Category: Performers

It’s always good to see top musicians putting something back into the community. That’s certainly the case with Martin Hayes and Steve Cooney. Hayes is six times All Ireland Fiddle Champion; Steve Cooney is a highly talented guitarist who’s performed with some of the world’s top artists. He’s also married to Sinead O’Connor. Hayes and… Continue reading Martin Hayes concert

On May 28, 1779, poet and songwriter Thomas Moore (1779–1852) was born in Dublin. As a child, he enjoyed music and performing arts, and at one point wanted to be an actor. His mother wanted him to become a lawyer, so he studied Law at Trinity College, and there became a friend of Robert Emmet… Continue reading ‘Minstrel Boy’ writer Thomas Moore born 28 May 1779

It’s always good to come across a talented young artist performing Irish music – when that artist has a style all of their own, it’s even more exciting. Tara O’Grady certainly fits that category. She mixes traditional Irish melodies with modern jazz rhythms and the result is a sound that’s completely her own and totally… Continue reading Tara O’Grady – Irish music fused with jazz

The Moonrakers are a four-piece band play both traditional tunes and also contemporary songs and melodies in the traditional idiom. Much of their music is based around the Celtic harp but there are also huge contributions from the fiddle, guitar, bouzouki and bodhran.

This article is the fourth in a series on singing in Irish. The previous three articles are Singing in Irish – Yes, It’s a Language, Singing In Irish – The Sean-Nós Tradition and A Listener’s Guide to Irish Song: A Taste of Sean-nós. Merry Christmas! “Christmas?” you ask. “It’s May. Christmas is more than six… Continue reading Gaelic Harmony