Straight-up Irish traditional music at its best
JESSE SMITH grew up in Baltimore, immersed in the Irish music tradition of that city. Both parents are musicians, and at an early age, he began studying with renowned fiddler Brendan Mulvihill. He moved to Ireland in 1998 and has played traditional music there for almost 20 years, attaining an admirable level of competence, skill and artistic judgement. His fiddle playing is understated and tasteful. An interest in the Irish music of the 78rpm era is seen in his choice of material, and performances always include classics from the repertoires of the great County Sligo fiddle trinity: Michael Coleman, James Morrison and Paddy Killoran. He has recorded a number of fine CDs, including the solo fiddle release "Jigs And Reels", "The Rookery" with piper Emmett Gill and "Music Of The Lost Continent" with his concert mates tonight, Sean Gavin & John Blake!
SEAN GAVIN’s playing on the flute, whistle and uilleann pipes reflects his lifelong love for Irish traditional music. Growing up in Detroit, he was first encouraged to play by his father, Clare-born fiddler Mick Gavin. He tried a variety of instruments before finally settling on the flute at the age of eleven with the help of teacher Leo Mac Namara, a native of County Clare. Soon after that he began learning the uilleann pipes, studying with Al Purcell, himself once a student of the famed Dublin pipe maker and master piper Leo Rowsome. In more recent years Sean has been fortunate enough to cultivated a close friendship with Sligo-born flute legend Kevin Henry and others of the older generation of Irish musicians in Chicago, where he now lives. He enjoys teaching and performing throughout North America and Ireland and can be heard performing regularly with traditional bands Bua and Teada.
JOHN BLAKE is a highly regarded Irish guitarist, pianist and flute player who has made a name for himself as a talented and versatile musician. His flute playing is subtle and imaginative, with echoes of the ancient style of North Connaught, where his family roots lie. An original member of the Irish band Teada, John has performed and recorded with the cream of Irish musicians including multi-instrumentalist John Carty, uilleann piper Liam O'Flynn, and the fiddle playing Kane Sisters. Brought up in London, he moved to Ireland in 1998 and very quickly developed a reputation as an accompanist of note, racking up numerous album credits. He joined Teada in 2001 and toured with them for three years before giving up the road and settling into a job at Na Piobairi Uilleann (The Pipers' Club) in Dublin. He released a solo flute CD, "The Narrow Edge" in 2013 and recently has performed in the trio "The Truckley Howl" with his wife Mairead Hurley on concertina and Nathan Gourley on fiddle.
Tickets may be purchased in advance at this site or at the pub. A limited number of tickets may be available at the door.
DOORS OPEN AT 6:00 PM
