Press Information

Young Irish Musicians Weekend

“Thanks for the opportunity to thank you again for the weekend. I think that W. had not only a wonderful time, but also an inspirational experience. She has frequently talked up the program, and we are in hopes of attending again next year.  Although travel expenses were significant, the tuition scholarship made the weekend affordable for us. She also went to the Milwaukee Irish Fest School for four days.  I can only say that she has really caught fire so to speak. The contact with the teachers was critically important. “ – DC, Kansas City MO  (2008 YIM Family)

“Thank you for this weekend.  Very well organized, well run, and worth all of your efforts!  C. loved it, and I will make sure to sign myself up for the whole weekend next year.”  - PC, Minneapolis MN (2008 YIM Family)

“Just thought I'd write to say again that I had a great time at the YIM weekend.  The music was great, and the organization of everything, transportation, the dorms, was all very well done.  I'd love to come out again sometime!” – KB, Winnipeg, Canada (2008 YIM Student)

“It was one of the greatest fiddle camps I've ever been too, the instructors had an amazing supply of songs put away and were friendly and encouraging. I especially loved the technique lessons with Liz Carrol, before that nobody had ever explained to me how to do the different decorations.” – WC, St Paul MN (2008 YIM Family)

“Thank you for a great weekend!  The music, dancing, and stories on Saturday night made for a very memorable evening.  The whole family really enjoyed it.” – BG, St. Paul MN (2008 YIM Family)

“The Young Irish Musicians Weekend was excellent -- well worth the time and money. It was a fiddlers' paradise with Dermie and Liz  and the bonus contributions of Connor and Helen. But Daithi, Tara and Tommie played important roles as well. We are fortunate to have  such a gracious master as Daithi among us. He represents the very best of the tradition.   Starting with the mixed instrument class was inspired.  Daithi's song class fundamentally enhanced my understanding and interpretation of the music.  I suppose I was after some new sets to take to the session and a few tips to improve my fiddling. I got both, but I also got a lot out of the general chat about people and places and how the music continues to evolve. I've spent a fair amount of time in Galway and Clare over the years, so the Northern influence this weekend was very interesting.   Thank you for making this level of talent accessible to young and old. I'm sure you worked very hard to make the weekend possible. We are in your debt. I've been to Ireland every year for the past several years and went to Celtic Colours in Cape Breton in 2005 and 2006. My memory of your weekend is as good as or better than any of those trips. “ TS, Plymouth MN (2008 YIM Adult Student)

“I had a blast at the Young Irish Musicians Weekend! The best part about the YIM was interacting with the master artists (Paddy, James, and Daithi) and hanging out with other young, interested musicians like myself. Plus the after-hours sessions were awesome! I've been really involved with the music since then - I've been taking Irish lessons, I've been going to a session, and I started a band. We even played St. Patrick's Day gigs this past March. Overall, I'd say the Young Irish Musicians Weekend last year was very inspiring and did me very good!”

– Sean McCluskey, 2007 YIM student from Chicago