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Is “The Star Spangled Banner” a Traditional Irish Melody?

By Geoff Cobb
June 30, 2017

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At first glance the claim seems like pure pub blarney: an Irishman wrote the melody for “The Star Spangled Banner.” There is, however, a strong basis to assert that the melody of our national anthem, in fact, is an adaptation of an Irish tune written by Erin’s greatest composer. If you half paid attention in school you know the Anthem’s story. On September 14, 1814, during the … [Read more...] about Is “The Star Spangled Banner” a Traditional Irish Melody?

Wexford Festival Opera Named Best in World

By Adam Farley, Deputy Editor
June / July 2017

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Ireland’s famed Wexford Festival Opera won the prestigious “Best Festival” prize at this year’s International Opera Awards at the London Coliseum, home of the London Opera, in May. The festival, held every fall and now in its 66th year, beat out other shortlisted international festivals like Festival d’Aix-en-Provence and the Lyon Festival in France; Festival Verdi in Parma, … [Read more...] about Wexford Festival Opera Named Best in World

Irish American Musician Advocates for Syria


By Rosemary Rogers, Contributor
April / May 2017

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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

Forward the Music of the Gael

By Kristin McGowan, Contributor
April / May 2017

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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

Music Reviews

By Kristin McGowan, Contributor
February / March 2017

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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