Irish America
Irish America
The world has been enriched by many distinctly Irish songs. “Danny Boy” and “MacNamara’s Band” are among the diverse offerings. But no song is more deeply embedded in hearts than “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling.” The history of “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling” begins with Chauncey Olcott. Olcott’s mother, Margaret Doyle, was born in Ireland. In the 1840s, when she was eight, her … [Read more...] about When Irish Eyes Are Smiling
Dylan Connor is an Irish American singer/songwriter who, inspired by his Syrian wife, Reem Alhariri Connor, has become a celebrated activist for Syria and its refugees. Connor, who is the first cousin of Robert Downey, Jr., has heightened awareness of the Syrian crisis through four solo albums including the 2014 charity album, Blood like Fire (Songs for Syria), all proceeds … [Read more...] about Irish American Musician Advocates for Syria
There’s more to piping than meets the ear. Kristin McGowan talks to Joe McGonigal, the highly sought-after musician and teacher, about his upcoming plans and the influence of his grandfather on the growth of pipe bands in the United States. Once the St. Patrick’s Day parade season is over, some pipe bands take a break for the next round of summer parades, while others gear up … [Read more...] about Forward the Music of the Gael
A number of albums released this year and last have has strong thematic links to the Easter Rising. Rising Black Bank Folk A debut album years the making, Rising, tells the human stories of historic heroes, an idea inspired by musician John Colbert’s personal connection to the rebellion through his great uncle, Con Colbert, one of the executed leaders of the Rising. John … [Read more...] about Music Reviews
For the perfect pairing of Grateful Dead and traditional Celtic sound, look to Wake the Dead, a California group of experts musicians. For almost 17 years, Wake the Dead has dug deep into the canon of Jerry Garcia and Robert Hunter, releasing their fourth album, Deal, this past fall. Founding member Danny Carnahan, vocalist, fiddler, and Grammy-nominated songwriter, explains. … [Read more...] about Playing in the Band
