Press Information

“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

Press Coverage

Irish Voice: Fleadh Season Rolls Around

Press Releases

2008 Young Irish Musicians Weekend release (PDF)

Young Irish Musicians Weekend Live! CD to be Released June 20, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Contact: Kate Dowling, Executive Director

651-493-2022     irish.music@comcast.net

www.centerforirishmusic.org 

2nd ANNUAL YOUNG IRISH MUSICIANS WEEKEND IN ST PAUL

February 13, 2008   St. Paul, Minnesota - The Center for Irish Music proudly announces its Second Annual Young Irish Musicians Weekend June 20-22, 2008 in St. Paul.  All classes and evening events will take place at McNally-Smith College of Music.  The focus of the weekend is on beginner to advanced students under 25.  The Beginner’s Course is $100 prior to May 1, $125 thereafter and the Intermediate/Advanced Course is available for $185 prior to May 1, 2008 and $225 thereafter.  Social events on Friday and Saturday night are open to the public for a rate of $10-$15/person or $35-$45/family. Financial aid is available.   Register or reserve tickets by contacting irish.music@comcast.net.

The weekend is intended as an intensive, high-quality course in traditional Irish music and culture, designed to inspire expert, novice and beginner players alike. The weekend offers intimate daytime instrument workshops lead by world-renowned master artists including Liz Carroll, Dermot Diamond, Tara Bingham-Diamond, Tommy Martin, and Daithi Sproule.  Local masters will lead a variety of beginner level courses.  In addition to music workshops, students will also have the opportunity to attend discussion groups, presentations and have sessions with the master artists.  Nighttime events include a Friday night Reception and Hooley, a Saturday night Master Artist concert, and a very unique Master/Student session on Sunday where we will hear what the masters and students worked on over the course of the weekend.

The Young Irish Musicians Weekend places special emphasis on encouraging students under twenty-five years of age to attend.  Over the course of the weekend students will meet other people who are passionate about their art and culture. “Irish traditional music is unique in involving all ages and generations in the fullness of its artistry and easy sociability” says guitarist, singer, and weekend instructor Daithi Sproule. “This event brings masters of the art together with young learners for several days of inspiration, insight and good company”. Musicians of other genres are welcome to come and explore the distinct rhythms and styles of Irish music at this weekend event.

This unique event will inspire musicians in a fun, safe, non-competitive environment.  All events take place at McNally-Smith College of Music, downtown St. Paul.  Classes are from 12-4pm on Friday, June 20, 10am-5:30pm on Saturday, June 21 and 12-3pm with a session from 3-4:30pm on Sunday, June 22.  Public events include a Friday night 7pm “Reception / Hooley”  in the third floor café at McNally-Smith with light buffet, bar, screenings of Come West Along the Road, a solo-performance by one of our master artists and a big session!  The Master-Artist’s concert is on June 21st at 7:30pm in the performance auditorium at McNally-Smith.  Registration is limited.

This activity is made possible, in part, by funds provided by the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council (MRAC) from an appropriation by the Minnesota Legislature.  Funding also provided by the Irish Fair of Minnesota, Legacy Fund.  Thank you.  The Irish Young Musicians Weekend is presented by The Center for Irish Music.  The Center for Irish Music is a non-profit, 501c3 organization teaching traditional Irish music to students of all ages on a variety of instruments.  It is the Center’s vision to support the traditional Irish music community in the Twin Cities into the future.  Contact The Center for Irish Music via email at irish.music@comcast.net or via post at P.O. Box 7034 St. Paul, MN 55107 or call 651-493-2022.  Visit our website for complete information: www.centerforirishmusic.org

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WHAT:  Young Irish Musicians Weekend; An intensive, unique weekend of Irish music & culture for students under the age of 25.  Intimate instrument workshops, cultural seminars, socials, concert, recital, and sessions with world-renowned master artists including Liz Carroll, Dermot Diamond, Tara Bingham-Diamond, Tommy Martin, and Daithi Sproule  The weekend is presented by The Center for Irish Music, a non-profit 501c3 organization dedicated to handing down traditional Irish music to the next generation of musicians.

WHEN: June 20-22, 2008

WHERE:  McNally-Smith College of Music  (19 Exchange Street E.  St. Paul 55101)

COST:  Friday Social $10 / $35, Saturday Concert $15 / $45.  Classes cost from $100 to $225. 

REGISTER:  See our website for more information at www.centerforirishmusic.org

Artist Biographies

Liz Carroll (fiddle - Chicago)

The 21st Century has become the most prolific recording century of Liz Carroll's career. That little joke helps to celebrate the 2002 release of Liz's latest, "Lake Effect." After the success of 2000's "lost in the loop," which came 12 years after her first solo album, getting another recording from Liz is, in fact, a cause for celebration. 

Since she was 18, when she astounded the Celtic music world by winning the Senior All-Ireland Championship, Liz and her fiddle have been amazing audiences around the globe. Her recordings and appearances on concert stages, television and radio, have established Liz as one of traditional music's most sought after performers. "lost in the loop," released in 2000, won Liz new fans around the world, as it garnered an Indie Award and Liz being named Traditional Performer of the Year for 2000.  

Not that that's the first time a solo record by Liz has been praised. Liz's first solo, in 1988, "Liz Carroll," was chosen as a select record of American folk music by the Library of Congress, no less. That same recording was called "a milestone achievement in the career of a fiddler reaching beyond herself," by noted critic and radio host Earl Hitchner. 

It should be noted that Liz's recordings are in the majority her own compositions, and they have given her a stature equal to that of her playing. When you listen to a Liz CD, you're hearing the tunes of a composer celebrated for invigorating the traditional styles of Irish music. Her compositions have entered into the repertoire of Irish and Celtic performers throughout the world. If you walk into an Irish pub and a group of Irish musicians are in the corner, buy them a pint and ask for a set of Liz tunes. They'll probably buy you a pint in thanks! 

But it is Liz in concert that has entranced audiences throughout the States, and also in tours of Ireland, Europe, and Africa. Neil Tesser of Chicago's Reader marvels that "her quicksilver lines can captivate violin admirers way beyond the bounds of Hibernia." P.J. Curtis of the Irish American says that Liz "conjures up a dizzying mixture of the sweetest tones, the fastest runs, and the most dazzling display of musicianship imaginable." One of Liz's proudest concert moments was at the 1st American Congress of the Violin, hosted by Yehudi Menuhin. 

In 1994, the National Endowment for the Arts awarded Liz a National Heritage Fellowship for her great influence on Irish music in America, as a performer and a composer. First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton presented the award which bestows national recognition on artists of international stature.

 

Dermot and Tara Diamond (fiddle, flute, tin whistle - Dublin)

Dermy and Tara Diamond have been playing traditional Irish Dance music together for over 30 years.  

Tara is from near Killinchy in Co. Down, and comes from a musical family.  She is part of the strong flute tradition from the North of Ireland.  Her father, Leslie Bingham, is a well-known flute player, and her brother Terry plays concertina. She has taught for many years at the Willie Clancy Summer School and the Frankie Kennedy Winter School.  Tara has performed at many festivals and workshops across Europe and in Japan.  Her music can be heard on 'Wooden Flute Obsession Vol.2' (Kevin Krell) and 'An Gaoth Aduaidh' (Frankie Kennedy Winter School).  

Dermy is a native of Belfast and his fiddle music has a strong northern bias, with Fermanagh and Donegal being particularly important sources of tunes.  Like Tara, he plays and teaches at the Willie Clancy Summer School, and has played concerts and taught workshops across Europe and the USA.  In Ireland, he toured twice as part of the Arts Council of Ireland 'best of Irish' music network programmes. 

Tara and Dermy have appeared on many occasions on national radio and television, and are regular performers at festivals, concerts and sessions across Ireland.

 

Tommy Martin (uileann pipes, flute & tin whistle - Dublin via St. Louis)

Tommy Martin took his first Uilleann Pipes lesson from Dublin piper, Mick O'Brien, a cousin, in 1984 at the age of 12. By 1988, with the great help of Mick's tuition and guidance he won first place at the Annual Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann in the 15 -18 age group Uilleann Pipes competition, and again in 1991 in the senior competition.  From his late teens Tommy has been very much involved in encouraging traditional Irish music, especially uilleann pipes, by teaching younger musicians around Ireland at various Tionol and Scoil Eigse,  His professional career started in 1996 when he took a job organizing and playing at Irish music nights in Irish pubs in Hong Kong.  This led to more work in Asian cities such as Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Singapore and Tokyo over the following years. One great time was had playing support to 'Shooglenifty' at the Hong Kong Folk Festival in 1996. 

Back in Europe, Tommy's talent and experience took him to perform in almost every mainland country.  Performances have varied from solo uilleann pipes performances to playing with 5 piece folk bands and have been as diverse as being an Uilleann Pipes tutor in New Zealand to performing with "Riverdance" in New York, to performing with the Chicago Virtuosi Symphony Orchestra.  Tommy is also an experienced uilleann pipes teacher. He has tutored students all over Ireland, England, New Zealand and now the US.  Tommy was teacher of the advanced uilleann pipes class in Na Piobairi Uilleann, Dublin up untill he moved to St Louis in 2003.  

His first solo CD, "Uilleann Piper", was released in 2000 and Tommy can be also heard on 12 other albums, as a guest musician.  Tommy's second album, "Shady Woods" , was released in Dec 2005. That month he also toured as a guest with traditional band Teada as they celebrated their "Irish Christmas in America" tour. Other guests were Grainne Hambly on harp and singer, Cathie Ryan.  Tommy, Grainne and Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh will be traveling again with Oisin, Sean and Tristan from Teada in Dec '07.  

Tommy now lives in St. Louis Missouri where, while not traveling, he now works for St. Louis Irish Arts teaching Irish traditional music on fiddle, flute, and Uilleann Pipes. He also makes tin whistles www.thorntonwhistles.info

Dáithí (DADGAD guitar, song in Irish and English - Derry via St. Paul)

Dáithí Sproule, a native of Derry in the North of Ireland, is a singer and guitarist and one of the premier accompanists in the Irish tradition. When he played with Skara Brae in the late 60's and early 70's, he was the first person to use and develop the DADGAD tuning in Irish music, a style now widely used in Irish and Celtic music in general. Skara Brae recorded a ground-breaking album in 1971 involving intricate arrangements for guitars and keyboards of traditional songs in Irish -- the other members of the group were Maighréad Ní Dhomhnaill and her sister and brother, Mícheál and Tríona, later of the Bothy Band and Nightnoise. He had met the ÓDomhnaills first in Rannafast in Donegal where he learnt the Irish language and many old Gaelic songs while spending every summer there of his teens. 

After the breakup of Skara Brae, Dáithí, who by then lived in Dublin while pursuing academic studies and a career in book editing, became heavily involved with the traditional instrumental scene in Dublin, gaining a great grounding in a broad repertoire of Irish music and styles and playing sessions many nights a week with the legendary fiddler, John Kelly Senior, and his sons, John and James, at the Four Seasons in Capel Street. In that period he also played frequent gigs with other musicians as well as making solo appearances. At the end of the 70's James Kelly and Dáithí and their friend, Paddy ÓBrien, came to the US to record an album with Shanachie Records and to tour for a few months. This led over the course of the next year or two to all three settling in the States. Minnesota was Dáithí's home for the next 20 years. The Twin Cities provided a good home for Dáithí (and Paddy too) since it had a very active Irish music and dance scene. In that period, Dáithí taught Old Irish, Celtic mythology and Irish music at various times at the University of Minnesota, the College of St. Thomas in St. Paul and University College Dublin. He also, of course, continued his music, playing locally in Minnesota with the Northern Star Ceili Band, touring and recording with Trian (Liz Carroll and Billy McComiskey), Peter Ostroushko (Ukrainian- American fiddle and mandolin virtuoso and long-time star of the "Prairie Home Companion" radio show), and with world-renowned Irish band, Altan. 

With Altan, Dáithí has toured the US and Canada numerous times playing concert halls from coast to coast (last year they played the Hollywood Bowl), all the major folk festivals, such as Edmonton, Winnipeg, Philadelphia, Telluride and Milwaukee, and as far afield as Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand as well as many tours throughout Europe. Dáithí has appeared with Altan on a recent Chieftains album, on several Dolly Parton recordings and performed on stage with Ricky Skaggs and Bonnie Raitt. Among his many other recordings are albums with Tommy Peoples and Seamus and Manus McGuire, and a solo recording, "A Heart made of Glass". As well as his actual playing, Dáithí is a composer of songs and instrumentals, some of which have been recorded by Skara Brae, Altan, Paddy O'Brien, Laoise Kelly, Trian and Liz Carroll. He has also published a volume of short stories in Irish and several academic articles on early Irish poetry and legend. 

Dáithí now lives in West Saint Paul, Minnesota and tours regularly with both Altan and fiddler Randal Bays.

2008 February Fiddle Week release (PDF)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Contact: Kate Dowling, Executive Director

651-493-2022     irish.music@comcast.net

www.centerforirishmusic.org

FEBRUARY FIDDLE WEEK IN ST PAUL

January 22, 2008   St. Paul, Minnesota - The Center for Irish Music proudly announces February Fiddle Week, February 12 to 15, 2008.  Fiddle Week features master fiddler Denis Liddy direct from Ennis, Co. Clare, Ireland and Elvie Miller on piano accordion.  Private and Group lessons will take place February 12 & 13 at the Paul & Shelia Wellstone Community Center, run by Neighborhood House, with a concert on February 15 at Kieran's Irish Pub, Minneapolis.  Lessons and workshops cost $40-$120.  The Friday concert is open to the public for a rate of $10/person or $40/family.  Registration and reservations can be made by contacting irish.music@comcast.net 

The February Fiddle Week is a fantastic opportunity for students of all ages and levels to gain exposure to a phenomenal teacher of Irish fiddle and Clare music.  The Center for Irish Music is bringing Denis directly from Clare to Minnesota, especially for the Twin Cities music community.  Praise for Denis's recording with Michael Hynes "Waifs and Strays":  "When God spoke, Let there be music, he added and a rake of Clareman. It is certainly not true that if you're not from Clare you can't play music, but Michael and Denis are an example for the opposite. They can play, and they play in the tight and bouncy style of County Clare, more precisely in the West Clare style (as opposed to the bluesy East Clare style). " - Folk World CD Review.  "Denis's "gra" for the fiddle playing of Munster is excellently captured in this recording.  Together, his and Michael's mutual commitment and respect for the tradition is unmistakable from the first note and the rhythm and lift of Denis has acquired from the years of playing for dancers is ever evident." - John Carty 2003 Traditional Musician of the Year.  Denis is a fine musician, has won the All-Ireland multiple times, and is renowned for his teaching in Ireland and abroad.  His inspiration and instruction is vital to the continuation of the Irish tradition worldwide.  Elvie Miller is well known for her folk piano and accordion playing.  She is based out of Boston - we are excited to have her share her music with us.   

The week includes opportunities for 30-minute private lessons on Tuesday, February 12 from 5-7pm and on February 13 from 3-5pm.  Private lessons are $40 each for a 30-minute lesson.  Denis and Elvie will be offering a Clare Music class on Tuesday, February 12 from 7-9pm, open to all ages, all instruments and all levels.  Denis will be offering an intermediate group Fiddle class on February 13 from 5-7pm and an advanced Fiddle class from 7-9pm.  Elvie will be offering an All-Instrument, All-Ages group advanced Dance Music class from 5-7pm and an intermediate Dance Music class from 7-9pm.  Group classes are $60 each or $90 for two, $120 for three.  The week culminates in a concert on Friday, February 15 from 7-10pm at Kieran's Irish Pub in the Titanic Lounge (back room).  Cover is $10 per person or $40 per family.  Current CIM members receive a 10% discount 

The February Fiddle Week is for students of all ages in our community.  By bringing masters such as Denis and Elvie to the Twin Cities for specialized workshops, we hope to engage the metro area in fun, passionate, energizing music that we know and love.  The February Fiddle Week is made possible in part by a generous grant for the Irish Fair of Minnesota's Legacy Fund.  Thank you for your support.  The February Fiddle Week is presented by The Center for Irish Music.  The Center for Irish Music is a non-profit organization teaching traditional Irish music to students of all ages on a variety of instruments.  It is the Center's vision to support the traditional Irish music community in the Twin Cities into the future.  Contact The Center for Irish Music via email at irish.music@comcast.net or via post at P.O. Box 7034 St. Paul, Minnesota 55107 or call 651-493-2022.

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WHAT:  February Fiddle Week at the Center for Irish Music with public lessons, workshops and a concert featuring master fiddler Denis Liddy direct from Ennis, Co. Clare, Ireland with Elvie Miller on piano accordion.

WHEN: February 12-15, 2008

WHERE: The Wellstone Center for Community run by Neighborhood House (179 Robie Street East, St. Paul 55107) & Kieran's Irish Pub, Minneapolis (330 2nd Ave South, Minneapolis 55401)

COST: Workshops $60-$120, Private Lessons $40.  Concert $10 with a $40 family cap.  10% discount for CIM Members

REGISTER:  See our website for more information at www.centerforirishmusic.org  

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Artist Biographies

Denis Liddy (Fiddle) originally from Newmarket-on-Fergus, Co. Clare has been immersed in music and playing the fiddle since he was eight years old. He is a primary school teacher and has also been teaching music in the Barefield area since 1982. Denis has not only been instrumental in teaching and inspiring students to play traditional music but has also broadened students experience and exposure to music through means of recording CD's, concert performances, competitions and international touring. Since 1999 his students have recorded three CD's, Iolar, Flowers of the Burren and Between the Sets and toured in the UK, France, Spain, Canada, China, Bulgaria, USA, Australia and Sweden as well as numerous performances in Ireland.  

Denis has won numerous All- Ireland awards as a soloist and as a group and band member. He released the CD Waifs and Strays with legendary flute player Michael Hynes and guitarist Rob Shearer in 2003 to critical acclaim. Other recordings on which he has played over the years include Ireland - A Musical Journey with the French flute player Michel Sikiotakis, Planxty O'Rourke in 1995, Tuath with Orfhlaith Ni Bhrian in 1999 and The Bees Wing and Seven Streams with the multi award winning Turloughmore Ceili Band. 

Denis has involved himself as both a teacher and musician in a variety of other music related projects and events including The Francis McPeake Summer School, The Willie Clancy Summer School, Ennis Traditional Music Festival and countless music workshops worldwide. He has also composed specially commissioned pieces for author Edna O'Brien and the Irish Ambassador to Bulgaria, Geoffrey Keating.  More information at www.denisliddy.com  

Elvie Miller (Piano and Piano Accordion)  Elvie has been playing music since she was very young, and over the years she has shifted from classical piano to folk accordion and piano. She grew up going to contra dances in New England and now she performs at contra and English country dances all over the U.S. In 2005 she graduated from Oberlin College and travelled through Ireland, England, Scotland, Finland, Sweden, France and Cape Breton as a Thomas J. Watson Fellow, studying accordion and traditional music and performing internationally alongside Karen Tweed, Timo Alakotila and Maria Kalaniemi, among others. She currently tours with Airdance and with Night Watch. 

In 2003, Elvie released a critically acclaimed CD "Grapevine" with Naomi Morse on fiddle. She recorded a beautiful CD "Spyglass" in 2007 with her Dad, Rodney Miller on fiddle. Night Watch is due to release their first CD in 2008 with Elvie on piano and piano accordion, Naomi Morse on fiddle, and Owen Morrison on guitar and mandolin. Elvie has many beautiful compositions to her credit and also performed at the prestigious Milwaukee Irish Fest with Denis Liddy in 2007.

Download (PDF) p.c3 {font-weight: bold; text-align: center} p.c2 {text-align: justify} p.c1 {text-align: center}

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Kate Dowling, Executive Director

651-493-2022 irish.music@comcast.net

www.centerforirishmusic.org

1ST ANNUAL YOUNG IRISH MUSICIANS WEEKEND IN ST PAUL

May 22, 2007 St. Paul, Minnesota - The Center for Irish Music proudly announces its First Annual Young Irish Musicians Weekend June 22-24, 2007 in St. Paul. Classes will take place at McNally-Smith College of Music, with evening concerts held at the Paul & Sheila Wellstone Community Center, run by Neighborhood House. The entire weekend is $225 and cultural programming is available from $25. Concerts on Friday and Saturday night are open to the public for a rate of $10-$15/person or $35-$45/family. Registration and reservations can be made by contacting irish.music@comcast.net

The weekend is intended as an intensive, high-quality course in traditional Irish music and culture, designed to inspire expert, novice and beginner players alike. The weekend offers intimate daytime instrument workshops lead by world-renowned master artists including James Kelly, Tommy Martin, Paddy O'Brien, Dáithí Sproule, Fintan Vallely and the Doon Céilí Band. A potpourri of cultural seminars, led by renowned scholars and artists is also offered including overviews on Irish language, history, literature, dance, music and travel tips for families. Nighttime events include a Friday night Irish céilí (social dance) with the Doon Céilí Band, a Saturday night Master Artist concert (students will interview the artists), and a very unique Master/Student recital on Sunday where we will hear what the masters and students worked on over the course of the weekend.

The Young Irish Musicians Weekend places special emphasis on encouraging students under twenty-one years of age to attend, however, due to strong demand, the music workshops have been opened to students of all ages. Over the course of the weekend students will meet other people from around the world who are passionate about their art and culture. "Irish traditional music is unique in involving all ages and generations in the fullness of its artistry and easy sociability" says guitarist, singer, and weekend instructor Dáithí Sproule. "This event brings masters of the art together with young learners for several days of inspiration, insight and good company". Musicians of other genres are welcome to come and explore the distinct rhythms and styles of Irish music at this weekend event.

This unique, exciting event will inspire musicians in a fun, safe, non-competitive environment. Daytime classes will meet Saturday, June 23rd, and Sunday, June 24th, at the McNally-Smith College of Music in downtown St. Paul. The céilí will take place on Friday, June 22nd and the master-artist concert, on Saturday, June 23rd, both at 7pm at the Paul and Sheila Wellstone Center for Community run by Neighborhood House on St. Paul's West Side. Sunday's recital will take place at 3pm in McNally-Smith's auditorium in downtown St. Paul.

The Irish Young Musicians Weekend is presented by The Center for Irish Music. The Center for Irish Music is a non-profit organization teaching traditional Irish music to students of all ages on a variety of instruments. It is the Center's vision to support the traditional Irish music community in the Twin Cities into the future. Contact The Center for Irish Music via email at irish.music@comcast.net or via post at P.O. Box 7034 St. Paul, Minnesota 55107 or call 651-493-2022.

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WHAT: Young Irish Musicians Weekend; An intensive, unique weekend of Irish music & culture. Intimate instrument workshops, cultural seminars, social dance, concert, recital, and sessions with world-renowned master artists including James Kelly, Tommy Martin, Paddy O'Brien, Dáithí Sproule, Fintan Vallely and the Doon Céilí Band. The weekend is presented by The Center for Irish Music, a non-profit organization dedicated to handing down traditional Irish music to the next generation of musicians.

WHEN: June 22-24, 2007

WHERE: McNally-Smith College of Music (19 Exchange Street E. St. Paul 55101) & The Wellstone Center for Community run by Neighborhood House (179 Robie Street St. Paul 55107).

COST: Public Céilí $10 / $35 family cap and Concert $15 / $45 family cap. Classes cost from $25 to $225

REGISTER: See our website for more information at www.centerforirishmusic.org