Music
The debut album by Macdara Yeates, “Traditional Singing from Dublin,” marks a new arrival on the Irish folkscape. Named in MOJO’s “Top 10 Folk Albums of the Year” and nominated for two RTÉ Radio One Folk Awards, the album features a rich store of old and weathered folk songs, ranging from the comic and surreal to the mournful and disconsolate. Siobhán Long…
Lily Neill has captivated audiences around the world with the dynamism and breadth of her performances, and her infectious passion for the harp. She has played for world leaders and ambassadors, luminaries in the world of music, and listeners who never dreamed they would ever hear a harp. Critics have praised her effortless technique and the uniqueness of her style, with Irish Music…
Téada will be celebrating its 25th anniversary as a band just as Blackstone River Theatre celebrates its 25th anniversary year so this is a perfect match! A traditional band with a truly worldwide reach, Téada has appeared as a frequent headliner at major music festivals throughout the US, Canada, Mexico, Europe, Africa, Russia, Israel and Australia. Highlights…
Celebrating its 15-year anniversary as a band, the Celtic-American roots group RUNA continues to push the boundaries of Irish folk music into the Americana and roots music formats. Interweaving the haunting melodies and exuberant tunes of Ireland and Scotland with the lush harmonies and intoxicating rhythms of jazz, bluegrass, flamenco and blues, RUNA offers a thrilling…
The Glasgow-based five-piece band, Ímar, stands out from the crowd by taking things back to basics. With a line-up featuring members of Talisk, Mànran, Mec Lir, and RURA, and an impressive collection of top awards – including a 2018 BBC Radio 2 Musician Of The Year, 2016 BBC Radio Scotland Young Musician of the Year,…
Ken Perlman is a pioneer of the 5-string banjo style known as melodic clawhammer; he is considered one of today’s top clawhammer players, known in particular for his skillful adaptations of Celtic, Appalachian, & Canadian fiddle tunes. An acclaimed teacher of folk-music instrumental skills, Ken has written such widely used banjo instruction books as Clawhammer Style…
Neil Byrne is an Irish singer, songwriter, and musician best known for his work with the internationally renowned group Celtic Thunder. Since joining the ensemble in 2007, his distinctive voice, refined musicianship, and compelling stage presence have made him a standout performer and a fan favorite. Beyond his contributions to Celtic Thunder, Neil has built an impressive…
Spreading the Cloak: Brigid’s Legacy of Leadership & Creativity Join the ICC in partnership with the Consulate General of Ireland, Boston in celebration of Brigid’s Day. February 1 marks the start of Spring in Ireland and the celebration of Brigid’s Day – Ireland’s newest national holiday. Brigid’s Day celebrates both the Saint and the Celtic…
Irish-based singer-songwriter Sina Theil brings her powerful, feel-good live show to the US this March. Blending soaring vocals, heartfelt songs, personal storytelling, and unmistakable Irish craic, her performances are warm, uplifting, and deeply engaging. Rising from busking on the streets of Dublin to international touring, Sina creates a genuine connection with every audience. Expect honest…
Singer, guitarist and 5-string banjo player Ed Sweeney honors people and their histories by presenting music that entertains and educates. Through his musical expertise, breadth of knowledge, and wonderful sense of humor, he helps listeners understand the motivations, and stories that have made us who and what we are today. For more than 45 years Ed has…
Skye Consort & Emma Björling return to perform trans-Atlantic arrangements of songs and tunes from Sweden, Norway, Ireland, Scotland, England, and Québec, as well as original compositions. They find enchanting stories and melodies, then bring them into the 21st century with worldly chamber-folk settings. Each musician brings their own individual interpretation to these traditions to create…
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day a few weeks early at BRT with Lúnasa! TWO SHOWS: 3pm & 7pm Named for an ancient Celtic harvest festival in honor of the Irish god Lugh, Lúnasa was formed in 1997 from members of some of the greatest Irish groups of the previous decade, an early review from Folk Roots magazine describing…
What a way to celebrate Valentine’s Day weekend! Damn Tall Buildings is a celebrated folk-bluegrass band known for their soulful melodies and intricate instrumentals. Based in Brooklyn, this seasoned trio – Max Capistran, Sasha Dubyk, and Avery Ballotta – has spent over a decade honing their craft through dedicated touring and recording. With a distinctive sound that weaves heartfelt lyrics into thoughtful…
This dynamic band blends the drive of Irish traditional music and bluegrass with the heart and soul of folk and Appalachian music – spiced up with an Italian seasoning for extra flair! Gadan was created by seasoned Italian musicians from the Irish trad and European folk/ rock scene, all with years of experience performing at…
BRT favorites Aubrey Atwater and Elwood Donnelly return with Cathy Clasper-Torch on fiddle, cello and vocals to present an engaging concert of traditional American and Celtic American folk songs, a cappella pieces, hymns, poetry, dance tunes, and original works. Elwood and Aubrey blend unusual harmonies and play guitar, Appalachian mountain dulcimer, Irish tin whistle, harmonica, old-time banjo, bones, limberjacks and other musical surprises. Their performance…
Greater Boston’s acclaimed traditional Irish organization, Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann, is now accepting students for its 10-week spring semester at its CCÉ Boston Music School, which runs from January 26 through April 1, 2026. Deadline for enrollment is Monday, January 19, 2026. See enrollment form. Every level of musician – including beginners, intermediate and advanced players,…
Back by popular demand, Donegal-based, vocal power-house quartet, Onóir make their second LIVE appearance at the Irish Cultural Centre! Contemporary Irish folk group Onóir formed in 2020, when Donegal musicians Tom McHugh, Declan Gaughan, Deane Connaghan, and Diarmaid McGee, joined forces to create a contemporary version of the famous Irish folk ballad; “The Auld Triangle”,…
Join the original voice of Riverdance on Broadway & the host of Ireland with Michael for an evening of chats about his TV show, travel to Ireland, a few Christmas songs, and best of all, Irish coffee! Michael Londra is an Emmy®-nominated, internationally acclaimed Irish singer, theatre producer, and TV host of the hit Travel and Music series…
It’s beginning to sound a lot like Christmas, to paraphrase the popular lyric, especially here in New England, where holiday shows inspire, comfort and bring joy to listeners, from big concert halls to small churches and cultural venues. It turns out New England has a distinctive connection to holiday music, since many iconic Christmas songs…
If you want to measure the current vitality and breadth of Irish culture in New England, visit the Irish Cultural Centre of Greater Boston in Canton, Massachusetts any time of year. First opened in 1989, the Irish Cultural Centre is a multi-purpose gathering place for year-round music and dance, learning, seasonal events, sports and socializing….
In 2012, Pete Lally founded Spectacle Live as a one-man company after working in various concert halls and cultural venues for 15 years. Since then, Spectacle has grown into a full-fledged concert promotion and venue management company with a wide reach across three states (MA, RI, NH), 11 concert venues and some 300 shows per…
As Blackstone River Theater in Cumberland, RI celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2026, we talked with Russell Gusetti, executive director, about what makes the theater so distinctive as a musical venue, cultural center and community gathering space. How did the Theatre get started and what was your mindset in the early days? In July 1996,…
Sixteen Shows at the BCA – December 2-7 and December 9-14 The Off-Broadway Irish dance revue, A Celtic Christmas, comes to Boston this holiday season, with 16 shows scheduled at the BCA in the South End. The show features some of the world’s finest Irish dancers and musicians, and bring the sounds of Christmas to…
Born and raised in Co. Cork, Ireland, Meadhbh Walsh is a captivating fiddle player, singer, and songwriter whose rich vocals and evocative storytelling have earned her international recognition. At just 23, she has carved out a unique space in contemporary Irish folk, blending traditional melodies with her own modern songwriting. She has been featured by RTÉ, Irish Music Magazine,…
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These organizations promote Irish Culture in New England.
