Shaw Brothers at MCA

ORONO – They’re an institution in their home state of New Hampshire. In fact, they are often referred to as that state’s “ambassadors to the world.” Now the Shaw Brothers are bringing their much-acclaimed musical act to Maine with a performance at 8 p.m. Saturday, June 3, at the Maine Center for the Arts.

The Shaw brothers are not just brothers, they are identical twins who have performed together since they were undergraduates at the University of New Hampshire in the 1960s. They have recorded more than a dozen albums for major labels, including RCA and Columbia. And as members of the popular Hillside Singers in the 1970s, Rick and Ron Shaw recorded one of the biggest international hits of all-time, “I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing.”

The Shaws have appeared on numerous top television shows including the “Today Show,” “Wide World of Entertainment” and “Hootenanny,” as well as in five of their own public television specials.

Accompanying themselves on guitar, banjo and other instruments, the Shaw Brothers blend traditional folk tunes with contemporary songs. You’re likely to hear everything from Scottish sea shanties to the brothers’ most recent original folk hits. They’re also well-known for interspersing humor and stories with their music.

The June 3 show, sponsored by the University of Maine Alumni Association, takes place during the university’s reunion weekend. Proceeds will benefit the alumni association, an independent nonprofit organization which supports the university and its students and provides services to UM alumni nationwide. Tickets are $20 for orchestra seats and $15 for the balcony. Members of the alumni association will receive a $2 discount on tickets.

For information, call 581-1755.