The Philadelphia Ceili Group has a long history of being the first to introduce some of the best performers in Irish Traditional music to the great Philadelphia area. Groups like DeDannan, the Irish Tradition, and Celtic Thunder were all brought to Philadelphia audiences by the PCG. In keeping with that tradition, we are proud to present, making their Philadelphia debut, Gary Quinn and Anthony McGrath in concert on Friday, September 10th at 8:00 as part of the 36th Annual Philadelphia Ceili Group Traditional Irish Music and Dance Festival.
Gary Quinn comes from Brierfield near Moylough in Co. Galway. He is a former All- Ireland Champion Accordion player and his debut solo album "Keep her lit !!" has been very well reviewed throughout Ireland. This features many well-known and respected musicians, including Sean de Burca, Sean Regan, Steve Simmonds, Kieran Quinn, Tom Giblin, Bruno Staehelin & Sinead Deely.
By 1989 Gary had won the all Ireland National PTAA accordion championship - an achievement which brought great pride to his family, and also to his local area. He still lives in Brierfield with his wife Jane and his 2 children who are already, at ages 4 and 6, learning their own instruments and showing signs of the family talent.
Gary (who has now reached the tender age of 38) has travelled all over the world with his accordion. Along with his brother Kieran he travelled throughout New Zealand in 1996, and introduced traditional Irish music to many new fans!! As part of Ceoiltoírí Maghlocha in 1995 Gary travelled to North America, Hawaii, Australia etc... This was an 11 week tour, organized by Mr Thomas Mannion, where the musicians played a host of venues and delighted many an audience with their enthusiastic and talented playing. One of Gary's greatest memories of this tour was playing the Sydney Opera House, to an audience of over 6,500 people.
His most recent travelling experience was to Canada with Sean Keane in August 2007, where they played to audiences in five different cities.
Throughout his career, Gary has been influenced by some of the greats of accordion playing, such as Joe Burke, Finbar Dwyer and Joe Cooley... but the man has influenced Gary more than anyone would have to be Mairtín O'Connor. The way in which Gary can instinctively back songs and melodies seems to have come from Mairtín's influence. Gary has known Mairtín for many years, and is proud to say that Mairtín has contributed to his 2008 debut album. Here's a link to sample some of Gary's music: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNzLK11ZOfM
Anthony McGrath has recently joined with Gary Quinn in a new band called Eriuna and they hope to start their American tour next year.
Derry born Anthony McGrath plays steel string guitar and bouzouki, and more recently has been playing nylon strung guitar, enjoying the instruments rich colorful tone and dynamic variation. Although now based in Galway, Anthony has played extensively in Europe, North America and Australia. His inspiration comes not only from the wealth of traditional Irish music that he has played, but from sources as varied and eclectic as Breton, Spanish, American old time, swing jazz and classical music. Currently he can be heard playing on Harry Bradleys 'as I carelessly did stray' album and Enda Scahill's 'Pick it up" album.
Reserved seating tickets are on sale on-line for this concert at http://www.philadelphiaceiligroup.org/philadelphia_ceili_group/2010-festival-tickets-and-workshop-signup.html
Gary and Anthony will also be providing small group workshops in Accordion (Gary) and Guitar (Anthony) on Saturday, September 11th. To get times and sign up for internet discounts on workshops go to: http://www.philadelphiaceiligroup.org/philadelphia_ceili_group/2010-festival-tickets-and-workshop-signup.html
