The annual Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann (All Ireland Fleadh) was in Wexford Town in Ireland’s sunny southwest this year. Eleven current Center for Irish Music students (and a couple alums!) made the trip to Wexford (Loch Garman in Irish) the first week of August to take part in classes, competitions, sessions, concerts and general fun at the 2024 event.
Katya and the iconic Willie Clancy statue, Miltown Malbay, County Clare, Ireland. Center for Irish...
Our summer kicked off with the 16th Annual Minnesota Irish Music Weekend when we brought...
Tim 'Fitz' Fitzgerald left us on March 3, 2010. Fitz was an integral part of the Twin Cities Irish community as a musician, artist, craftsman, singer, photographer, and promoter - a modern day Renaissance man who was always willing to lend a helping hand. Fitz was involved with Irish Fair Minnesota, the Emerald Society, and the Brian Boru Irish Pipe Band. Over the years, Fitz also brought some great music and theater to Kieran’s Irish Pub.
An important part of CIM’s mission is to connect the younger generation with the Irish music tradition. Many young musicians have spent many hours in the classrooms of CIM in private and group lessons, building friendships with each other, and a deep appreciation for the culture of this artform. Claire Vanorny has a deep connection to these spaces as a talented fiddle player and emerging composer. We are delighted to bring her story to you.
This interview is part of the Center for Irish Music's story-sharing project, "Many Paths to...
The Center for Irish Music is embarking on a community story-sharing project in 2024. We welcome and encourage all of our community to join in conversation with each other, by sharing stories of how Irish music weaves its way into the fabric of our lives. Marking CIM's 20th anniversary, this project makes time for conversation, connection and reflection: By recognizing and uplifting our stories, identities, and backgrounds, together we can help our community grow and evolve.
We are excited to host three community story-sharing sessions in June.
Congratulations to the 45 competitors, both youth and adults, who traveled to Chicago for the 2024 Midwest Fleadh Cheoil, hosted by the Institute for Traditional Irish Music from April 26-28th. Students were joined by CIM instructors Hannah Flowers, Chad McAnally, Todd Menton, Brian Miller, Carmen Pasquerella, Norah Rendell, Mary Vanorny and Kate Wade, as well as countless family members who were there to show their support. We're so proud of the incredible musicianship that our students displayed. Congratulations to everyone who competed!
Center for Irish Music instructors Danny Diamond (fiddle), Danielle Enblom (sean nós dance), Brian Miller (bouzouki & guitar) and Norah Rendell (flute & vocals) performed two education shows at Sheridan Hills Elementary School, featuring traditional music, dance, Irish language, and song.
Morien (center) with his longtime guitar and banjo instructor Brian Miller (left) and Dennis Curley,...