Each April 22nd, the world pauses—if only for a moment—to honor the Earth. It’s a time to reconnect with the natural world, reflect on the landscapes that surround us, and maybe plant a seed or two (literal or metaphorical). As an Irish musician, I can’t help but hear the land singing back to me through … More Earth Day and the Echoes of Irish Music
Ah, St. Patrick’s Day. The one day of the year when everyone suddenly discovers their Irish heritage, Guinness flows like water, and people who’ve never heard of a jig suddenly become professional dancers. And for those of us in Irish bands? It’s absolute madness—in the best way possible. Playing gigs as an Irish band during … More The Joy (and Chaos) of St. Patrick’s Day Gigs
March is here, which means it’s time for One More Time to dust off our favorite tunes (as if we ever stop playing them) and get ready for a jam-packed month of Irish music, dancing, and general shenanigans. If you’re looking to get your fill of jigs and reels, and maybe a pint or two, … More March Madness – Irish Style
Ah, the start of a new year! That magical time when the slate feels wiped clean, and we all collectively decide to eat more vegetables, exercise daily, and learn a new skill. But let’s be real – by February, the kale is wilting in the fridge, the gym membership is collecting metaphorical dust, and that … More Make 2025 Your Year of Music
Join us on September 28 at the Barre Opera House for Irish singer Karan Casey. … More Experience Karan Casey Live at Barre Opera House
This week don’t miss two of Ireland’s finest musicians Jackie Daly on accordion and Matt Cranitch on fiddle. Here’s info on them both: “For many years, Jackie Daly (accordion) and Matt Cranitch (fiddle) have been the foremost interpreters of the rich Sliabh Luachra tradition of instrumental music, which is an area that borders on the … More A concert not to be missed
Though it has been almost a week since I returned home from fiddle school in Ireland, I can still hear the last session ringing in my head. And here is what it sounds like: Sessions like this went on all night and every night throughout the fiddle week in Glencolmcille. Though there were only two bars … More An Irish Good-bye, An American Thank You
Learning music isn’t just about learning the tunes. Anyone can memorize notes. But when it comes to traditional Donegal music, knowing the dances can help tell the story of the tunes, making it easier to feel the music and help it sink in. At the Donegal Fiddle School I attended in Glencomcille, learning the dances was … More Music and Dancing, Like Peas and Carrots
There are fairies in the fiddle! I was told last night by my house-mate that in Ireland some teachers, when teaching children to play the fiddle, make the kids put the fiddle on the table while the teacher plays a tune. The children are instructed to lightly place their fingers on the strings while the … More Fairies in the Fiddle
Really is there any better place to learn Irish music than in Ireland? I think not. I’m currently in Glencolmcille, Ireland at the Cairdeas na bhFidiléirí fiddle school, studying the Donegal tradition of fiddle music. I’ve been to some beautiful places but this is by far the best place to spend a week learning fiddle tunes. … More Fiddle School in Ireland
Session Obsession 