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Celts & Currachs 2008 Performers
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Celts & Currachs 2008 will feature the music of Celtic Melody, Danny O'Flaherty, Dan Ringrose, Ed Miller, Jodee James, Trouz Bras, and Glenn Pryor, as well as dance performances by The Mystic Scottish Country Dancers and Spirited Soles Irish Dance Academy.
Celtic Melody
Celtic Melody is a six-piece traditional Irish band based in central Connecticut. Founded in 2002 by Hall of Fame Galway fiddler and long-time Connecticut resident Eddie Burke (RIP), their music is set on the West Coast of Ireland with members' roots connecting to counties Clare, Galway, Mayo, and Sligo. With fiddles, concertina, whistle, banjo, guitar, and mandolin, they specialize in the lively jigs, reels, and dance music and songs of Ireland, so be ready for a real ceilidh ("kay-lee") or traditional dance party.
Danny O'Flaherty
Danny O'Flaherty grew up as the last of a generation reared in the isolation of a pure Gaelic culture, recalling the simple tradition kept alive on the rugged and desolate islands. His first language is Gaelic, and his first love the ancient music played and sung around the peat fires in the evenings. Whether singing the timeless songs of Galway fishermen or performing his own contemporary ballads, Danny O'Flaherty keeps a unique heritage alive. He has performed for presidents and the Pope; for half a million or an intimate living room full; on guitar, whistle, accordion, and harmonica; always with love of the music and language, and passion for his culture.
Dan Ringrose
Dan Ringrose was born in Connecticut but reared on Irish music, and by the age of three had already begun singing the songs of the Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem. Dan began performing professionally over twenty years ago. Known as a powerful baritone, he exudes an unbridled passion for his Irish heritage, with its joys and tribulations. His career has afforded him the privilege of opening performances for the Clancy Brothers, Paddy Reilly, Brendan Grace, the Wolfetones, and the Dublin City Ramblers, as well as the honor of sharing the stage with the legendary Tommy Makem.
Ed Miller
Ed Miller has been hailed as "one of the finest singers to come out of the Scottish Folksong Revival" and as "one of Scotland's best singing exports". Originally from Edinburgh, he has for many years been based in Austin, TX, where he gained graduate degrees in Folklore and Geography at the University of Texas. He performs a fine mix of old and new Scottish songs, delivered in a rich warm baritone and accompanied by tales of the songs and of Scotland, with a dry wit and an engaging manner.
Jodee James
Jodee James, a top Celtic artist in MP3 sales, brings a new energy to the music of Wales and the other Celtic lands. Singing ancient tales and ageless themes of love, loyalty, longing, and mystery, with a voice that is touching and intimate, Jodee conjures the very essence of tradition, whether of this century or many centuries before. Nobles, shepherds, lovers, and dreamers, birds as messengers and inspiring heroes all come to life in Jodee's music.
Trouz Bras
Trouz Bras (pronounced "True Brazz") means "Great Sound" in the Celtic language of Brittany, the ancient country that now finds itself in the northwestern region of France. It also translates as "Big Noise"—a reference to the loud Breton bagpipes that fuel the band's driving sound. Catapulting ancient Breton music into the 21st century, Trouz Bras combines swirling bagpipes and soaring fiddle with a rocking rhythm section. Expect nonstop energy, and be prepared to try the ancient dance of Brittany as well.
Glenn Pryor
Glenn Pryor, from Griswold, Connecticut, has been piping professionally for forty years, solo and in award-winning groups, for events from Yale Commencements to Eisteddfod, Deep River Muster to the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, weddings to Mystic Sea Music Festival to 9/11 Memorials. He plays Highland Bagpipe, Irish War Pipes, and tin whistle, and was one of the first in America to play the bellows-blown Lowland Smallpipes.
The Mystic Scottish Country Dancers
The Mystic Scottish Country Dancers will demonstrate the social dancing of Scotland of the past 300 years, ranging from energetic reels and jigs to the stately strathspey—a form of music found only in Scotland—in traditional attire; plan to try it out for yourself.
Spirited Soles Irish Dance Academy
Spirited Soles Irish Dance Academy, based in Oakdale, Connecticut, includes every level of student from pre-novice through elite competition. They will bring an array of dancers of different ages to dazzle with their intricate dance, colorful costumes, and both traditional and contemporary arrangements.
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