Want to look at life through an Irish music lens again? Tune in to Irish Music Stories, Season 2, the podcast about traditional music, and the bigger stories behind it.
Episode 13: The C-Word
What’s up with the word ‘Celtic,’ and what does it have to do with Irish music? Seamus Egan, Neil Pearlman, Marc Gunn, and Ellery Klein unpack the meaning and mysteries of Celtic culture.
Episode 14: Dance Hall Days
What did Irish Boston look like in the 1940s, 50s, and 60s? Sue Lindsay, Joanie Madden, Kevin Doyle, Helen Kisiel, and Brian O’Donovan look back at a colorful time in Irish American history, with stories about love, livelihood, and (occasional) left hooks.
Episode 15: Heartbeat of Irish Music
What’s at the core of Irish dance music? Eileen Ivers, Nic Gareiss, Marla Fibish, and Jimmy Keane talk trad rhythm, and how our instruments, our bodies, our intentions, our culture, and magical forces shape how we play and dance to traditional tunes.
Episode 16: Pushing All the Right Buttons
What exactly IS folklore… and tradition (in 2018)? Accordion players Billy, Sean and Mikey McComiskey and Massachusetts folklorist Maggie Holtzberg share beautiful, gratitude-drenched stories that transcend the bellows of the button box.
Episode 17: Why Willie and Mary Matter
Why do old ballads endure? Singers Laura Cortese, Cathy Jordan, Sam Amidon, Robbie O’Connell, and Karan Casey talk about why calling your love a red, red rose in a dating app era might still be a good idea.
Episode 18: Wax Cylinders to the World Wide Web
Is there magic in the medium? Jeff Kszaiek, Kieran Jordan, Happy Traum, Steph Geremia, Kirsten Allstaff, Elizabeth Sweeney, Jacob Deck, and Natalya Kay weigh in on wax cylinder recordings, cassette tapes, YouTube videos.
Episode 19: Fiddle in the Windy City
How did fiddle player and composer Liz Carroll get her groove? Liz’s thoughts about weathering different creative chapters, about appreciating different styles, and about savoring all the little moments are an antidote to the frazzled, the doubters, the unsure.
Episode 20: Trad Music Summer Camp
What’s the story with Irish music and dance camp? Mick Moloney, Kathleen Conneely, Seamus Connolly, Lissa Schneckenburger, Robbie O’Connell, Kevin Crawford, Cecilia Farran, Deirdre Cronin, Fiona Howell, and Brennish Thomson weigh in on what motivates instructors and students, and why it all goes way beyond a few jigs and reels.
Episode 21: Fifty Shades of Gender Equality
What do Benjamin Moore paints have to do with Irish bands, modern performance practice, and fairness? Karan Casey, Brian Ó hAirt, Laura Cortese, Nic Gareiss, Ellery Klein, and Dr. Lisa Coyne help uncover different shades of inclusivity in the Irish tradition, one room at a time.
Episode 22: Jigs in the Key of P
What’s the secret formula for parent-performers? John Williams and Matt Heaton share two unique approaches to keeping the music (and the insight factory) going strong, while still tucking in to family. (Hint: it works for non-parents, too.)
Episode 23: IMS Playlist
What’s a sure-fire way to make your season bright? A PLAYLIST and collection of mini-stories from Laurel Martin, Kevin Crawford, Daithi Sproule, Maeve Gilchrist & Nic Gareiss, Trad Youth Exchange, Liz Carroll, The Makem and Spain Brothers, and Cherish the Ladies.
Photo Credits:
(1) Irish Music Stories,
(3) Steph Geremia,
(5) Kevin Crawford
(unknown/website);
(2) Karan Casey,
(4) Dáithí Sproule,
(6) Shannon Heaton
(by Walkin' Tom).
