The sudden death five years ago of the Nobel laureate Seamus Heaney (1939-2013) evoked an unprecedented outpouring of grief around the world. Generally acknowledged as the greatest poet of the age, Seamus (as he was known to everyone) was beloved as much for his down to earth humanity as for the wisdom, honesty and lyrical beauty of his work. A rare interview with Heaney is one … [Read more...] about A Southern Celtic Christmas Concert
Irish Music
Wild Irish Women: Touched by Fire
Sinéad rose to fame in the late 1980s with her debut album The Lion and the Cobra. She will release a new album under a new name, Magda Davitt, in 2019. In between she has battled mental illness and controversy – she was one of the first to speak out about the abuses by the Catholic Church – but hers remains one of the purest voices in music. Whenever her name comes up these … [Read more...] about Wild Irish Women: Touched by Fire
Turlough O’Carolan: The Irish Vivaldi
In 1691, a poor, blind, twenty-one year old son of a blacksmith and his guide set out on a journey from a backwater estate, Alderford, near the town of Balyfarnon, County Roscommon, hoping to make a living as an itinerant harper. He seemed an unlikely figure to leave a lasting stamp on Ireland’s musical culture, yet Turlough O’Carolan would become a great composer, creating … [Read more...] about Turlough O’Carolan: The Irish Vivaldi
Weekly Comment:
St Patrick’s Day Is Getting
its Own Music Channel
Aine Mc Manamon, Contributor
March 11, 2016
March 11, 2016
In advance of this year’s St. Patrick’s Day, webcaster AccuRadio have added a specially curated “St. Paddy’s Party” channel for the celebrations.
This channel offers a selection of jigs, reels, ballads, traditional music and fun, rowdy pub classics that are bound to get toes tapping and hands clapping. Songs such as “The Wild Rover,” “Past the Point of Rescue,” “Black Velvet … [Read more...] about Weekly Comment:
St Patrick’s Day Is Getting
its Own Music Channel
Irish Festivals of Summer
As the summer came to an end, once again, Irish-Americans took advantage of the muggy days and sultry nights to hold festivals celebrating their Irish culture. This summer saw festivals throughout the United States. Hundreds of Irish-Americans traveled from near and far for a chance to witness traditional music and dance. The Sioux Falls Irish Club of South Dakota celebrated … [Read more...] about Irish Festivals of Summer