The folk-music duo, Men of Worth, was formed by James Keigher (Ireland) and Donnie Macdonald (Scotland) in 1986. Both exiles, it was through the Celtic music scene in Southern California that James and Donnie first met, and within a couple of years a partnership developed that was simultaneously serious and fun.
Geographical changes now find James and Donnie living in Southern Oregon and Northern California respectively. Whilst remaining true to their Gaelic roots, Men of Worth have successfully evolved as entertainers. Success breeds success, and a natural progression toward education and travel has sealed an exciting and pioneering era for the versatile duo.
Together Men of Worth blend their voices with harmony and support their collection of songs with their varied selection of instruments. They have a very simple approach to their presentation, and in keeping with tradition, remain true to the music and story. Their show is a unique combination of humor, exciting tunes, and soulful, heartfelt ballads.
Men of Worth are an international act, and have earned much respect and success in over thirty years of touring together. Cultural presentations in Schools have received rave reviews by students and teachers alike. Performing concerts and festivals, with twelve albums to their credit, Men of Worth continue the very tradition from which they've evolved.
Donnie Macdonald comes from the Isle of Lewis, one of the Hebridean Islands off the west coast of Scotland. Writing tunes and original songs in both his first language, Gaelic and in English, Donnie presents the music from his native Scotland with passion and humour. Donnie performs on vocals, octave mandolin, tenor banjo, concertina, and bodhran.
James Keigher comes from Co. Mayo in the west of Ireland. He is a singer, writer and collector of traditional and contemporary folk music. James was raised in Charlestown, a small rural community setting, steeped in traditional music and stories. He performs on vocals, guitar, mando-cello, and bodhran.
For more information visit www.menofworth.com.
Speaker Info Here
Update 2020 Apr 14: Due to the COVID-19 situation, the 2020 Summer Series has been cancelled. Tickets will not go on sale.
Tickets can be purchased at ucsctickets.com starting May 13th, 2020 at Noon.
Join Friends of Lick Observatory (FoLO) and Get Tickets Early
If you'd like to purchase tickets as early as noon on May 6th, 2020, join our Friends of Lick Observatory (FoLO) program by March 1st, 2020. As a thank you for supporting the observatory, you'll get special access to purchase tickets before they go on sale for the general public.
General Admission: $50
Ticket includes concert seating, astronomy lecture, view through the Great Refractor telescope, view through the Nickel Telescope and souvenir wine glass or mug.
Preferred Guest: $90
Ticket includes preferred concert seating, astronomy lecture, preferred viewing through the Great Refractor telescope, preferred viewing through the Nickel Telescope, souvenir wine glass or mug, 20% discount at the gift shop.
VIP: $199
Ticket includes private group tour of the Shane Telescope starting 2.5 hours before the concert, catered buffet dinner in our historic Dining Hall, front center concert seating, astronomy lecture, priority viewing through the 36-inch Great Refractor, priority viewing through the 40-inch Nickel Telescope, souvenir wine glass or mug and 20% Discount at our gift shop.
Due to the historic construction of the telescope domes and safety concerns, the 36-inch Great Refractor Telescope and the 40-inch Nickel Telescope are not wheelchair accessible at this time. Those who have difficulty navigating stairs may also find the telescopes inaccessible. Funds are being raised through the Friends of Lick Observatory to repair the elevating floor of the Lick 36-inch telescope to re-enable handicap access.
Tickets are non-refundable. Limit of four tickets per customer. Please be advised that unpredictable weather patterns may restrict telescope viewings, though lectures, concerts and other activities will still take place.
Please note: Due to safety regulations and the nature of the event, children must be at least 12 years of age for admission and accompanied by an adult.
7:00 p.m. | Doors Open | Brief Telescope Visits |
8:00 p.m. | Concert, Main Hall | |
9:00 p.m. | Science Talk, Lecture Hall | Telescope Viewings |
10:00 p.m. | Science Talk (repeated), Lecture Hall | Telescope Viewings |
12:30 a.m. | Doors Close |
Driving to Lick Observatory
Please allow a one-hour drive from San Jose. The road is good, but windy. The event typically lasts between 4 and 6 hours; prepare to drive home late in the evening. There are no automative services or gas stations for 20 miles, so please plan ahead. See more information on driving directions and parking here.
Recommended Attire
Casual, comfortable clothing and walking shoes. A sweater or coat is recommended.
Safety
Please be careful when walking around in the dark outside; bringing a flashlight is recommended. Children under the age of 12 are not allowed at this event.
Telescopes
The large telescopes will be available for viewing as soon as the sky is dark. Telescopes will remain open until every guest has had an opportunity to see through both the 36-inch Great Refractor and the 40-inch Nickel Telescope.
In order to view through the telescopes, guests will receive a numbered pass at the door. Guests with the lowest telescope numbers are admitted to the telescopes first - so we recommend getting to the observatory early! Please note: Due to historic construction of the telescope domes, the 36-inch Refractor and the 40-inch Nickel Telescope are not wheelchair accessible at this time.
Volunteer amateur astronomers also set up ground telescopes in the back parking so guests can view additional cosmic objects.
Gift Shop
Lick Observatory souvenirs and astronomy merchandise will be available for purchase between 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. You can also visit our Gift Shop online 24/7.
Refreshments
Snacks and beverages will be available near the Nickel Telescope. Vending machines and fountain water are also available.
Assistance
We strive to make your visit as complete and meaningful as possible. Please let us know if you will need special assistance (for example, if you will have difficulty climbing stairs), so we can make the necessary arrangements.
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