Playing music together is the best way for people to become friends
Sessions
If you love traditional Irish music, come to our open session every Wednesday night from 7:00 to 9:00 pm at the Gaelic-American Club in Fairfield, CT (open to the public). This is a great opportunity for all ages and skill levels to come together and play music in a friendly atmosphere. Guests are welcome to listen while enjoying food and drink from the pub.
First Friday Pub Sessions
In addition, join us the first Friday of every month from 6:00 to 8:00 pm in the Gaelic-American Club pub for an open session led by guest musicians from the southern New England area (open to GAC members and their guests only).
June 6 — Damien Connolly
Originally from Co. Clare, Ireland, and now living in the U.S., Damien began learning the button accordion when he was 11 years old, taught by his father, Martin. He competed in the Fleadhanna (Irish music competitions) throughout his teenage years, taking first place both locally and regionally. At age 16, he took up the fiddle under the tutelage of his step-mother, Maureen Glynn of Brooklyn, New York. In 1997, Damien took first place in both the Under-18 All Ireland accordion and melodeon competition held in Ballina, Co. Mayo. The following year, he recorded three melodeon tracks on his father’s CD titled Back to Brooklyn. In 2000, Damien recorded his first accordion and melodeon CD, Tippin Away, accompanied by guitarist Pete Mancuso of NY. This CD was generously praised by renowned accordion players Joe Burke, Joe Derrane, and Bobby Gardiner. In 2008, Damien released The Irish Accordion Tutor, Vol I, Intermediate—Advanced, which has received recognition for being the finest Irish button accordion tutorial on the market today.
