Roisin Fitzpatrick to give solo exhibition at the Consulate General of Ireland in New York For Irish artist Roisin Fitzpatrick, inspiration and light came from an experience most people would count among their darkest of days. In 2004, Fitzpatrick suffered from a brain hemorrhage – a sudden pain at the back of her head quickly became a near-death experience. As she lay very … [Read more...] about Irish Artist of the Light Shines in New York
Hibernia
A Voyage of Rediscovery at the Dunbrody Famine Ship
The Irish America Hall of Fame finds a home in New Ross, and brings the story of the Irish in America back to a place that served as a port of departure for many who braved the journey to North America during Famine times. On a blustery July day, I descend the narrow ladder into the depths of the 'Dunbrody,' an exact replica of a three-masted sailing ship that ferried … [Read more...] about A Voyage of Rediscovery at the Dunbrody Famine Ship
The Jig is Up!
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!
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