at the Blue Ball Barn at 1914 West Park Drive in Wilmington. This relaxed, intimate venue is located in Alapocas Run State Park, just off of Route 202.  Tickets are $15 in advance, and $18 at the door; children 17 and under are free when accompanied by a paying adult.

Seating is limited so reservations are recommended. Email concert ticket reservations to [email protected] or call 302-456-3242.  Advance reservations close at noon on the day of the concert, and cash or checks will be accepted.

In the days preceding the show, Keegan and Haley will compete at the Mid-Atlantic Fleadh in Parsippany, N.J., in solo events and as a duet. They hope to qualify for the All-Ireland Fleadh to be held in August in County Clare, Ireland. Monday’s concert will kick off a brief fundraising effort to help offset their travel costs, the release said.

Keegan’s mother, Lynette Loesel, said she hoped area residents would support the effort, widening their musical horizons in the process. “It's not a common thing around here – this music, and especially these pipes,” she said.

To view their performances, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1SKVXFV8JIU or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXdpRqflyDo. To learn more about the band, visit  http://www.livelyfingers.com/.

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