Nashville-based Compass Records has grown to become the most reliable and exciting source for new Celtic music. While it seems there is no conventional story of musical success, Irish American Alison Brown’s path was particularly unique. A former investment banker, Brown is now recognized as a premier banjoist and has recorded such critically acclaimed solo albums as Fair … [Read more...] about Charting Celtic Music’s Way Forward
Music Archives
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
Reeve Carney: Spider-Man
Reeve talks about his Irish roots, the premiere of Spider-Man Turn Off the Dark, and his band Carney It started out as a highly anticipated but eyebrow raising idea: the transformation of a comic book into a Broadway show. Soon into the rehearsal process, Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark made headlines with its mishaps, swelling budget and seemingly endless delays. After one of … [Read more...] about Reeve Carney: Spider-Man
Music Reviews
The Latest in Irish and Irish American Music Grá agus Bás • Donnacha Dennehy with Dawn Upshaw, Iarla O Lionáird, Crash Ensemble and Alan Pierson The tradition of sean-nós singing is one not frequently emerging on today’s world stage. Its very name means “old style” and has long remained in the context of historical study in Ireland’s musical development. The (normally … [Read more...] about Music Reviews