House Concert in a House of Worship

Coming THIS week!

 

 

THE MIDDLETOWN HOUSE CONCERT SERIES presents:

Brendan Begley

 and

Caoimhin Ó Raghallaigh

      

Saturday, October 22, 2011, at 8pm

Congregation Adath Israel

Corner of Church and Broad Streets

(8 Broad Street) 

Middletown, CT

Suggested donation: $25 general in advance ($28 at the door),

$12 students, $7 children 12 & under,

Please call Jody Cormack 860-983-7963 for reservations

or email jcormack@wesleyan,edu

please - no food or beverage in the auditorium

"the most maddeningly nourishing, elevating, and

mesmerizing Irish traditional music you'll hear today."

Earle Hitchner. September 26th, 2007, IRISH ECHO

A genial giant from the Dingle peninsula in County Kerry, Brendan Begley is a well known and accomplished performer of Irish traditional music on the button accordian, touring at home and in Estonia, Finland, Sweden and France. He is a member of the 'Boys of the Lough', first touring with the band as a guest in the 1980's in the USA, and full-time member since 1997.

Brendan's exciting dance music, sensitive emotional playing of slow airs on accordion, and his singing in his native Irish make him a great favourite. He is acclaimed in Ireland for his TV presentations of traditional music on the Irish language channel TG4.

Dublin-born Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh (pronounced Kwee-veen O'Riley) plays traditional and contemporary folk music on fiddle, 5-string viola and the Norwegian hardanger fiddle in small intimate listening venues.

As a traditional fiddler, he performs duos with dynamic Kerry accordion player Brendan Begley and Dublin uilleann piper Mick O'Brien. His Kitty Lie Over album with O'Brien was described in the Irish Times as "a niftier mood enhancer than any drug therapy".        

In 2007, he released Where the One-Eyed Man is King, an adventurous, self-produced little EP: "It's like if you untangled an Irish session and hung up the choicest bits each in front of its own glowing christmas light and viewed through 3D glasses made of paper and cellophane" says Uncle Earl's Kristin Andreassen.

Caoimhín has recently been studying the work of contemporary folk fiddlers from other countries, including Nils Okland, Dan Trueman and Johan Hedin, and has been writing new material that continues to explore that region where Irish traditional music begins to disintegrate. 

For more information about the musicians, go to www.caoimhinoraghallaigh.com/ or www.brendanbegley.com. 

House Concert Update

Jody Cormack writes to say that the Thursday evening Middletown House Concert featuring Matt & Shannon Heaton has been postponed. This is the second time the couple has had to put off their performance...c'est la vie. Knowing Ms. Cormack, she will try again. Stay tuned.

Live Music

The WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY T. VISWANATHAN WORLD MUSIC ARCHIVES FUND  

and

The Middletown House Concert Series

 present:

Cillian Vallely, Niall Vallely, and John Doyle!

 

 

      
Saturday, February 26, at 8pm
Green Street Arts Center

51 Green St.

Middletown, CT

Suggested donation: $25 general, $7 children 12 & under
Please call Jody Cormack 860-983-7963 for reservations
or email jcormack@wesleyan.edu

 

 

“Niall and Cillian Vallely, siblings and scions of the Armagh family that seems capable of populating virtually every traditional outfit this side of the Bothy Band, deliver a gorgeous herringboned collection of original and ancient tunes. Niall (ex-Nomos) tiptoes his concertina in between the air pockets of Lúnasa-member Cillian's pipes with enviable agility.” -- Siobhán Long, The Irish Times

 

“[Niall and Cillian Valley’s] tight unified duet work on uilleann pipes and concertina is the order of the day. The brothers know each other’s individual moves but when playing together the twin strands combine like tightly meshed high tension wire. The reels and jigs explode with kinetic energy.” – John O’Regan, Irish Music Magazine

 

 

“John Doyle [has] developed a style all his own and is now inspiring a new generation of guitarists.” -- Helene Northway, RootsWorld

 

“Whether playing in a band (Solas)… as an accompanist (Liz Carroll)…  or as a solo performer, [John Doyle] has a magical touch, always providing exactly what is needed: the right progression, a nimble melody, a delicate harmony line - a dream guitarist.” - Irish Edition

 

www.vallelymusic.com    www.johndoylemusic.com

 

Directions to the venue: www.wesleyan.edu/greenstreet/directions.html

House Concert

THE MIDDLETOWN HOUSE CONCERT SERIES presents:

The Kane Sisters (fiddle)

with Edel Fox on concertina

Monday, July 19, 2010, at 8pm
Suggested donation: $25 general in advance ($28 at the door), $12 students, $7 children 12 & under
Please call 860-983-7963 for reservations.

From North Connemara, Liz and Yvonne Kane, known as The Kane Sisters are much respected musicians and educators. Born in Letterfrack, they were educated in Kylemore Abbey School. They were taught music by their grandfather, local fiddle player, Jimmy Mullen and Mary Finn, a Co.Sligo musician and teacher.

         Liz and Yvonne first came to national and international prominence during the three year period in which they toured with accordion player, Sharon Shannon as members of her band, The Woodchoppers.  They traveled all over the world with her band and are featured artists on Sharon’s album ‘The Diamond Mountain Sessions’. At that time, a Hot Press review by Siobhan Long confirmed  ‘...while 'Fire in their Bellies' (with Liz and Yvonne Kane) is ensemble playing at its best and most naked.'

         Following this period of touring with Sharon Shannon, the girls decided to embark musically on their own and they recorded their first album together entitled ‘The Well Tempered Bow’.

   The Kane Sisters toured Ireland and the United States following the release of their first album and this followed with a second album entitled ‘Under the Diamond’ in 2004. More reviews followed including this extract below:

         “Liz and Yvonne Kane's debut recording ‘The Well Tempered Bow’ was so good in every way it was hard to imagine what the two fiddle playing sisters from Letterfrack, Connemara, would come up with as a follow-up. Well, the old adage "if it ain't broke" is most fitting here. Although they did invite a couple more musicians to participate as accompanists, in all other aspects their new CD is pretty much identical to the first, down to the great mix of esoteric tunes generously sprinkled with more spine-tingling Paddy Fahey compositions. But who's complaining, not me. I loved the first album, and I love this one... almost as much. Liz and Yvonne seem to have a knack for selecting the most gorgeous Irish tunes ever composed-- the jig "The Lakes of Killarney" is on

my list, and so is Liz's own tune "Betsy's Delight"--or having their unique way with old

favorites.” Based in Letterfrack currently, Liz and Yvonne teach music during the school year and tour in the US during the summer.  Between them, they have close to 200 students and travel all over the west coast teaching music.

Their new album ‘Side by Side’ will be launched in July at The Catskills Irish Festival in East Durham, NY and followed by a two week tour with concertina player Edel Fox.

Edel Fox is from Miltown Malbay Co. Clare. She began playing at the age of 7 and was fortunate to be brought up in an area and environment where traditional music was in abundance. Edel learnt much of her music from concertina players Noel Hill, Dymphna O’Sullivan, Tim Collins and Tony O’Connell as well as local musicians such as Pete Haugh, Michael Mahoney and Peadar Crotty. Over the years, Edel’s playing has been hugely influenced by the music and recordings of Willie Clancy, Bobby Casey, Junior Crehan and Mrs. Crotty, to name but a few. Edel spent much of her teenage years playing with, and learning from Jackie Daly, who she cites as one of her influences. In 2004, Edel was awarded the TG4 Gradam Ceoltóir Óg na Bliana (Young Musician of the Year). Since then she has travelled extensively as both a teacher and performer of the tradition. She released an album to critical acclaim with Ronan O’Flaherty in 2006. Edel spent some time studying in the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance at the University of Limerick where she received a BA in Irish Music and Dance in 2007. Edel is a recent graduate of the MA in Music Therapy. In addition to her work as a music therapist, Edel continues to teach concertina and perform extensively. Edel has just released her debut solo CD entitled “Chords and Beryls”.

House Concert This Saturday - More Great Irish Music

THE MIDDLETOWNHOUSE CONCERT SERIES presents:

John Whelan with Flynn Cohen
Saturday, November 21st, at 8pm

Suggested donation: $25 general in advance ($28 at the door), $12 students, $7 children 12 & under
Please call Jody Cormack 860-983-7963 for reservations
or email jcormack@wesleyan.edu

Although he grew up near London in Dunstable, England, John Whelan was raised on the fiddle and pipe music of Ireland. At the age of 14, already a seasoned winner of numerous accordion championships, John recorded his first album. Named in honor of his father, Pride of Wexford was no passing fancy - the album is still in print and selling steadily.

John's artistry blossomed in America. He moved to the U.S. in 1980 and soon was performing with Riverdance fiddler Eileen Ivers in one of the most celebrated Irish duos of the decade. His solo album From the Heart became a 1991 finalist in the Celtic/British Isles category of the National Association of Independent Record Distributors and Manufacturers (NAIRD) awards. In 1996 he signed with Narada and released his first solo album on the label, Celtic Reflections. His next release Celtic Crossroads spent more than two months in the top 10 of Billboard's world music charts.

In late 1997 John formed the JOHN WHELAN BAND. In 1998, the band enjoyed a milestone year, thrilling audiences at such major American music events as the Philadelphia Folk Festival, Washington Irish Folk Festival, as well as throughout Europe on a junket sponsored by Virgin Records, Narada's parent label. Going solo, John appeared in the critically acclaimed "Once Upon an Accordion" North American Tour. Additionally he appeared in his first motion picture Ride With The Devil directed by Ang Lee (Sense and Sensibility, Ice Storm).

Named Traditionalist of the Year by Irish Echomagazine in 1998, John won high praise from Celtic music authority Earle Hitchner "As an instrumentalist, composer, producer, and arranger who brings both passion and playfulness to his music while respecting the tradition it's rooted in. John Whelan has richly earned the Irish Echo's highest honor for traditional music in 1998."

John's latest album, "Come To Dance", serves notice to genre purists that the seven-time All-Ireland Champion is as instrumentally agile as ever. It also reveals his consummate understanding of a centuries-old repertoire. The album was recorded live in his hometown church, St. Gabriel's in Milford, Ct. John says, "There were no fixes, no second chances, no overdubs - everything is as live as it can be. Sometimes I would check the tracks by dancing to them. If the rhythm is there, if the feel is there, people are going to enjoy…" He continues, " many of these tunes have a personal significance to me. The Concert Reel is a tune I played for my first All-Ireland Championship, and Father O'Flynn is the very first tune I ever learned to play".

A native of Shaker Heights, Ohio, Flynn Cohen is an acoustic guitarist who performs primarily as an accompanist for traditional fiddle music. He has a BA in Music from Dartington College of Arts in Devon, England and an MA in Music Composition from Mills College in California.
He performs with the band Annalivia, Irish accordion legend John Whelan, progressive fiddle band Halali, and acclaimed dance band The Sevens, in addition to duo performances with fellow trad guitar player Matt Heaton and old-time fiddler Matt Brown.

He's also worked w/ Cathie Ryan, Aoife Clancy, Skip Healy, Adrienne Young & Little Sadie, Revels, Footworks Percussive Dance Ensemble, Malibu Storm, Jilly Martin, Gail Davies, Airdance, Boston City Limits, Matt Glaser, John McGann, Joe Derrane & Frank Farrell, Ruthie Dornfeld, Karen Tweed, Jake & Taylor Armerding, Bruce MacGregor, Lissa Schneckenburger, Laura Cortese, Mark Simos, Todd Denman & Aniar, etc.

Flynn was formerly a visiting lecturer in Music at Bridgewater State College and is presently on the Music faculty at Keene State College in New Hampshire.

Live Music in the Living Room

THE MIDDLETOWN HOUSE CONCERT SERIES presents:

Len Graham & Brían Ó hAirt

Thursday, Sept. 17th, 2009 , at 8pm




Len Graham (left) is one of Ireland’s best known traditional singers who has gained international reputation, not only for his inimitable singing style, but also for the breadth of his knowledge of Irish folk music. The poet Ciarán Carson says- ‘By definition, any traditional singer is obliged to the past, but he assimilates the songs in the here-and-now, and re-makes them in his own voice, continually. Those who know Len Graham’s singing will recognize artistry and the ‘spontaneity’ of his voice, but there is no spontaneity without recollection. To be here, you must have been there, and Len has, many times.’ Len has appeared on numerous Irish and International Folk, Literary and Storytelling Festivals, as well as radio and television programmes. In 1992 he was the recipient of the Seán O’Boyle Cultural Traditions Award in recognition of his work in Ireland as a collector and singer. More recently, in 2002 he was awarded the Irish television TG4 National Music Award for ‘Traditional Singer of the Year.’ His rich recording history spanning over thirty years with over twenty highly acclaimed albums to his credit. Over the years Len has collaborated and worked with numerous musicians, poets and storytellers. His association with the late John Campbell brought storytelling and song to a world audience. Their work together over twenty years made a significant contribution towards creating a deeper understanding of shared cultural traditions in cross-communities during many years of conflict in the north of Ireland. *Some Comments from the Press-* /‘As any keen student of Irish music will tell you, Len Graham is one of the most majestic singers on earth.

Brían Ó hAirt (right) has mastered the Irish Language and song, carrying on Irish traditions of an older generation of singers. Though still in his 20's, his voice is remarkable. Being the lead singer in the band Bua has afforded him great acclaim - most notably that of an All-Ireland champion singer. Brían has performed extensively in North America at gatherings such as the Milwaukee Irish Festival, Philadelphia's Traditional Irish Music Festival, ICONS, the Mission Folk Music Festival and the Traditional Singers Club of the Twin Cities and in Ireland at Lá na nAmhrán, Cruinniu na mBád, the Ennis Trad Festival and Cuairt na mBàrd. With a voice Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh of Danú hails as “beautiful…sweet and full of sensitivity,” his recordings have been featured on many radio programmes in Ireland including Céilí House on RTÉ and Lán a’ Mhála on RnG as well as on various NPR programmes in the States. Brían is also a noted sean-nós dancer and instrumentalist of accordion, concertina and whistle and plays with Chicago-based quintet Bua (www.buamusic.com), whom Irish Music Magazine laude for their distinct talent and innovation in the vein of traditional music.

For more information about this fine concert, call 860-983-7963 or email jcormack@wesleyan.edu.

Upcoming shows include Brian Conway and Brendan Dolan (October 17), John Whelan and Flynn Cohen (November 21) and Martin Hayes (December 11.)

House Concert Coming Up

THE MIDDLETOWN HOUSE CONCERT SERIES presents:

Mike Rafferty and Willie Kelly

with Donal Clancy on guitar & bouzouki

Saturday, April 25, 2008, at 8pm

Suggested donation: $25 general in advance ($28 at the door), $12 students, $7 children 12 & under
For more information & directions, please call Jody Cormack 860-983-7963 for reservations. Also,you can email to jcormack@wesleyan.edu

Mike Rafferty was born in 1926. He grew up in Ballinakill, East Galway in the heart of a locality steeped in the very best of old-style traditional music. Mike is an outstanding exponent of the East Galway style of flute playing. He learned his music from his father, Tom “Barrel” who played flute and uilleann pipes. Mike emigrated to the United States in 1949 and has appeared at an extensive array of concerts and festivals all over America including the Smithsonian Institution’s Bicentennial Festival of American Folklife in 1976 and toured with the Green Fields of America. Mike has appeared on many recordings and has recorded three albums with his daughter Mary; "The Dangerous Reel", "The Old Fireside Music", "The Road from Ballinakill" and most recently his solo CD "Speed 78". Mike has devoted a lifetime to exploring, performing and teaching traditional Irish music on both sides of the Atlantic . Recently, he was named Irish Echo's Traditional Musician of the Year.

Willie Kelly is recognized as a master in the art of Irish fiddling. He was born in the Bronx, was raised in northern New Jersey , and was inspired to play Irish music after hearing his Irish-born father and grandfather playing the fiddle at home. In his teenage years, he studied under the highly acclaimed West-Limerick fiddler and teacher Martin Mulvihill. Willie has performed for the Smithsonian in Washington D.C. and several other folk arts programs in the U.S. and Canada . He teaches fiddle and Uilleann pipes classes at his home in Northern New Jersey and at Irish music summer schools in East Durham , New York , and Elkins , West Virginia . He is featured in the recording “The Road From Ballinakill”, which The Irish Echo rated as one of the top 10 Irish music recordings of 2001.

Dónal Clancy grew up in the Ring Gaeltacht of Co. Waterford, a place steeped in traditional music and song. Being born into a musical family (his father Liam, being one of the legendary Clancy Brothers) he was exposed to Irish music from an early age. Dónal began his musical career at age 14 performing in venues around his native Waterford . Since then he has recorded two albums with his father Liam and cousin Robbie O’Connell, and also has appeared on many other recordings by artists such as Kevin Crawford, Danú, Martin Murray, Mike & Mary Rafferty, Aoife Clancy, Cherish The Ladies, The Clancy Brothers, Eileen Ivers Band and Solas. He just recently released his solo CD "Close to Home" on Compass Records. In addition, he put together a compilation CD "Masters of the Irish Guitar" with Shanachie Records featuring Arty McGlynn, John Doyle and many more. Dónal now lives in New York and has recently toured with The Eileen Ivers Band, The Chieftains, Cathie Ryan, Karan Casey & Niall Vallely, Clancy O'Connell & Clancy, Solas, and Kevin Crawford and Cillian Vallely.

********************************************************

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.