International Masters of Irish Traditional Music collaborate for emergency services fundraiser in Loudoun County
In an exclusive regional engagement (Sept 10 & 11th, 2004 8pm), three of the finest international performers of Irish traditional music will appear together in a fundraising concert for the Loudoun County Firefighters Widows and Orphans Fund being hosted by the Loudoun County Acoustic Music Series. Wherever OConnell, Ó hAllmhuráin & Bays perform, their unhurried approach to this centuries-old tradition brings a freshness and clarity, assuring an evening of rare musical talent by beloved masters of the Irish tradition.
(PRWEB) August 26, 2004 -- In an exclusive regional engagement hosted by the Loudoun County Acoustic Music Series, three of the finest international performers of Irish traditional music will appear together in a fundraising concert for the Loudoun County Firefighters Widows and Orphans Fund. Wherever OConnell, Ó hAllmhuráin & Bays perform, their unhurried approach to this centuries-old tradition brings a freshness and clarity, assuring a thoroughly enjoyable experience.
Robbie OConnell (vocals/guitar)
Internationally acclaimed singer/songwriter Robbie OConnell brings an inspired vision and new voice of Ireland to American audiences. First coming to international prominence touring with his legendary uncles The Clancy Brothers, he has appeared in such prestigious venues as Carnegie Hall and Madison Square Garden. Loved by metro audiences for his appearances with Green Fields of America, Seamus Egan (of Solas) and Eileen Ivers (of Riverdance), OConnells songs have been recorded by celebrity artists such as American country artist Kathy Mattea.
Alternating between heart-breaking tragedy and side splitting hilarity, O'Connell's songs define the Irish condition, both for natives and American-born, in intriguing and enthralling ways. His intimate, breathy tenor has long been a treat, and his wonderful sense of pace, effortlessly moves his listeners from profound sadness to riotous laughter -- a consummate entertainer.
Gearóid Ó hAllmhuráin (concertina) http://www.gearoid.us
Holder of 5 All-Ireland Championship titles and a raconteur with stories spanning the generations, Gearóid Ó hAllmhuráin is the foremost North American authority on Irish traditional music. A fourth generation musician and a native of Co. Clare on the west coast of Ireland, Ó hAllmhuráin holds five World Championship Irish music titles: as a concertina player, uilleann piper, and as a member of the renowned Kilfenora Céilí Band, the oldest traditional dance band in Ireland. Steeped in the traditional dance music of Ireland, he is lauded for his intimate and sensitive renditions of the haunting slow airs of his native home.
As Jefferson Smurfit Chair of Irish Studies at the University of Missouri-St Louis, he is the only Irish musician to hold a North American Chair of Irish Studies. An authority on the cultural impact of the Great Irish Famine (1845-1850) and its resulting diaspora, Ó hAllmhuráin is frequently consulted on a breath of historical and modern Irish issues. His A Pocket History of Irish Traditional Music (1998, OBrien Press, Dublin, Ireland, now in 3rd edition) was recommended as required reading 'for all Irish music enthusiasts. His first solo album, Traditional Music From Clare and Beyond, (Celtic Crossings, 1996) was hailed as 'among the best concertina recordings OF ALL TIME by Irish music critics.
Randal Bays (fiddle)
A masterful guitarist, Randal first garnered international attention on Green Linnets landmark recording with Irish fiddle phenomenon Martin Hays. Rooted in both Irish and jazz traditions, as fiddler Randal is blessed with a wonderfully light touch on the bow and a rhythm and lift that bounces the tunes along without ever feeling hurried. Frequently appearing with Dáithí Sproule, guitarist of the Irish supergroup Altan, Fiddler Magazine places Bays "among the best Irish style fiddlers of his generation." With numerous albums to his credit, this will be a rare Metro appearance for Bays.
Loudoun County Firefighters Widows and Orphans Fund
A portion of the proceeds from these concerts will go towards establishing the LC Firefighters Widows and Orphans Fund to will help the survivors of those who die in the line of duty. Once funded, this community reserve will provide immediate financial assistance and scholarship support.
Loudoun County Acoustic Music Series
Loudoun County Acoustic Music Series is a new quarterly concert series established by the local Knights of Columbus. Drawing audiences to their picturesque 200 seat venue (401 W. Holly Ave., Sterling, VA) they are proud to present internationally acclaimed performers to the 'fastest growing county in America."
Celtic Crossings is an Irish music agency bringing traditional music to venues throughout North America. Their activities span a spectrum of music production, recording, and consultations. http://www.celticcrossings.com
CDs, press kits, photos, JPEGs available. For more information, please contact: Cecilia McDonnell, 415-200-8622 cecilia@celticcrossings.com
IRISH CONCERTS: SEPTEMBER 10 & 11th, Sterling, Virginia OCONNELL, OHALLMHURAIN & BAYS" in exclusive Metro Area appearance. An evening of rare musical talent by beloved masters of the Irish tradition
CONCERT DATES: Friday, September 10th and Saturday, September 11th 8:00 pm
TICKETS: $25 per ticket (no discounts)
LOCATION: KoC Council Hall The Barn" 401 W. Holly Ave., Sterling, VA
EVENT CONTACT: Neil McDonnell (703) 627-5360 EMAIL: nmcdonnell@aqmall.com
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