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An Irish Music Playlist Just in Time for St. Patrick’s Day

By Irish America Staff

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From Turlough O'Carolan to The Chieftains, The Cranberries to The Corrs, Ireland has always had a world-wide reputation for musical prowess. As you start planning your St. Patrick's Day celebrations, enjoy this special playlist of Irish music that ranges from traditional Irish songs to more contemporary fare like The Pogues and The Saw Doctors. The 200-song playlist curates the … [Read more...] about An Irish Music Playlist Just in Time for St. Patrick’s Day

Irish American Director to Helm Washington National Opera

By Dave Lewis, Editorial Assistant
February / March 2018

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Timothy O’Leary (right) has taken the United States opera scene by storm as the recently-appointed general director of the Washington National Opera at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. O’Leary previously worked in New York City as a part of the management at the New York City Opera and was the first managing director of Gotham Chamber … [Read more...] about Irish American Director to Helm Washington National Opera

Redeeming Bing Crosby,
the Voice of Christmas

By Bob Lydon
December 22, 2017

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Bing Crosby was once considered the greatest crooner of all and his recording of "White Christmas" remains the best-selling single of all time, with an estimated 100 million copies sold world-wide. And yet the distortion of Bing Crosby's accomplishments and reputation has been as remarkable as his career. Here, we debunk many of the myths that have circulated since the singer's … [Read more...] about Redeeming Bing Crosby,
the Voice of Christmas

When Irish Eyes Are Smiling

By Thomas Hauser, Contributor

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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

Ireland’s Poet Patriots Is a Musical Experience Not to Be Missed

By Irish America Staff
August / September 2017

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Ireland’s Poet-Patriots: A Musical History, which premiered last year in San Francisco to correspond with the centenary of the 1916 Rising, is coming to Washington, D.C.’s National Cathedral on October 12. The one-night performance will illuminate 140 years of Irish history, featuring the inspired words of 12 Irish poets and patriots set to music by American composer Richard B. … [Read more...] about Ireland’s Poet Patriots Is a Musical Experience Not to Be Missed