Long Beach, Wash. — The Peninsula Arts Center presents Johnny B. Connolly in his first appearance at the arts center for a benefit concert beginning at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22. Cary Novotny, an outstanding guitarist and entertaining vocalist, will join Connolly on stage during the concert.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and tickets are $12 at the door. Wine, beer and other refreshments will be available for purchase.

Connolly is an accomplished button accordionist whose talents have taken him across continents, performing and recording with internationally renowned artists Kevin Burke and The Chieftains. Born and raised in Dublin, Ireland, Connolly has been immersed in Irish traditional music since he was 8 years old. By the age of 15, he was performing with musicians twice his age, and at age 17, he earned a slot with the acclaimed Celtic group Anam. For the next two years, Connolly continued to build his reputation in Dublin’s trad scene and abroad with Anam, appearing throughout Europe and Ireland.

In 1996, he left Anam and crossed the Atlantic, performing in New York City and Boston before heading west to live in Portland. There, he merged his talents with those of guitarist Aidan Brennan, forming a duo that has entertained audiences from Alaska to Louisiana.

Connolly’s friendship with Kevin Burke (legendary Irish fiddler and fellow Portlander) led him to record “Bridgetown.” Named for his adopted home, “Bridgetown” is a sparkling collection of Irish and French tunes that includes guest appearances by Brennan, Burke, Skip Parente and Jim Chapman.

Novotny has been actively involved in the Irish music scene for 20 years. His trademark sound has made him one of the most in-demand guitar players in Irish music today. With unerring rhythm, boundless energy and versatility, he varies from breakneck speed to delicate finger-style in the blink of an eye. Novotny was a founding member of former Lord of the Dance fiddle-duo The Bridies and Portland’s venerable Irish band Cul an Ti.

The Peninsula Arts Center is located at 504 Pacific Ave. N. For information, call 360-642-2011 or visit www.peninsulaartscenter.org. Concerts benefit the Long Beach Peninsula Acoustic Music Association, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization.