“Celtic Cross’s singer Katherine Fee provided one of the evening’s classiest moments was she asked for everyone in the house who had worked on Ceol na nGael behind-the-scenes to stand and be recognized – it was a great tip of the hat to a group of people whose work isn’t always properly seen or acknowledged. It was a nice inclusion in a very well done set.”
Hey folks, a couple cool things to talk about this week. First up is a note on the Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann’s 2024 North America Provincial Convention, which will take place in Buffalo, April 4-7.
CCÉ’s conventions are always great events. For many who go, the weekends include meetings that settle outstanding Comhaltas business and set up the Province and its various regions for the year to come. But there’s much more that goes on, especially when organizes find extraordinary ways to make these conventions destination events for those interested in traditional Irish music, dance, and language.
This is what I think makes the 2024 look so exciting – there’s a lot in store. One will, of course, find nightly sessions and céilithe (with music by the Connacht [Boston] and Drumlin [Buffalo] Céilí Bands) that’ll keep musicians and dancers alike engaged (and, often, up until the wee hours).
But this particular Conference has a really intriguing set of workshops and classes, largely because they’ve attracted a slate of top tier tutors. For example, if you’re a wind player, you’ll want to know that the great Joanie Madden (https://cherishtheladies.com/) will be on hand to teach tin whistle, and that Lúnasa’s Kevin Crawford (https://www.lunasamusic.com/) will be there to teach flute. If you’re a fiddle player, Patrick Ourceau and Brian Conway will be there leading workshops in the fiddle styles of Clare and Sligo, respectively. For the button accordion players, there’s John Nolan and Patrick Hutchinson will be there, too, tutoring the uilleann pipers.
Joanie Madden on White Strand Beach, Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare. [Photo: JoanieMadden.com]
But wait, there’s more! Sean-nós singers out there will want to know that Mairin Ui Cheide, a member of CCÉ’s Northeast Region’s Hall of Fame, will be there, as will Jackie O’Riley, who will be teaching sean-nós dance. And if you’re a set dancer, you’ll adore the fact that the perennially-popular Pádraig and Róisín McEneany will be there teaching and calling dances. And there will also be workshops for harp, concertina, banjo/mandolin, accompaniment, céilí & 2 hand and Irish language conversation circles (at two different skill levels) as well. Lots in store!
The first big event on your Comhaltas calendar, the 2024 Convention should be an outstanding weekend for traditional music fans. For more information and to register, visit https://www.cceconvention.com/.
By the way, for those asking about this year’s Mid-Atlantic Fleadh, it will take place Mother’s Day Weekend (May 10-12) at the Parsippany Hilton. Keep an eye on http://nyfleadh.com for further announcements and details. (Better yet, go there and sign up to their mailing list and let them come to you!)
Finally, a huge congratulations to WFUV on their gala 50th Anniversary concert at Peter Norton Symphony Space last Saturday! I had the distinct pleasure of attending and was stunned by the electric atmosphere among the station’s supporters, all of whom recognized the significance and pageantry of the evening. It was miles of smiles all around for everyone in attendance.
The show included appearances and heartfelt testimonials by presenters and producers past and present (standout moments included a great sight gag about a short speech and a hilarious song in praise of the program), a lovely video tribute from Joanie Madden, and performances from the Rogue Diplomats, Celtic Cross, Kevin Crawford & Cillian Vallely, and the Seamus Egan Project.
The Rogue Diplomats were up first and performed a short set of songs that included one called “Galway Hooker” that charmed much of the audience and set a humorous tone. Celtic Cross was next and performed admirably. Celtic Cross’s singer Katherine Fee provided one of the evening’s classiest moments was she asked for everyone in the house who had worked on Ceol na nGael behind-the-scenes to stand and be recognized – it was a great tip of the hat to a group of people whose work isn’t always properly seen or acknowledged. It was a nice inclusion in a very well done set. (And yes, for those wondering they did indeed perform the Ceol na nGael mainstay “Those Were the Days!”)
After the intermission, Kevin Crawford (flute) and Cillian Vallely (uilleann pipes) performed with Pat Mangan (fiddle) and Alan Murray. You won’t find a better duo than Crawford and Vallely, who are two of the finest musicians in Irish music. They thrilled the audience with their performance and of course Crawford came strong with his signature stage banter. Mangan and Murray, both of whom who are superb musicians, made a spectacular fit and provided great balance to Crawford and Vallely’s playing – it one of the evening’s highlights.
The Seamus Egan Project was up next. Egan is a legendary multi-instrumentalist, and was joined by Jenna Moynihan and an encore performance by Alan Murray, the night’s MVP. Egan was, of course, masterful, playing some gorgeous, complex compositions. Moynihan and Murray were excellent additions here. Murray’s playing was keyed into Egan’s lead, as was Moynihan who sang a gorgeous song that left the crowd wowed. (You know it’s a special evening when you have members from Lúnasa and Solas at the same event.). The evening wrapped with all musicians returning to the stage to perform “Dirty Old Town” in honor of the late Shane MacGowan.
Ultimately, It was an utterly well deserved love-fest for a station that has done so much for the Irish community over the last 50 years. It was a really glorious event. Congratulations to the concert’s producers, all of Ceol na nGael’s hosts and producers over the years, as well as its technical staff, and all of its supporters. Fordham University should be very proud, not only of the station’s five decade long record of achievements but for their commitment to the event – I could not imagine a more fitting way to celebrate five decades of success. Great stuff! You can listen to Ceol na nGael Sundays from 12-4 on 90.7 and stream online at https://wfuv.org/.
