Irish & Celtic Music Podcast is a proud supporter of IrishFest Atlanta. It's happening Nov 3-5, 2023. Thank you as always for reading the Celtic Music Magazine and listening to our Podcast. We made an error on Thursday about who is performing at this year's festival. My apologies for that.
Today, we're gonna fix that by sharing with you all of the great music, dancing, food, language and culture that you will enjoy at this year's festival.
You can read this newsletter on my website or just keep reading on. But make sure you visit IrishFestAtlanta.org to join workshops, watch concerts, and enjoy all of the fun stuff you're about to read about right now.
IrishFest Atlanta was launched November 2013 to promote the culture of Ireland through the country’s traditional music, song, dance, and language. The vision of IrishFest Atlanta’s original founders was to create a weekend of cultural performances, lectures, and workshops in a festive environment appealing to community members of all ages and varying familiarity of all things Irish.
This is our second year sponsoring the festival. We are so very grateful to be a part of the event. We will even have a table out there this year. So if you want a bumper sticker, please come on by. We will give them out for free!
Let's get started with…
Headliners!
Ashley Davis Band
The band’s original songwriting tells captivating stories, but it is Davis’s unique and powerful voice that brings those stories to life. Through a blend of Davis’s voice, Farrell and MacMorran’s tune writing, and Curley’s singing and songwriting, the band crosses musical traditions and defies comparisons. The AD Band’s showcase of new material in the Irish idiom makes the band unique, refreshing and entertaining. Good Morning America describes the Ashley Davis Band as “new music springing from ancient roots.” It is an apt description. The band pulls from numerous influences that have inspired them over the years, giving it their own touch with virtuosity on myriad instruments. These new sounds of the AD Band is captivating audiences on both sides of the Atlantic; a powerhouse of talent and creativity. Their 2020 album “When the Stars Went Out” is a shining example of this.
I have a very special interview with Ashley Davis that came out a couple weeks ago. Listen here.
DERVISH
As one of the world's most renowned and imaginative interpreters of Irish folk music, Dervish have devoted the last three decades to gently reinventing the traditional songs of their homeland. Built upon two sturdy pillars — the hauntingly charismatic vocals of Cathy Jordan and the dazzling virtuosity of award-winning instrumentalists like Tom Morrow on fiddle, Liam Kelly on flute, and Shane Mitchell on accordion, The solid rhythm playing of Brian McDonagh and Michael Holmes drives the band, whose concert performances are a myriad of tones and moods ranging from high energy tunes, played with fluidity and intuitiveness, to beautifully measured songs, from charming lyrics of life and love, to inspiring melodies that lift audiences from their seats. All the elements are drawn together by Cathy Jordan’s masterful stage presence. Her stories to the songs and her interaction with the audience draws people into the music in a way very few performers can achieve.
I'm thrilled that we've had Dervish's music on the podcast for several years. Listen to some of their episodes.
Special Features on the Podcast
Eimear Arkins & David McKindley-Ward
Eimear Arkins comes from a small village on the west coast of Ireland called Ruan, in County Clare. She is an award winning musician, singer and dancer with eleven solo Fleadh Cheoil nahÉireann titles to her credit. Eimear has toured throughout the US, Ireland and beyond with acclaimed bands like Cherish The Ladies, Téada, and more. Learn more about Eimear here: eimeararkins.com
You'll enjoy my interview with her about Irish lilting on the next edition of the podcast.
David McKindley-Ward is an award winning musician and singer. He grew up in the DC area steeped in folk, American and old time music. His traditional singing style and versatile accompaniment skills meant a transition to Irish music was a great fit. This duo will be opening for both concerts!
Shannon Dunne
Shannon’s work with master dancers such as Róisín Ní Mhainín, Pádraig Ó hOibicín, Gearóid and Patrick Devane, to name but a few, has given her intimate access to the tight-knit sean-nós dance community and has afforded her a place among the top sean-nós dancers in North America. Her background in the Reggio Emilio educational philosophy shaped her approach to teaching and performance-making. Learn more about Shannon at Shannondunnedance.
I interviewed Shannon last year for the podcast. She talked about sean-nós dance. She's teaching there again this year.
Check out Shannon Dunne's interview on the podcast.
Atlanta Irish Dance by Burke Connolly
Atlanta Irish Dance is the Premiere Irish Dance Academy in Georgia and one of the top Irish Dance Companies in the United States. Our dancers are among the best in the world, with regional, national, and international titles! Boys & Girls as young as 3 years old love our engaging classes and encouraging teachers. We have adult classes, too! Join us today and start jiggin'!
Last year, I chatted with Emma Burke of Atlanta Irish Dance. We talked about what Irish dance is. We talked about the difference between Feis and Feisana and Irish dance costumes. That was great discussion with lots of fun music and stories.
That's all the interviews I have so far. I hope to get a couple more at the festival this year.
That's not all that is happening at this year's festival. You'll also enjoy music from Jared Bogle, The Bordercollies, and The Muckers. All three are regularly played on the podcast.
You'll also enjoy the music of AH Surely, Celtic Brew, The Roundabouts, Phoenix Céilí Band of Atlanta, Nashville Irish Music School, and Kira & Krew.
That's a lot of great music. But…
What about Irish dance?
There are FOUR dance schools presenting. In addition to Atlanta Irish Dance, you'll also enjoy these.
The Carpenter Academy of Irish Dance specializes in both performance and competitive Irish dancing. With classes available for dancers ages 4 to adult, the Carpenter Academy creates a space for students to thrive and build confidence through Irish dance. The Carpenter Academy has 3 Georgia locations in Buford, Athens, and Woodstock, as well as locations in Fort Walton Beach, Florida and Asheville, North Carolina. For more information on the program, visit carpenteririshdance.com.
For over 30 years, the Drake School of Irish Dance has been sharing the joy of Irish dance with children and adults alike. Founded by Dublin native, Karl Drake, in Atlanta in 1990, the school has grown over the years to include branches throughout the Southeast and throughout the world, with dancers from Drake Mexico now among Drake's many regional and North American champions and world medalists. The Drake School is thrilled to be back and doing what we love at IrishFest Atlanta!
Kavanagh Porter Academy is a world renowned Irish dance academy with locations in Georgia, Maryland and Dublin, Ireland.
Líle has grown up listening to Irish folklore and mythology as part of her own childhood story time. Her family moved from Ireland to Atlanta in 2018. The stories being read will ignite the imagination and fuel the curiosity of Irish culture. Líle's sister Cuisle and brother Art will also be on hand with illustrations and explanations. Come enjoy Líle's story corner and hear the engaging stories that have delighted Irish children for generations.
There'll even be drama performances.
Arís are presenting a sneak preview of our Christmas Pantomime. We've looked high and we've looked low, and we at Arís are fairly certain this is the first Christmas Panto in the city of Atlanta EVER! We're all familiar with the story of the lovely girl in the cinders (Cinderella) who, one fateful evening with the help of a fairy godmother, loses a shoe but gains a Prince. Be prepared for the story of Cinderella like you've never seen it before: Slapstick gags, singalongs, funny “dames” and even a pantomime horse- this is not your grandmother's Cinderella!
And of course, Atlanta has a great music school for people of all ages who want to learn to play Irish music.
Phoenix School of Irish Arts teaches music on a variety of instruments at all levels in the traditional style from teacher to student with a focus on instrumental technique, quality instruction, and authentic experiences in our community. We are the only sean-nós and set dance school in Atlanta! Our voice students are taught how to develop their authentic voice using proper vocal technique while learning a varied repertoire of Irish and English songs. Shannon Dunne, University of Notre Dame, is the school Dance Director and Katherine Irwin Thomas, a long time teacher of Irish music in Atlanta is Music Director. Register for group or private classes for kids, teens and adults!
Even More Irish Experiences
Irish Bread Making Contest
Would you like to try out your Irish Soda Bread-Making skill? Enter the King Arthur sponsored baking contest and win a PRIZE! Enter the Irish bread making contest
The Phoenix Céilí Band host the IrishFest Atlanta Céilí
A céilí (kaylee) is a social event where a group of Irish musicians is organized to play traditional Irish music for ceili or set dances. The band includes members Phoenix School of Irish Arts and features many musicians in the community, including US and All-Ireland Champions!
Shannon Dunne & Mary Ujda will be on hand to “call” the dances. Take advantage of their workshops to get ready for the event! All ages and experiences are welcome.
Irish Short Films
Enjoy the best of Irish short form cinema, at the inaugural IrishFest Atlanta film festival. Short Films & Animation for Children and Comedy Short Film, including the Oscar Winning film An Irish Goodbye.
Irish Tea
You are cordially invited to a traditional Irish Tea featuring a lovely selection of tea sandwiches, scones and cakes, featuring special creations prepared by Chef Thomas McKeown, Executive Chef at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta, and Chef Judith McLoughlin of the Shamrock & Peach.
Whiskey Tasting
This year, Waterford Whisky will be hosting the tasting! Waterford will showcase 4 different whiskies from SINGLE FARM ORIGIN ONE PLACE, ONE FARM, and ONE SPIRIT. Using 100% Irish barley, widely considered to be the world’s finest, our Single Farm Origin series is an uber-provenance range of limited edition natural whiskies that explore Irish terroir one farm, one place, at a time. They are expressions of precision and rarity, showcasing barley flavours derived from individual Irish farms and harvests.
And if you can believe it… THAT'S NOT ALL!
There are multiple workshops each day. However, if you want to attend any of these workshops, please make sure you register to attend them. You don't want to miss these world-class performers teaching you their special arts. Register on the website to attend.
Eimear Arkins – The Art of Lilting
Lilting is a form of mouth music which uses nonsensical vocables to convey a tune, i.e. deedle-di-do diddle dee dum… Lilting is a great way for musicians to learn new tunes and for vocalists to add variety to their songs. Non-musicians are also welcome! No experience is required, so join us to learn about this fun and entertaining style of singing and performing Irish tunes with rhythmic and melodic pizazz.. The class is taught by IrishFest 2023 feature artist Eimear Arkins, multi-instrumentalist, singer, dancer, and All-Ireland champion from County Clare.
Olivia Bradley – Singing
Olivia is an Irish vocalist, bodhran player, and Irish dancer. A graduate of Clayton State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music, she has performed with professional Irish musicians all over the US and is a touring member of the Celtic Angels. Olivia is a national champion Irish Gaelic singer, competing on the world stage in 2015 at the All Ireland competition in Sligo, Ireland. Olivia’s class focuses on common traditional Irish and Irish-American songs in English and Irish Gaelic for singers with a basic understanding of vocal technique. Perfect for singers looking to build their traditional song repertoire or who simply want a tune to sing at the session.
Katherine Irwin Thomas- Beginning Fiddle
This workshop is for musicians that are either new to Irish music or are still working on mastering technique and ornamentation. We’ll learn about the different tune types, common ornamentation and bowing patterns as well as the differences in regional styles. Of course, we’ll also learn a few tunes and then what to do with all this new information! Katherine is a school orchestra teacher with Fulton County Schools, holds her TTCT in Irish Fiddle from CCÉ and has had a long and intimate relationship with her fiddle.
John Maschinot: Irish tunes on Flute and Tin Whistle
John Maschinot has been playing Uilleann pipes, Irish flute and tin whistle for nearly four decades of teaching experience both privately and as an instructor with the Phoenix School of Irish Arts and The Frank Hamilton School. He’s also a teaching artist, doing programs in schools throughout the Southeast. John’s workshop will highlight important aspects of playing Irish music, with an emphasis on learning to play “by ear”, listening, phrasing, rhythms and tune types, and basic ornamentation. This workshop is suitable for beginner and intermediate musicians who have at least some experience on their instrument.
David McKindley-Ward – Picking Irish Melodies (Banjo / Mandolin / Bouzouki / Guitar)
This workshop will explore the world of melodic opportunities for picking tunes (using fingers and picks) on fretted instruments. The workshop, offered by featured artist David McKindley-Ward, award winning singer and multi-instrumentalist. The class will teach new songs and/or tunes while exploring techniques for translating tunes onto these instruments that highlight interesting rhythmic opportunities and ways to explore melodic variations across the fretboard. Time permitting we will also explore creating solo arrangements of the tunes, and how to incorporate melodic solos into songs.
Mary Branick Ujda: Ceili Dancing
Mary Branick Ujda, TCRG, has been introducing dancers of all ages to the fun of ceili dancing for over 20 years and has been a part of IrishFest Atlanta since the very beginning. This year’s workshops will start with the basic ceili footwork followed by a selection of dances from the Irish social dance tradition. The instruction will start with simple progressive dances working towards more involved figures. Different dances will be taught each day so that dancers can enjoy back to back workshops. All ages and experience levels are welcome. Dance partners are not required. Wear comfortable dance or athletic shoes, and clothes that are easy to move in.
Ashley Davis – Storytelling through Song
International recording artist and Atlanta favorite Ashley Davis will be back leading this intimate workshop about singing, and communicating, through songs. While exploring songs from Ashley’s repertoire, this class will consider vocal techniques and ornaments to help take your singing to the next level. Ashley will also offer opportunities to discuss where the songs come from, how they are written and arranged, and how the story and performance come together to bring your songs alive. Singers of all experience levels are welcome. This workshop is also open for registration to anyone with an interest in learning more about the music and Ashley’s approach as a singer-songwriter.
Colin Farrell – Intermediate / Advanced Irish Fiddle
World-renowned award-winning fiddler (Lunasa, Ashley Davis Band, and many others), prolific composer, IrishFest featured artist, and multi-year festival favorite Colin Farrell returns to IrishFest Atlanta again this year. This workshop will add to your repertoire and focus on how bowing, ornamentation, and variations can enhance your playing. This class will explore different approaches and practice techniques to optimize the rhythmic and melodic elements of the tunes on the fiddle, and consider how to make your playing lively and authentic. This workshop is suitable for advanced fiddlers, and for intermediate players comfortable learning at a faster pace.
Dave Curley – Bodhran
Dave Curley is one of Ireland’s leading multi-instrumentalists and vocalists, and has performed around the world with top Irish and folk musicians. Last at the Festival with Crannua in 2019, Dave returns to IrishFest this year with the Ashley Davis Band. This workshop will look at intermediate to advanced rhythm patterns for a variety of tune types and time signatures. We will focus on technique and incorporate the back hand to develop dynamics and tone. This class will be taught at a pace appropriate for intermediate and advanced players, although beginners are welcome to sit in and observe.
Will MacMoran – Accompanying Tunes in Drop D
Will is a talented multi-instrumentalist, producer, and teacher who has toured nationally and internationally with Seven Nations, The Ashley Davis Band, and others, and is the founding member of the Celtic group Glen Echo. We are thrilled he is joining this year’s IrishFest with the Ashley Davis Band. This class is for newer guitarists and those new to Irish traditional music. Students will learn chord shapes and patterns for Drop D guitar tuning and strumming patterns for jigs, reels, and other melodies. We will focus on common keys within Irish traditional music, how to be creative with your own playing, and also discuss the ‘ins and outs’ of playing with others. An audio recorder is recommended.
Shannon Dunne: Irish Set Dancing
Shannon is a professor and program director at the University of Notre Dame, developing and leading classes and performing ensembles in Traditional Irish Music and Dance. She is the founder of Shannon Dunne Dance/Capital Irish Arts and produced several All-Ireland medalists. She has been the recipient of many grants awards for her work and in 2016 she received a special commendation from the CCE at the All-Ireland Fleadh in Ennis. “Sets” are danced by eight people in a formation similar to that of American square dancing. Each dance consists of several figures with a short pause between each. The dances come from different regions of Ireland. Dance partner not required. During the workshop you will learn at least one dance, perhaps even more! Bring comfortable, slip soled shoes. (No taps or hard Irish dance shoes please.)
If you love Celtic culture and music, then you do not want to miss IrishFest Atlanta. It all takes place Nov 3-5, 2023 right here in Atlanta, Georgia. We'd love to see you here!
