Celtic Duo Joyce Pan and David Aks to Headline Free Friends of Music Concert in Pasadena

Celtic Duo Joyce Pan and David Aks (Photo – PPC)

The acclaimed Celtic Duo of Joyce Pan and David Aks will bring their high-energy, genre-blending sound to the Pasadena Presbyterian Church on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at 7:30 pm. The concert, presented by Friends of Music, is free to the public.

By News Desk

Pan (fiddle) and Aks (cello), both classically trained musicians, found their shared passion for Celtic music after meeting through the Scottish Fiddlers of Los Angeles. Enthralled by the vibrant community and infectious spirit of Celtic fiddling, they soon formed a duo that now performs a style they call “Contemporary Celtic”—a lively fusion of traditional and original compositions, layered with rhythmic grooves that promise an evening of toe-tapping and foot-stomping fun.

Their concert program will feature a rich mix of traditional tunes and original compositions, including pieces like Highlander’s Farewell-On the Wings of a Skorrie, Gloomy Tunes, Dusk, and Joyce’s Reels. Audiences can expect influences from top Celtic artists such as Alasdair Fraser and Natalie Haas, Jeremy Kittel, and Hanneke Cassell.

Pan and Aks recently released a new album, NEW ROADS, which is available for purchase and download on Bandcamp. More details about their music and performances can be found on their Facebook page.

Program

• Highlander’s Farewell-On the Wings of a Skorrie (Trad.)
• Mr. and Mrs. Duncan’s Golden Anniversary (Gordon Duncan)
• The Porthole of the Kelp-The Maids of Mitchelstown (Trad.)
• Gloomy Tunes (J. Pan)
• Dusk (D. Aks)
• Joyce’s Reels (J. Pan)
• Cabin Fever (D. Aks)—Clueless (G. Duncan)—The White Horse Rapids (J.C. Mirandette)
• Boxing Reels (Jeremy Kittel)
• Teppo’s Waltz (Esko Jarvela)
• Ispolskan (Lena Jonsson)
• Maison de Glace-Le Printemps (Rejean and Andre Brunet)
• A Minor Waltz (D. Aks)
• You know that thing? (J. Pan)
• Slide from Grace (John McSherry)—Queen of Rangoon (Brian Finnegan)

Friends of Music: Celtic Duo Concert
May 10, 2025
7:30 pm
Location
Pasadena Presbyterian Church
585 E Colorado Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91101