Thursday, February 9, 7:30 PM (7 door): Seán Gavin, Uilleann piper and flute player; Johnny B. Connolly, Irish button box accordionist
(Tickets $22.50, On Sale December 10; drop by the store or call 541-345-8986 to reserve or click here to purchase online)
Seán Gavin, Uilleann piper and flute player, is one of the most highly regarded Irish musicians of his generation. In 2016 he became the first and only musician born outside Ireland to win the prestigious Seán Ó Riada gold medal, and his most recent recording, a collaboration with fiddler Jesse Smith, accompanist John Blake, and bodhran player Johnny “Ringo” McDonagh, was hailed by The Irish Echo as “traditional music at its best!” Seán tours regularly with the groups Bua and Téada, both of which have gleaned top praise from Irish music critics around the globe. In addition to performing, Seán was Musical Director for the PBS program “I Am Ireland”, and for the long running Atlantic Steps. He’s one of the most highly sought instructors of Irish music, with lectures on the subject at institutions around the world including the University of Chicago, St. Andrew’s University in Scotland, and Na Píobairí Uilleann in Dublin. He has recently authored a popular tutor book, The Tin Whistle Method, from pubisher Hal Leonard.
https://www.seangavinmusic.com
Johnny B. Connolly is an internationally recognized master of the Irish button box accordion. A native of Dublin, Ireland, Connolly first came to Portland in 1997 while on an Irish music tour of the U.S. Portland’s vibrant music scene, which included the world famous Irish fiddler Kevin Burke and a strong community of traditional Irish music aficionados, led to Connolly’s decision to make Oregon his home. At 15 he played his first gig; by the next year, Connolly was taking lessons from renowned accordionist and traditional Irish dance teacher Christopher McGrory. Over the years, Connolly has played with Anam, an eclectic, multi-national Celtic folk band. In 2001, he recorded his first solo album, Bridgetown, and garnered positive critical attention. Connolly performs both nationally and internationally. When home, Connolly can be found soulfully playing accordion at one of Portland’s many Irish pubs.
