thursday, June 14
Chief O'Neill's, 8 PM
$15 per ticket
$30 for Three ticketS

“How We Learned”

Some of Chicago’s finest musicians, including Liz Carroll, Jimmy Keane, Laurence Nugent, Dennis Cahill, and Pauline Conneely, will be joined by fiddle master James Kelly and harp genius Maíre Ní Chathasaigh to perform and to enlighten us about how they honed their craft.  They will enthrall us with stories of their own musical inspirations, including legendary players like Johnny McGreevy, Eleanor Kane-Neary, Terry “Cuz” Teehan, John Kelly, and Bobby Casey. The performers will be joined in discussion by fiddler and singer Maida Sugrue, one of the last remaining students of legendary fiddler Pádraig O'Keeffe. Mrs. Sugrue has retired from performing, but will make a very special appearance to discuss her life in music. Always amiable and humorous, renowned banjo player Pauline Conneely will host the evening, in addition to performing and discussing her own experiences as a young musician. Audience members will be given time to ask questions. This promises to be a night that will inspire for decades to come. 

Friday, June 15
Gaelic Park
Celtic Room
8 PM
$15 per ticket
$30 for Three tickets

PReceded by Dinner in The Tara Room
 

“Legends Of Lanigan’s”

Three of Chicago’s most celebrated musical legends, Kevin Henry, Albert Neary, and Malachy Towey, have played music in Chicago for over fifty years. While these three tradition bearers have led a session every Sunday night at Lanigan’s Pub on 111th street for nearly twenty years, this special night will see them featured in a different setting: performing and speaking about their experiences learning and playing music in Ireland, London, New York, Chicago, and many other places. They will impart some of their wisdom about keeping the tradition alive. They will be joined by fiddler James Kelly, harpist Maíre Ní Chathasaigh, fluter & piper Séan Gavin, fluter Laurence Nugent, and fiddler Devin Shepherd for a night that will not soon be forgotten.

Saturday, June 16
Chief O'Neill's Attic
8 PM
$15 per ticket
$30 for Three tickets

James Kelly, fiddle
Máire Ní Chathasaigh and Chris Newman, harp and guitar

On Saturday night, we will feature our world-renwowned guest artists in concert in the intimate setting of the upstairs venue at Chief O'Neill's. Both artists are recipients of the Irish Traditional Musician of the Year award, the Gradam Cheoil TG4: Máire in 2001, and James in 2006. 

About James:
"James is one of the most outstanding Irish musicians of this or any generation." --Dr. Mick Moloney, Musician and Folklorist, New York University

"As a virtuoso violinist and exponent of Irish Traditional Music, James ranks among the very best in Ireland today." --Tony MacMahon, Senior Producer, Radio Telefis Eireann

About Máire and Chris
“One of the UK’s most staggering and influential acoustic guitarists” (fROOTS) in concert with “the doyenne of Irish harpers” (SCOTLAND ON SUNDAY), sole harper recipient to date of the prestigious Irish Traditional Musician of the Year Award (Gradam Ceoil TG4) and Female Musician of the Year in the Live Ireland Music Awards 2016.

“An eclecticism and spirit of adventure that is quite thrilling” THE TIMES “Dazzling virtuosity” THE DAILY TELEGRAPH “Chris is amazing... one of our greatest musicians” BBC RADIO 2 “In a class of their own” THE GUARDIAN “Music of fire and brilliance from the high-wire act in traditional music” THE IRISH TIMES ”Brilliant, innovative harping and guitar-playing of astonishing virtuosity and versatility” * * * * SONGLINES