Do you play trad music ? If the answer to that is yes then add your location to our world map. The map is filling up nicely with a stronger uptake in the USA than in Ireland. Well we are going to change all that. Why would you do this you may very well ask?. Well it is becoming more evident that there is a strong desire for people that are playing traditional music to connect with others. It…

This review was posted in July 2012.  We re-post as the album is now available for a great price of $6 from colmgannon.bandcamp.com

 Colm Gannon…

Across the Pond is contemplating a spring or summer mini tour in Ireland.  We are looking for any help or advice in locating and lining up gigs.  We have but a few contacts in Ireland and will need help getting this off the ground.  So send any helpful advice you may have, or any booking agents that might help coordinate this type of effort.  Other than playing some sessions in Cleggan, Inis Oirr and Athenry, we've no contacts with possible venues.      

Dan of Across the Pond  (…

If you've been reading since my first blog post on Song of the Isles, you'll know my profound respect and admiration for Niamh…

For those of you lucky enough to be in Dublin over the next couple of weeks you will have the pleasure of hearing one of the most distinctive voices in Irish music, Tradconnect member and singer Niamh Parsons. She will be performing as part of the Steeple Session concerts on Thursday 16th August. We had the pleasure of listening to her do a guest spot at a recent Paddy…

Interested in the history of playing the anglo concertina? Here is a great cd - digital book with embedded music files.

Available from http://www.mustrad.org.uk

I can't but recommend…

Hello there;

Just finished doing some ABC stuff and composed 3 tunes in the "Slide" style.

The titles represent members of my family and how I interpret their characters. The Eldest (Albert's Slide) is me , the older of brothers. Brothers 2 are my siblings who are paternal twins. Wilfred of Cochrane is my dad who was raised in Cochrane ON CA. Carpenter Bill is my father in-law who who does a lot of woodworking and carving and turned 91 this year (2012).

The links are…

Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann is preparing for a busy school year with their new initiative ‘Trad is Fab’ which was officially launched by Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairi Quinn TD today. ‘Trad is Fab’ is specifically developed and arranged by the Comhaltas Meitheal Education committee to introduce primary school pupils to Traditional Irish music,…

OK it starts tomorrow and as a Mayo man I will have to give this a plug. Get ready for one of the best located festivals around. If you haven't been to Achil then now is your chance. A beautiful part of the county. Stop off in Wesport on the way and have some additional leisure time. Climb the reek, swim, whatever takes your fancy. I am reliably…

We have been asked in the past if it was possible to invite Facebook friends onto Tradconnect. The great news is that you can now do so following some upgrades on Tradconnect. It's as simple as could be. Just go to the Invite tab on the Green Navigation bar at the top of the site. When you press it you will now be given the option to invite Facebook and Linkedin friends onto…

It is always a pleasure to see new youngsters coming through and recording at a very early age. In Doma Beo we have a new  three piece trad band from Longford, formed just a few months ago. They have been best of friends for some time as well and comprise Maria Matthews (16) on vocals, whistle, flute, and keyboard.  Liam Doherty (15) on banjo, mandolin, guitar and…

On Sunday, July 29, for the first time in New York City, Lincoln Center’s Out of Doors will present a day long, multifaceted festival of Irish culture. “Our Land” will celebrate the artistic, literary and musical heritage of Ireland, the mark it made on America and the continuing cross-cultural ties that bind the two countries.

“It’s well established…

Jack Talty and Cormac Begley are still riding high on the July Top Ten Traditional Irish Albums. Check out the attached and see how many you have in your collection. Lots of great music.

1. Jack Talty & Cormac Begley - Na Fir Bolg

2.…

Hello All,

Many thanks to Tony Lawless for helping promote the launch of our new Irish music school here in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. Just thought I would give everyone an update on it.

We formally opened the doors on July 3rd and within 2 weeks we have almost sold out our maximum enrollment for the entire year and had to make room for triple…

The Irish Cultural Centre in Hammersmith is delighted to confirm the completion of a deal to purchase its premises from Hammersmith and Fulham Council.

The deal was signed this week following months of negotiations between the board of directors and the council supporters. The deal was hailed by Councillor Joe Carlebach, H&F Council as “a positive solution that…

We like to promote and celebrate the music of our great members and their wonderful contribution to Irish music. They come no bigger than Brian Conway. Below you will find a nice interview type video where he talks about his music and life.

New York born he is a leading exponent of the highly…

Beoga have wowed Irish and International audiences in recent years with a brand new unique sound, mixing trad with something almost blues/folky, crossed with a dollop of madness (the good kind!). 



The bedrock of their sound lies firmly within the Irish tradition. However, they are not afraid to incorporate other genres’ nuances into their music. From…

Longford and Westmeath are in for a real treat this year with the commencement of a new festival that celebrates the life of Patsy Farrell. It takes place on 1st to 8th August. Singer & songwriter, Patsy will always be remembered for his talent, passion and love for Irish music, song and dance. In his memory and name the organisers have put together…