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.)