I am always mesmerized when watching pipers play. In my humble opinion, pipes are one of the hardest instruments to play well. You not only have to learn the notes and melodies on the chanter but you got to figure out how to keep air in the bag at all times so that you can … More Bellows Bagpipe Concert
One winter, as a snowboarder, I tried to learn how to teleski. Though I can’t say I mastered how to ski, I can say that because of trying it, I became a better snowboarder. I feel the same way about music. Lately, I’ve been learning different genres of music and playing more mandolin and uke … More The power of new music
Since it’s summer, we thought we would record our practice session on my front porch for the first installment of Porch Sessions. Keep an eye out for more porch sessions throughout the rest of the summer and upcoming fall. Reach out if you want to come play in one. And don’t forget there’s a session … More Porch Sessions, Installment No. 1
St. Patrick’s Day is the day the world celebrates the patron saint of Ireland. As an Irish musician, it is usually one of my favorite holidays. Mostly because, for me, it’s a recognition of this amazing music — everyone wants to hear Irish music on St. Patrick’s Day. Regardless of why we have celebrated St. Patrick’s … More Celebrate St. Paddy’s Day in a new way
This Sunday, March 5th join Irish musicians from around the country, in participating in the Sanctuary Sessions, traditional music for civil rights. Whether you live in Vermont, Massachusetts, New York or Oregon, you too can make a difference. This is a massive session taking place around the country, and in Ireland, to help raise money … More Irish Session to benefit ACLU
Being able to play traditional Irish music is truly a blessing. Not just because it’s beautiful music that spans hundreds of years, but because it brings people together, from around the globe. I have traveled through the US and many countries and sometimes have hopped in to listen to or play in a session. And even … More This land was made for you and me
No matter how many tunes you learn, or how good you play them, it’s always more fun to play with other people. Whether it’s just getting together in someone’s house, performing for an audience or playing in a session, music is a social thing and is meant to be shared. One of the things I love … More Irish sessions: because playing with others is more fun
When you’re caught up in playing at a session I think sometimes we forget that people outside the circle are actually listening to us and our music makes an impact. A few weeks ago I attended the bi-weekly Irish session at the Jericho Cafe in Jericho. It was a small session but the tunes were … More Outside the circle
In some Chinese folklore, it is believed that the gods tie an invisible red cord around the ankles of those that are destined to meet one another in a certain situation or help each other in a certain way. I love this concept. I envision a red string attached to me throughout my life and … More The red string
One of things I love about Irish music, and most Celtic music in general, is it makes me want to get up and dance. After all, it is dance music. Dancing is such a big part of this tradition and learning the dances actually helps in learning the tunes. This weekend, whether you’re a musician … More Music that makes you want to dance
