Irish Trad Music Blog

By STEPHANIE GOMES (sgomes@pjstar.com) Journal Star Why are so many drawn to Irish culture whether or not they are natives of the country? Third-generation Irish Sean Sullivan of Brimfield offered his answer: "The Irish are just good people. It's like camaraderie. Everybody enjoys each other's company." When asked about the beer, he replied, "Well, that's a given. Nothing like Irish music and a Guinness." The bagpipes blowing at the entrance of Festival Park on Friday signaled the first day of the annual Irish festival Erin Feis, which is sponsored by the St. Patrick Society of Peoria and the Peoria Park District. The first day of the event, called "The Gathering," featured music, food and drink vendors and cultural exhibits. The event continues Saturday and Sunday with dozens of music and dance performances scheduled. "It's a family-oriented activity," said event co-chairman John Martin, "It gives people the opportunity to s...

In three years Ceann have become one of the most successful independent bands in the country. Over the last two years Ceann have played more shows than any other national touring Irish band in the country. They've sold more CD's and have appeared or have had their music played on more radio stations than 80% of all bands releasing CD's on music labels over the same two-year period. They're latest album "Making Friends" was one of the top charting Independent national releases on the CMJ music charts. It was picked up by over 200 stations nationally and they were also the top charting unsigned band in from any genre in any category. Because of their unparalleled success in radio and CD sales, Ceann have been singled out by music industry executives as one of the most successful business models for independent music artists. Musically Ceann have made a name for themselves as one of the most fun, entertaining and musically adventurous bands in the country. With t...

By Paul Keating This week the town of Tullamore will be abuzz with traditional Irish music as one of the largest gathering of traditional Irish musicians and students descend upon the Offaly town. With the convening of Scoil Eigse and Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann, the annual Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann event that may draw over 200,000 tradheads to the Midlands in one of the largest cultural displays in Ireland, the focus will be on the musicians living and deceased who are credited with making all this magic happen year after year. One of the most storied musicians in the entire history of trad music, Paddy O’Brien, will certainly be remembered through many of his compositions as the tunes are taught, learned and shared over the week-long celebration. And earlier this summer with the release of a new publication, The Definitive Collection of the Music of Paddy O’Brien 1922-1991, launched at both the Willie Clancy Summer School and the Catskills Irish Arts Week by his daughter Eileen O’...

COSCÁN is a four piece Trad / Contemporary Folk band based in Slane, Co. Meath, Ireland. We play an exciting style of world music and song incorporating contemporary music and Traditional music from Scotland, Galicia and South America with emphasis on our root music - Traditional Irish Music. Having performed at various festivals and venues throughout Ireland e.g. Fiddler's Green Festival in Rostrevor, Co. Down, Tara Solstice Festival, Le Cheíle Festival and the National Concert Hall to name but a few, we have supported some well known bands such as The Dubliners, Kíla and Four Men & a Dog. COSCÁN has also performed live on several Irish radio shows e.g. Áine Hensey's The Late Session, Kieran Hanrahan's Céilí House, Ryan Tubridy's The Tubridy Show and the RTÉ TV documentary covering the Autumn Equinox at Loughcrew in Co. Meath. This year we will perform at some well known festivals throughout Ireland, such as: Celtic Fusion International Festival, Fiddlers Green In...

COSCÁN, the traditional Irish music group will play a headlining show at the Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann on Friday next, 21st August in Tullamore. They will headline the concert on main stage on the Friday night in the town. The band plays traditional and folk music and includes three men from the Slane area: Gerry Doggett on fiddle, accordion and tin whistle, David Nevin on bodhrán, percussion, keyboards and vocals, and Harry Long who plays low whistle, tin whistle and vocals; as well as John Shankey from Nobber who plays guitar and vocals. They will also play in Malones in Kingscourt on Saturday 12th September at 10.30pm, and two shows in the Oldcastle House Hotel on Saturday 29th August and Saturday 26th September. Coscán recently launched their new album 'Dinnseanchas' (Lore of Places) in Doyle's of Slane. They just played the Ballyshannon Folk Festival which was an amazing success for the band. They also performed at the Celtic Fusion International Music and Arts festiva...

The annual O'Carolan Harp, Cultural and Heritage Festival will takes place in Nobber from Thursday 1st October until Sunday 4th October and will feature a wide range of events, including the legendary Kilfenora Ceili Band and Sileas, the renowned Scottish harpers. On the opening night of the festival, archaeologist Matthew Seaver will give a talk on Nobber and the Barony of Morgallion in Nobber Community Hall at 8pm, under the auspices of Meath Archaeological and Historical Society. Sileas will play in O'Carolan College on Friday 2nd October, with support from harpists Dearbhail Finnegan and Cormac De Barra. This is the first time that Sileas has played at the O'Carolan Festival, and their playing will add to the centuries-old relationship between Irish and Scottish harpers. On Saturday 3rd October at 11am in O'Carolan College, Kathleen Loughnane from Nenagh will give a talk on 'The Harpers Connellan'. The brothers Thomas and William Connellan were born in Co. S...

Don’t miss the exciting Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann this weekend in Tullamore www.fleadh2009.com Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann is one of the premier cultural events in Europe and it’s set to leave its distinctive mark as the annual festival of music, song and dance began its exciting and innovative programme of events this week. It is expected that the event will bring over 230,000 visitors, 10,000 performers and 131 competitions to the town of Tullamore and generate up to €30 million The 59th Fleadh made a welcome return to Tullamore, Co Offaly having been hosted in the midlands town for the past three years, following phenomenal success. Each year, the Fleadh provides a meeting place for those who carry on the great traditions of playing and cherishing our music, songs and dance. The Fleadh includes Scoil Éigse, which comprises of a week of workshops and classes of Irish traditional music, song and dance and the Fleadh weekend follows including the World’s Largest Session Attempt and its c...

At the Masters of Tradition festival, the main requirement is ‘to be who you are’, according to its curator, Martin Hayes – a generous invitation which this year’s headline act, who combine Sliabh Luachra muscularity with Clare finesse, do not take for granted, writes SIOBHÁN LONG . ‘THE IDEA IS that you don’t have to do any cartwheels here to entertain the audience,” explains Martin Hayes, sharing his vision for this year’s Masters of Tradition festival, an event that’s grown organically over little more than a handful of years. “You don’t have to do anything except be yourself – that’s the message I give everybody who plays here. You don’t need to impress the audience, because they expect you to be who you are.” Masters of Tradition has nurtured its audience with care, and has seen it grow incrementally, with some crossover from the chamber-music fan base built up by West Cork Music. It’s the notes (and, at times, the space between the notes) that matter, not simply the genre of musi...

THE ARTS: It shouldn’t be left to politicians and economists to show the way forward for Ireland’s economy – our traditional musicians have their own story to tell and a long history of healing ills, writes SIOBHÁN LONG SEPTEMBER LOOMS large, and with it the prospect of a raft of swingeing cuts that threaten to decimate the arts. There’s no doubting the need for some radical reform, but since when did we define ourselves primarily as an “economy”? Is there more to Ireland and to the Irish identity than a dumpster full of bad bank(er)s, errant developers and slumbering regulators? Do we run the risk of tossing the baby out with the bathwater if we respond in purely economic terms to our current crisis? For years, we’ve dined out on the kudos that came with the success of Riverdance and its countless spin-offs. We revelled in the perception of Ireland as a country rich in a tradition which we carefully stewarded into the 21st century. But is it possible that some of the answers to our cu...

Sadly, the end of 2008 saw the passing of one of the most popular of Irish traditional musicians in the USA, accordionist Joe Madden. Joe emigrated from his native Co. Galway in 1956. This set of reels, featuring Joe, his daughter Joannie (one of the great exponents of the concert flute and leader of "Cherish the Ladies") and Felix Dolan on piano was recorded in April 2004 at the Comhaltas North American Convention in Parsippany, New Jersey. Joe introduces the reels, including "The Caucus" and two which he learned from the playing of Mike Rafferty and Johnny Doherty. The wonderful rapport between himself and Joannie is evident in the music.

Press release submitted by i wireless Center THE ENCHANTING PRINCESSES OF SONG CELTIC WOMAN ANNOUNCE BRAND-NEW 2009 "ISLE OF HOPE" TOUR Coming To The i wireless Center October 11 (August 13, 2009) – The international Irish music phenomenon, CELTIC WOMAN, will play the Quad Cities on Sunday, October 11 at 7:30 pm at the i wireless Center in an intimate theater setting. Tickets start at $32.50 and go on sale Monday, August 24 at 10 am. Tickets are available at the i wireless Center box office, by calling 800-745-3000, all Ticketmaster outlets, or visiting www.ticketmaster.com. Four years ago Celtic Woman traveled from Ireland to America and captivated millions with their inspiring songs of hope and love. Their incredible journey to stardom has been like a dream come true for vocalists Chloe, Lisa, Lynne, Alex and Celtic violinist Mairead. The 2009 "Isle of Hope" tour will dazzle the eye, enchant the ear and stimulate both the mind and the heart. Fans have the opportun...

passionfruittheatre.com Saturday 19th September 8.30pm, Tickets €15 Phone 086 3338457/Email fiona@passionfruittheatre.com "EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC AND EXHILARATION of a new, exciting show brought to you by five young people who delight in the musical traditions of Ireland, Scotland and Canada." This combination of instrument and dance thrills the audience with its vitality, passion and exuberance. Triona Marshall (harp), Jon Pilatzke (fiddle), Cara Butler (Irish stepdance), and Nathan Pilatzke (Ottawa Valley stepdance) take temporary leave from the iconic show of The Chieftains with whom they have toured for many years. Add to this the sonorous voice and guitar of Jef McLarnon, and you have a show that will live in the memory."

Congratulations Congratulations to local girl Audrey Murphy who qualified in four different competitions at the recent Leinster Fleadh in Wicklow on the weekend of July 10-12 last. The 19-year-old went through in the Fiddle Slow Airs, Whistle Slow Airs, Flute Show Airs and Whistle general competitions and now goes forward to represent Leinster at the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Tullamore on August 21 to 23 next. Audrey is wished the best of luck in all competitions. Music Lessons Traditional music lessons on tin whistle, flute and fiddle for all ages, from beginners to advanced now available in Glasson. For further information contact 086 3790754. Westmeath Independent

Internationally acclaimed celebrities including Michael Flatley, The Pogues, Moya Brennan, Phil Coulter, Ash, Brian Kennedy, Sir James & Lady Galway, sportsman Wayne McCullough and multi-millionaire entrepreneur Bill Wolsey, have today come together to lead in supporting the future of Ireland's world renowned Francis McPeake School of Music by purchasing tiles within the Mosaic of Support. The Mosaic of Support is the brainchild of Francis McPeake IV and has been created to encourage musicians, businesses and music lovers across the globe to become a supporter of the school by purchasing a tile within the Mosaic to keep the dream of learning traditional music alive. An integral part of Belfast's musical culture, the school of excellence has provided thousands of pupils with traditional music tuition in its 32-year history and the Mosaic of Support will raise funds to take the school forward. Attending the official launch of the campaign in The Merchant Hotel, Belfast, The L...

Irish Music and Winter Activities: in January 2010, Tradschool is organising an Irish Music / Winter Activity trip in Ceillac (Parc Régional du Queyras, 05) in association with France Outdoors .

(Kayos) Switzerland's legendary Montreux Jazz Festival has always boasted a variety of talent, in all musical genres. In 1997, it proudly hosted a feast of Irish culture, when The Chieftains graced the stage. On September 1, Eagle Rock Entertainment, through its Eagle Eye subsidiary, will bring this special performance to DVD, when Live At Montreux 1997 hits stores. Bringing a unique aesthetic to the Montreux stage, The Chieftains effortlessly engaged the crowd on this night. Celebrating a stellar 35-year career at the time, they brought their seemless blend of Irish culture, folk, pop, and classical influences to the festival. Complete with special appearances from step-dancers and bagpipe players, this is a set that gave a whole new flair to the jazz festival. One of the first bands to popularize traditional Irish music, The Chieftains have enjoyed a long and celebrated career, and are still undisputed as one of the greatest Irish folk bands of all time. Originally founded in 19...

Have you ever yearned to play an Irish fiddle tune, to learn intricate step-dancing footwork or to speak the Irish language of the Aran Islands? Classes for everyone from "absolute beginners" through advanced are offered this fall at the Irish Arts Center at 553 West 51st Street in Manhattan. Registration begins Tuesday, September 8, with classes starting on September 21. The term runs for eight weeks. Musical instruction includes lessons in playing the fiddle, Celtic harp, Irish banjo, Bodhran, tin whistle and bagpipes. Try a beginning step-dancing class or polish up the dances you already know while getting quite an "aerobic workout." Learn footwork and technique for Ceili dancing or take an introduction to set dances. The Irish language is taught at four levels of experience beginning with introductory, and moving forward with vocabulary and grammar for conversational use. Tuition varies according to class and there is a discount for members of the Irish Arts Cen...

FLEADH Cheoil na hÉireann is often described as the Olympics of Traditional Irish music, culture, song and dance. The 59th Fleadh will take place in Tullamore between August 16- 23 and is going to be even bigger and better then the two previous years. The Fleadh Cheoil has found a wonderful home in Tullamore and has enjoyed phenomenal success over the past two years since its inaugural visit to Tullamore in 2007. It is expected that the event will bring over 250,000 visitors, 10,000 performers and over 100 competitions to Tullamore over the nine day period. It is one of the premier cultural events in Ireland and one of the largest in Europe. Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann began in 1951 and has increased in popularity and size over the past fifty years. It will include thousands of musicians, dancers and storytellers from all over Ireland, the UK, Europe, Asia, Australia, and the USA. Each year, the Fleadh provides a meeting place for those who carry on the great traditions of playing and ch...

GALWAY ADVERTISER, JULY 30, 2009. Michelle Lally, Frankie Gavin, Ron Wood, and World Fleadh organiser Eric Cunningham. By Kevin Mcguire OVER THE past three years Headford’s Eric Cunningham has been staging concerts and performances showcasing the best of Irish trad and Celtic music through his World Fleadh festivals. Co Kerry played host to the first World Fleadh in 2006 and brought together the most celebrated performers of Irish music, song, and dance. In 2007 and 2008 the festival moved to Portlaoise and was generally considered an outstanding success. Eric always harboured the ambition of bringing his music extravaganza to his home province and next week he makes that dream a reality when the World Fleadh takes place in Castlebar, Co Mayo. From Friday July 31 to Saturday August 8 the Royal Theatre Castlebar will play host to The Saw Doctors, Moving Hearts, Mary Black, Sharon Shannon, Frankie Gavin, and American country stars such as Randy Travis, Martina McBride, Hal Ketchum, and G...

"The beginner, and strangers coming to this music, should not, initially, bother with the forms of ornamentation. It will be time enough to begin decorating the music when one has impressed the rhythm on the ear and by practice acquired a certain agility with the fingers. It is his rhythm which distinguishes the performer who plays as to the manner born. When beginning to learn this music one should aim to play in that manner. There is no difficulty in doing this, in becoming a native, provided one listens only to genuine players and one has chosen an instrument on which no other form of training had been received." – from Breandán Breathnach's "Introduction," CRE 2 , xiv. Bold emphasis added by me. That valuable and carefully phrased thought reminds us all at once of the four most important tips: Tip 1: Use Your Ear, Not Your Eye Amazingly enough – as I know from my own youth, when I was totally dependent on printed music – school and mainstream music pedag...