A new documentary dubbed as "Spellbound meets Mad Hot Ballroom, with a touch of Riverdance" As an Irish American who had a very culturally rich childhood, I may be something of an anomaly in that I never once tried Irish step dancing. I never raised a foot to a jig or a reel, never donned a massive curly wig, never learned how to jump two feet in the air while keeping my arms … [Read more...] about The Jig is Up!
Archives for August 2011
Irish Dance Nationals
A look at the 2011 North American Irish Dance Competition in Nashville, Tennessee On the July 4th weekend, the Gaylord Opryland Convention Center in Nashville, just a stone’s throw from the Grand Ole Opry, was descended upon by a mad rush of curly wigs, spray tans, accordions and fiddles. The North American Dance Competition ran for 4 days and over 3,000 dancers came, not … [Read more...] about Irish Dance Nationals
The Seisiún Network
Dubliner Tony Lawless may prove to be the Mark Zuckerberg of the traditional Irish music world. On April 28th, he launched TradConnect, a new website that aims to connect trad players all over the world, from cautious beginners to seasoned professionals. Lawless firmly believes that playing with other musicians is the most effective, not to mention the most enjoyable, way to … [Read more...] about The Seisiún Network
Once Upon a Stage
Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova's Once to be a musical Written by Irish playwright Enda Walsh, the very anticipated stage adaptation of the acclaimed film Once will debut at the New York Theater Workshop this November. Filmed using hand-held cameras and a humble budget, Once tells the story of two struggling musicians from completely different walks of life who find love on … [Read more...] about Once Upon a Stage
Irish America Hall of Fame Opens at Dunbrody Famine Ship
Celebrated with the opening of the new Dunbrody Visitor Center on July 8th On July 8, the Dunbrody Visitor Center in New Ross, Co. Wexford was celebrated as a new home for Ireland’s emigration history. The Dunbrody is a three-masted replica of a sailing ship that brought many emigrants from Ireland to North America during and after the Great Famine. The connected center has … [Read more...] about Irish America Hall of Fame Opens at Dunbrody Famine Ship