Bringing you the finest performers from around the world
Our Spring 2024 Concert Series
Concerts are held at the Gaelic-American Club, 74 Beach Road, Fairfield, CT and start at 7:30 pm (doors open 7:00). We now offer advance online ticket purchases for $22.00, or $25.00 cash at the door.
Saturday, March 9, 2024 ~ Breaking Trad (Dónal Murphy, David Doocey, Mike Gavin)
Fusing Irish music with a fresh and modern twist, Breaking Trad delivers a knock-out combination of high-octane, powerhouse tunes and exquisite vocals.
-
Dónal Murphy (accordion), from Abbeyfeale, Co. Limerick, is a winner of numerous All-Ireland titles on both button accordion and melodeon. David Doocey (fiddle) from Foxford, Co. Mayo, is a winner of multiple awards including the All-Ireland Senior Fiddle competition and the coveted Fiddler of Oriel trophy. Mike Galvin (guitar/vocals) has vast experience working in a wide range of musical styles, from rock and roll to Irish traditional. Together and individually, these musicians have toured extensively around the world, performing at major festivals and music venues as well as touring with some of the biggest names in various music genres, including Four Men And A Dog, De Dannan, Michael Flatley (dance), Sean Keane, Tim O'Brien, Alison Krauss, and Gráda. Their music has been described as dazzling, unorthodox and unique, and high octane.
Saturday, April 13, 2024 ~ James Keane and Michelle Bergin
James Keane is a composer, storyteller, and masterful musician. As one of Ireland’s finest performers, Keane has evolved the standards of accordion playing around world. He will be joined by Michelle Bergin, member of the new group The Reel Housewives of Irish Traditional Music.
-
A seminal album, With Friends Like These, featured the best musicians of the Irish tradition performing his tunes, including Liam O’Flynn, Tommy Peoples, Kevin Conneff, and Paddy Glackin. The album was recorded in Liam Clancy’s solar-powered studio, in recognition of Keane’s long friendship going back to the time when they worked in the folk revival of the storied Sixties. Keane has recorded eight highly acclaimed studio albums and appeared on many classic records. The New York Times review of a concert at Carnegie Hall wrote “James Keane, the accordionist, swung through reels with such exciting drive that he nearly lifted the audience out of their seats.” More recently, Keane has been presenting multimedia lectures, recordings of which are available at the Smithsonian and the Library of Congress. His talks are filled with his renowned humor, expertise, and memories of the tradition that come from a life between Ireland and New York, where he has lived and performed for many decades.
Michelle Bergin was a student of the late Maureen Glynn, who will forever be her favorite Irish music accompanist. In her earlier years, Michelle toured North America as a fiddler in Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance, and also worked as a musician for Irish dance competitions throughout the United States, Canada, Ireland, and England. Michelle operates a music school that was founded 20 years ago by philanthropist Martin O'Grady, who donated a house to arts education in the Woodlawn section of the Bronx. She directs the young students of the Martin O'Grady grupai ceoil (musical group) in his honor. Michelle co-hosts the Sunday session with fiddler Lindsey Ceitinn at An Beal Bocht in Riverdale. She is a member of the new group The Reel Housewives of Irish Traditional Music. Michelle is currently pursuing a dual Masters degree in applied music and music education. In November, Michelle accompanied James and Paraic Keane at NYC Tradfest in a musical tribute to the late Sean Keane of the Chieftans. She is delighted to be back playing with James here In Connecticut.
Saturday, May 18, 2024 ~ The East Coasters (Madeline Dierauf, Richard Osban, Calum Bell)
Buy Tickets
The East Coasters are a group of young Irish musicians from the east coast of the United States whose sound and arrangements are a rich blend of the music in their local communities. Their innovative approach to the music combines syncopation and creative harmonies with a deep respect for the tradition.
-
Madeline Dierauf is from western North Carolina and began playing traditional Irish music under the tutelage of Asheville’s Beanie O’Dell, before quickly becoming immersed in Atlanta’s traditional Irish music scene. Her music has taken her to many stages, from Wilkesboro's Merlefest to IrishFest Atlanta and the Atlanta St. Patrick's Day Parade. Her sensitive and thoughtful approach to the tunes and harmonies is a cornerstone of the band’s unique sound.
Richard Osban is a driving, dynamic guitarist based in Baltimore, Maryland. He cut his teeth on Irish music while living in Europe, and toured internationally with several Irish and Scottish music projects before returning to the U.S. He has performed on festival stages and has been an instructor at many teaching festivals, both in Europe and the U.S. His deliberate approach to harmony reinforces and underpins the band’s groove.
Calum Bell is a multi-instrumentalist who has been performing on New England stages since the age of seven, when he started touring with the Bell Family Band. He can be found today playing six nights a week at venues in and around his native Boston. He brings a mastery far beyond his years to the Irish fiddle and flute, and regularly tours with international Irish music and dance shows in the U.S. and Europe.
The Shamrock Traditional Irish Music Society and Gaelic-American Club take pride in bringing renowned musicians from across the United States, Ireland, and around the world to perform for audiences in our area. Your donation supports traditional Irish music and our ongoing concert series.
