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
August September 2011 Issue
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
Presidential Visits to Ireland
President Obama's visit brought the number of U.S. Presidents who have visited Ireland to seven. Tom Deignan looks back at some memorable visits and some that barely registered. Ollie Hayes runs a cozy pub in Moneygall, County Offaly. Perhaps you’ve heard of it. It was at Ollie Hayes Pub, after all, that President Barack Obama tossed back a pint when he visited Ireland back in … [Read more...] about Presidential Visits to Ireland