Philadelphia Ceili Group

Wild & Beautiful Music from the West of Ireland - Breanndan Begley, button-accordion & Caoimhin O'Raghallaigh, fiddle

2 area performances of what could very well turn out to be the Irish traditional music concert of the year!
      
Sat., Oct. 16; 8:00 PM / Admission: $15 
Coatesville Traditional Irish Music Series / @ the Coatesville Cultural Society
143 East Lincoln Highway /  Coatesville, PA  19320 / (610) 486 2220

click here for more information & to buy txts to Coatesville Concert

Sun., Oct. 17; 8:00 PM / Admission: $15/$13 PCG Members 
Philadelphia Ceili Group / @ the Commodore Barry Club
6815 Emlen Street /  Phila, PA  19320 / (610) 486 2220

click here for more information and to buy tickets to Philadelphia Concert (buy on-line and get free reserved seating!)

The music of Breanndán Begley has lifted hearts all around the world. Master of the button-accordion, he is also a member of the 'Boys of the Lough'.  His exciting dance music, sensitive playing of slow airs, and his singing in his native Irish have made him a great favorite. Swerving from jigs to polkas, or from old songs in Irish to driving reels, Breanndán unleashes the raw power and beauty of Irish music. 

 
Dublin fiddler Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh (Kwee-VEEN O RYE-allah) is one of the most creative young musicians in traditional music.  Playing together, Caoimhín and Breanndán respect the classic model of Irish traditional music for fiddle and button-accordion, but their individual styles and approaches can combine for delightfully unexpected results.

Travel for Breanndan Begley and Caoimhin O'Raghallaigh is being funded by

Great Irish Trad Music happening in October - The Spring Hill House Concert Series presents Aoife Clancy at Lansdale House Concert

The concert will be Saturday, October 16 in Lansdale, PA.

Attached is flyer for the Aoife Clancy House Concert presented by the Spring Hill House Concert Series.  Please click on link below for more information. Reservations for this concert are required.

Download Aoife_Clancy_Spring_Hill[1]

A very special Traditional Irish Music Experience this Weekend

A Very Special Traditional Irish Music Experience: Friday, Sept 24 and Saturday, Sept  25

John Donnelly has arranged for the legendary Michael Tubridy, flutist for the Chieftains, along with Fr. Charlie Coen, Paddy O'Neill, and Lesl Harker, to come to our fair city to share  tales and tunes that link the old tradition to the present time.  It is a rare opportunity to see and hear some truly talented folks from the heart of the Irish tradition. The event will take place at the Irish Center, aka The Commodore Barry Club.
 
Visit www.irishflutetunesandtales.com  for more information, times and registration. Please note that while a donation of $85 is requested, money should not stand in anyone's way.  This is a rare opportunity, and all donations go directly to the musicians. 

 

AND DON'T FORGET TO MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

Breanndan Begley & Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh in Concert

Sunday, October 17, 2010
8:00 pm
The Commodore Barry Club, 6815 Emlen Street, Philadelphia, Pa.

Tickets: $15/General, $13/PCG Members

Wild & Beautiful Music from the West of Ireland
Breanndan Begley, button-accordion  & Caoimhin O'Raghallaigh, fiddle

for more information and to buy tickets on-line (and receive free reserved seating) go to http://www.philadelphiaceiligroup.org

 

Philadelphia is Alive with Irish Trad Music in September and October!

Check out these great concerts coming up in September and October, Philly is Alive with Irish Trad Music!

Eileen Ivers and Immigrant Soul

Saturday, September 25, 8:00 pm  
The Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts - Zellerbach Theatre, 3680 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6219
For more information and to buy tickets: http://www.pennpresents.org/tickets/?id=110

Fiddler Eileen Ivers will change the way you think about the violin! It’s a rare and select grade of artists whose work is so boldly imaginative and clearly virtuosic that it alters the medium while respectfully exploring the traditions and progression of the Celtic fiddle. Her performances and recordings continue to demonstrate why Ivers is called a “sensation” by Billboard magazine, “the Jimi Hendrix of the violin” by the New York Times, “a virtuoso” by The Irish Times and is hailed as one of the great innovators and pioneers of Celtic music. Ivers returns to the Annenberg Center with her band Immigrant Soul for one night only, performing an array of beloved classics and new favorites.
 

Fil Campbell Live in Concert  
Sunday, September 26, 2010
7:30 pm – 10:00 pm
The Commodore Barry Club, 6815 Emlen Street, Philadelphia, Pa.

Join us as we welcome the lovely and very talented Fil Campbell back to the Irish Center for her presentation of the music of "Songbirds". The RTE documentary which Fil wrote, produced and starred in chronicles the lives and songs of the first women of Irish song: Delia Murphy, Maggie Barry, Ruby Murray, Mary O'Hara and Bridie Gallagher. Fil will be singing the many, many songs that these women made popular during the 40's, 50's and 60's and which built the touchstone upon which most popular Irish music and song has been built on ever since. Cost is $15 at the door. This concert is appropriate for all ages. If you love such songs as "The Spinning Wheel", "If I Were a Blackbird", "Homes of Donegal", "Flower of Sweet Strabane" and "Teddy O'Neill", you'll be able to sing along and reminisce with Fil. For more information, call Marianne MacDonald at (856)236-2717 or email rinceseit@msn.com.

OCTOBER BRINGS EVEN MORE GREAT LIVE MUSIC!

Breanndan Begley & Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh in Concert

Sunday, October 17, 2010
8:00 pm
The Commodore Barry Club, 6815 Emlen Street, Philadelphia, Pa.

Tickets: $15/General, $13/PCG Members

Wild & Beautiful Music from the West of Ireland
Breanndan Begley, button-accordion  & Caoimhin O'Raghallaigh, fiddle

The soaring music of Breanndán Begley has lifted hearts in Ireland and all around the world. A consummate master of the two-row button-accordion, he is also a member of the world renowned 'Boys of the Lough'.  His exciting dance music, sensitive emotional playing of slow airs, and his singing in his native Irish have made him a great favorite in the traditional Irish music community. In concert, swerving from infectious jigs to passionate polkas, or from old songs in Gaelic to driving reels, Breanndán unleashes the raw power and beauty of Irish music.  An agile dancer and a dedicated teller of stories, he is acclaimed in Ireland for his TV presentations on the Irish language channel, TG4.

Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh (Kwee-VEEN O RYE-allah), skilled on the fiddle, pipes and tinwhistle, is one of the most creative young musicians in traditional music.  Playing together, Caoimhín and Breanndán respect the classic model of Irish traditional music for fiddle and button-accordion, but their individual styles and approaches can combine for delightfully unexpected results. There has been much discussion of his ability to fashion captivating, almost otherworldly music through the use of low tuning, cross-tuning and droning.

 

The PCG Fall concert season starts of with a bang!

Breanndan Begley & Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh in Concert

"The most maddeningly nourishing, elevating, and mesmerizing Irish traditional music you'll hear."   

  - Earle Hitchner - the Irish Echo

 

Sunday, Oct. 17; 8:00 PM
Admission:  $15 / Ceili group members, $13

Commodore Barry Club
6815 Emlen Street
 Phila, PA  19119

Breanndan Begley

 

A genial giant from Co. Kerry, Breanndán is a well known performer of Irish traditional music on the button accordion, touring at home and in Estonia, Finland, Sweden and France. He is a member of the 'Boys of the Lough', first touring with the band as a guest in the 1980's in the USA, and full-time member since 1997. His exciting dance music, sensitive emotional playing of slow airs on accordion and his singing in his native Irish make him a great favorite. At home, he is acclaimed for his presentations of traditional music on the Irish language television channel.

 

Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh

 

It’s pronounced Kwee-veen O-Rye-Allah and this young Dublin-born fiddler is rapidly becoming known as one of the most interesting and creative musicians in Irish traditional music. Since the overwhelming success of the brilliant 'Kitty Lie Over' CD (recorded with uilleann piper Mick O'Brien), Caoimhín has performed widely in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia.  His concerts have been broadcast on RTE Radio, including a performance at the prestigious Masters of Tradition Festival.

 

Click on the link below to hear a sample of this duo's great music.

Download Pando

It was a great Festival!

Thank you to all who came to the 36th annual Philadelphia Ceili Group Traditional Irish Music and Dance Festival on September 9, 10 and 11. It was a great festival with lots of music, laughter and fun. Be on the look out for photos and video's that will be posted to our web site soon.

A special thank-you goes out to all the musicians, work-shop instructors, sound and lighting people, vendors, Irish Center staff, sponsors and the many volunteers who worked so hard to make the Festival a great success!

Something for the Whole Family - Come to the PCG Irish Music Festival at the Irish Center 11:00 am to the "Wee" hours

The final day of the Iris Tradtional Music and Dance Festival Promises to be full of great tradtional music and "all things Irish" - Join Us!

All day music starting with the John Kelly Session featuring:  Danny Flynn, Tom Cahill, John Donnelly, Ed Clarke, Chris Carpenter, Tom and Marian Gittleman, Tom Kelly, Mike Albrecht and Kitty Kelly-Albrecht in the Fireside room

followed by a day-long concert featuring: Paddy O'Neil, Tim Hill, Dave Abe, Dan McHugh and Pariac Keane.

There will be hands-on workshops including various instruments at beginner and advanced levels,  genealogy, Irish singing, Irish language, Irish theater workshop for kids with Inis Nua, and much more.   

The Evening concert will feature Grammy nominated Liz Carroll and Dáithí Sproule along with the Jameson Sisters, Cara Frankowitz, John Brennan and David Hanson plus some special guests.

The concert is followed by a House Party hosted by Myron Bretholz that promises to be a rollicking time!

 

There will be food, Irish product vendors, children’s activities, dance demonstrations throughout the day and much more.

Friday Night Concert you don't want to miss, come and see the lads from Galway!

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 September 10th at 8:00pm, as part of the 36th Annual Philadelphia Ceili Group's Traditional Irish Music and Dance Festival.

Tickets $15/General, $13/PCG Member.

 

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 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.

Gary and Anthony will also be providing small group workshops in Accordion (Gary) and Guitar (Anthony) on Saturday, September 11^th.  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 

Pre-registration for Workshops is available until 3:00 pm on Friday, Workshop walkins on Saturday are welcome.

A Very Special Night of Irish Song - Thursday, September 9th, 8:00pm

T H U R S D A Y, SEPTEMBER 9TH, 8:00PM

There is a special Singer’s Night Concert that launches the 2010 Philadelphia Ceili Group's 36th annual Traditional Irish Music and Dance Festival - celebrating the tradition of Irish Singers. Come and hear the best Irish traditional singers in the Delaware Valley and beyond featuring Gerry Timlin, Marian Mankins, Steve Stanislaw, Michael Boyce, John Boyce and Karen Boyceplus some special quests. This concert is held yearly in honor of Frank Malley, beloved singer of songs, father, friend, and long-time chairman of this Festival.

Purchase tickets at the door: PCG Members $13.00, General Public $15.00

Festival takes place at the Irish Center 6815 Emlen St. Philadelphia PA 19119, for more information about all the Festival activities go to: PCG FESTIVAL INFORMATION

Festival Reserved Seating Tickets still available on-line and checkout the Festival schedule too!

You can still get reserved seating tickets for Thursday night, Friday night and Saturday by buying your tickets on line. Just go to: http://www.philadelphiaceiligroup.org/philadelphia_ceili_group/2010-festival-tickets-and-workshop-signup.html, and don't forget to sign up for a workshop on-line and get a $5 discount.

the Festival schedule ...is available on-line too, at: http://www.philadelphiaceiligroup.org/philadelphia_ceili_group/2010-festival-schedule.html