Covington County will have the unique opportunity to experience authentic Irish music as Celtic Crossroads visits Andalusia Wednesday.

Celtic Crossroads is a live musical performance featuring seven musicians, two step-dancers and 20 instruments, including the bagpipes and the harp. The show will be Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the Dixon Center on the campus of Lurleen B. Wallace Community College in Andalusia.

“This is definitely true Celtic music,” said Paula Harr, executive director of the Covington Arts Council, which brought the show to Andalusia. “These are all young musicians who are from Ireland. They do typical Irish ballads, but also music that has a lot of energy and fun.”

Harr said the performance is heartfelt because music plays a significant role in Irish culture and family life. She also added that Celtic music has been an influence on a variety of other musical genres, including bluegrass.

“When I go to my booking conferences each year, there’s always some act that causes a ‘buzz,’” she said. “This last year, Celtic Crossroads was the show everyone was talking about and saying, ‘You have to see them.’ We’ve been looking to bring in something with Celtic music for some time, and this act is perfect.

“We’re very lucky to have this show come to Andalusia. It will blow you away, whether you’re Irish or not.”

Tickets cost $15 for adults, and $7 for students. They are available at Ansley Place, Brooks Hardware, Harold’s Discount Furniture or at the door.

“We’re hoping everyone will come out and enjoy the music,” Harr said. “It’s definitely something for the whole family.”

Celtic Crossroads is the third of four performances in the CAC’s 2008-09 season. The final performance is the Broadway musical Bye Bye Birdie, slated for Thurs., Feb. 19.