Most New Englanders love this time of year when things cool down and the leaves go from green to gold. I have to admit though, I’m sad to see summer go. I’m going to miss having porch sessions and drinking coffee outside in the morning sun. The only saving grace is the plethora of Irish music coming our way. Here are 3 concerts this month you won’t want to miss:
Alison Perkins & Nicholas Brown (fiddle, flute, uilleann pipes)
Alison Perkins (fiddle) and Nicolas Brown (flute & uilleann pipes) have been playing Irish traditional music together for close to a decade, and are now bringing their close musical partnership to the stage. Equally gifted solo performers, they have performed at festivals and concerts across the U.S and Canada. Together, they research forgotten settings of obscure tunes and bring them to listeners with a style that is at once un-apologetically old fashioned, fresh, vibrant and spirited. In the past few months, they have already brought their signature sound to audiences across the Midwest, South, East Coast and Canada. They have been praised as “a duo that listens to each other, responding in the moment with structure and spontaneity; blissfully at one in their loose and elastic athleticism.” (Songlines Magazine UK).
When: Wednesday, October 11
Where: Burlington Violin Shop, 23 Church Street, Burlington
Time: 6:00pm
Cost: Suggested donation is $15
Caitlín Nic Gabhann & Ciarán Ó Maonaigh (concertina, fiddle, step dancing)
Acclaimed musicians each in their own right, Caitlín Nic Gabhann and Ciarán Ó Maonaigh have joined forces to create one of traditional music’s most impressive acts. The pair’s spirited music and dance is rooted in the tradition; brimming with soul and life. Through fiddle, concertina and dance, Caitlín and Ciarán breathe fire into musical pieces, combining their arts with chemistry and energy.
Caitlín and Ciarán have a connection as deep as the Irish folk traditions they come out of. Their music is a joyful unleashing of talents learnt at the hearths of their parents, family and friends.
Ciarán’s fiddle is complimented by Caitlín’s concertina and dance, her footsteps expertly tapping out the rhythms and elevating the duo’s musical excellence. Learn more.
When: Monday, October 16
Where: Burlington Violin Shop, 23 Church Street, Burlington
Time: 6:00pm
Cost: Suggested donation is $20
Limited seating, reservations suggested at mark.sustic@gmail.com.
Bríd Harper & Tony O’Connell (fiddle, concertina)
Bríd Harper is an Irish traditional fiddle player from Castlefinn, Co. Donegal and now living near Dungannon, Co. Tyrone. She grew up learning and playing Irish traditional music with her sisters in the Finn Valley area. With music on both sides of the family she is carrying on the tradition of fiddle playing. She won numerous under-age All Ireland titles and other prestigious fiddle awards including the Senior All Ireland, Oireachtas na Gaeilge and Fiddler of Dooney.
Tony O’Connell is from Glin in West Limerick but now lives in Co.Kerry. He began playing music at the age of ten and won the All-Ireland concertina title under 18 for three consecutive years. He went on to win the prestigious senior all-Ireland title at his first attempt. His distinctive yet traditional style can be described as a steady pulsating rhythm, characteristic of the west of Ireland. He sets himself apart from other players due to his melodic and harmonic variations, polyphonic playing and his strong dynamic expression. Learn more.
When: Wednesday, October 25
Where: Burlington Violin Shop, 23 Church Street, Burlington
Time: 6:00pm
Cost: Suggested donation is $20
Limited seating, reservations suggested at mark.sustic@gmail.com.
Session Obsession 