Irish Music Concert: Kevin Crawford and Cillian Vallely

[from Jody Cormack]

THE MIDDLETOWN HOUSE CONCERT SERIES presents:

(from the band Lúnasa!)

Kevin Crawford & Cillian Vallely


Friday, March 27, 2009, at 8pm
Middletown Artist Cooperative (MAC650)
650 Main St.,Middletown CT

Suggested donation: $20 general, $10 students, $5 children 12 & under
Please call Jody Cormack 860-983-7963 for reservations
or email jcormack@wesleyan.edu

Please join us in welcoming Kevin and Cillian back for another spectacular performance! This tour is very special as they’re launching their new album “On Common Ground”, an incredibly beautiful and exciting recording! DON’T MISS IT!!

Two years of researching tunes between a heavy schedule of band commitments has led to this exciting new recording from band Lúnasa’s powerhouse melody makers, Kevin Crawford (flutes and whistles) and Cillian Vallely (uilleann pipes and whistles).

Born in Birmingham, England, Kevin Crawford’s early life was one long journey into Irish music and Co. Clare, where he eventually moved while in his 20’s. Starting at age 7, Cillian Vallely learned the whistle and pipes from his parents, Brian and Eithne, at the Pipers Club in Armagh.

Joining Lúnasa in 1997 and 1999 respectively, Crawford and Vallely made their way to the heart of the group and now tour the world, performing and teaching on a full time basis. Having released seven band albums and worked on numerous individual projects, the duo decided to combine their talents and create a distinctive sound with an album of flute and pipe duets.

The combination of uilleann pipes and flute is rare in duet recordings of traditional music and the duo have utilized the unique tonal qualities of their flat-pitched ‘C’ instruments to record the music on “On Common Ground”. The tunes have been sourced from various manuscripts, archives and field recordings but there are also a number of new self-composed pieces, In addition, Kevin and Cillian play a variety of low whistles and are accompanied on guitar by two of Ireland’s most recognised and respected guitarists, Donal Clancy and Paul Meehan.

Music in Middletown

The Buttonwood Tree presents singer-songwriter Paul Sachs this Friday night (3/13) at 7:30 p.m. The New York City native is a "folksinger" in the style of early Bob Dylan and acoustic Bruce Springsteen. He does not ignore electric music but usually tours as a "solo" artist. Sachs' voice won't bowl you over but his songs have good melodies and strong hooks, telling stories that could be from your life. To find out more about this troubador, go to www.paulsachs.com.

Saturday night at 7:30, The Buttonwood will shake to the sounds of the Rosy Nolan Band. A dollop of country, a dash of rock 'n' roll, a punkish attitude, and some high energy riffs tempered by the occasional acoustic tune, all that and more will get on you on your feet and excited. 2 guitars, bass and drums with a hard-edged vocalist and songs that have power is what Ms. Nolan and Band have to offer. To find out about this singer-songwriter and hear some of her songs, go to www.therosynolanband.com. To reserve a spot for either or both shows, call 347-4957.

Middletown native Tom Callinan comes home Saturday night to perform with The Morgans for the Greater Middletown Concert Association's debut presentation in the auditorium of the new Middletown High School, LaRosa Lane. Callinan joined the group in 1973, several years after they first came together, bringing his great knowledge of Irish music and chanteys as well as his prowess on banjo, whistles and more. The concert, which also features step dancers from the Golden Harp School of Irish Dance in Bolton, begins at 7:30 p.m. For ticket information, call 347-4887 or 346-3369 or email bmwa@aol.com. Ticket prices are quite reasonable and the music is very, very, good.

Fishbone Grill, 120 Court Street, presents The Drewids Saturday at 9:30 p.m. in Boney's Music Lounge on the 2nd floor. Led by bassist Andrew Emer, the quartet also features George Schuller (drums), Tom Beckham (vibraphone) and Mike Baggetta (guitar.) All 4 are fine improvisers so the music should be exciting. Call 346-6000 for more information.

Dave Downs, guitar and vocals, performs at 11 a.m. Sunday in Brew Bakers, 169 Main Street. Downs, who is a walking encyclopedia of folk songs and popular melodies from the 30s and 40s, as well as a good songwriter, keeps the mood light and easy. His voice can be described as "soft and sweet"and he won't "wow" the crowd with fancy guitar playing but Dave Downs' music will certainly make you feel good. For more information, call 852-0001. To hear songs from the CD in the picture, go to http://cdbaby.com/cd/davedowns2.