Irish Music Stories Podcast

When you're tracing a song through six generations, and you're digging into distinct versions of dance tunes carried by players from East Clare, you never know what card games and shipwrecks you might also uncover. This special episode—the last new story for a while—weaves together stories from John Tunney and Mary MacNamara, who grew up around generations of music in rural Ireland, with the tale of an American kid who played cards with her grandparents. * Find Paddy Tunney's (restrung) Stone Fiddle .. and news about future Tunney re-releases HERE. * Find Mary MacNamara's Sundays at Lena's HERE. * Listen to other episodes, and stay tuned to future Irish Music Stories endeavors (including the print edition of podcast highlights) HERE ___________________ Thank you to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to this month's underwriters:Thank you to Sharon Murphy, Michael Craine, Jackson Galloway, Karin Kettinring, David Vaughan, John Ploch, Adele Megann, John Sigler, Randall Semagin, Mike Voss, Isobel McMahon, Heather Carroll, Ian Bittle, Rick Rubin, the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast, Chris Armstrong, Jonathan Duvick, Susan Walsh, and Bob Suchor.

What is the U.S. Electoral College? And what does it have to do with The Kesh Jig and The Humours of Glendart? This election adjacent exploration of two popular jigs takes a look at the stories behind jig (and Presidential) contenders, and the process used to choose a winner. _________________ For playlists, transcripts, links to videos, companion essays, and to contribute to this project, please head to https://IrishMusicStories.org ___________________ Thank you to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to this month's underwriters: John Sullivan, Heather Carroll, Michael Craine, Adele Megann, Karin Kettinring, Paul Davis, Edward O'Dwyer, the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast, John Sigler, Randall Seamen, Ron Kral, Isaiah Hall, David Vaughan, Susan Walsh, Matt Jensen, John Ploch, Tom Frederick, Paul DeCamp, Jonathan Duvick, Gerry Corr, Mike Voss, Sean Carroll, Isobel McMahon, Bob Suchor, Rick Rubin, Ken Doyle, Chris Armstrong, Ian Bittle, and Chris Murphy

When you're making an instrument, you're forming something that can be used to design a melody. Or a musical life. This episode follows a precious flute's unexpected journey. And flute makers Patrick Olwell and Eamonn Cotter, piper Colleen Shanks, and fiddle players Bob Childs and Pat O'Connor talk about what it's like to carve an approach as musicians and craftspeople. _________________ For playlists, transcripts, links to videos, companion essays, and to contribute to this project, please head to IrishMusicStories.org. ___________________ Thank you to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to this month's underwriters: Lynn Stewart, Karin Kettenring, Julia Richards, the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast, John Sigler, Randall Semagin, Ron Kral, Isaiah Hall, David Vaughan, Susan Walsh, Matt Jensen, John Ploch, Tom Frederick, Paul DeCamp, Jonathan Duvick, Gerry Corr, Mike Voss, Sean Carroll, Isobel McMahon, Bob Suchor, Finian McCluskey, Rick Rubin, Ken Doyle, Chris Armstrong, Ian Bittle, and Chris Murphy

Irish musicians, and writers, and home makers can all benefit by learning some rules and technical skills—and by allowing a little spontaneity and flexibility. But how much great technique do you need? Does that get in the way of the magic? In this episode, Nathan Gourley, Brendan Mulholland, and Sharon Murphy reflect on the alchemy of order and spontaneity: how rule following and rule breaking can make for a great journey; but how a total lack of plan can derail everything. _________________ For playlists, transcripts, links to videos, companion essays, and to contribute to this project, please head to IrishMusicStories.org ___________________ Thank you to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to this month's underwriters: Michael Taylor, Edward O'Dwyer, Adele Megann, Peter Crimmin, the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast, John Sigler, Randall Semagin, Ron Kral, Isaiah Hall, David Vaughan, Susan Walsh, Matt Jensen, John Ploch, Tom Frederick, Paul DeCamp, Jonathan Duvick, Gerry Corr, Mike Voss, Sean Carroll, Isobel McMahon, Bob Suchor, Finian McCluskey, Rick Rubin, Ken Doyle, Chris Armstrong, Ian Bittle, and Chris Murphy

Boston producer Brian O'Donovan made a lot of space for Irish music and culture. He was dedicated to sharing it widely.  And though he presented music on formal stages and through his WGBH broadcast “A Celtic Sojourn,” casual, public Irish music sessions were ever important and enduring for him. This beloved leader lifted up traditional music, and just going out to the pub is a pretty powerful way to remember him. _________________ For playlists, transcripts, links to videos, companion essays, and to contribute to this project, please head to IrishMusicStories.org. ___________________ Thank you to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to this month's underwriters: the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast, John Sigler, Randall Semagin, Ron Kral, Isaiah Hall, David Vaughan, Susan Walsh, Matt Jensen, John Ploch, Tom Frederick, Paul DeCamp, Suezen Brown, Jonathan Duvick, Gerry Corr, Mike Voss, Sean Carroll, Isobel McMahon, Bob Suchor, Finian McCluskey, Rick Rubin, Ken Doyle, Chris Armstrong, Ian Bittle, and Chris Murphy

Could traditional music sessions exist without listeners? Are the non-playing listeners in public spaces important for tune players? Here's a brief podcast adaptation of a video response to this intriguing little question! _________________ For playlists, transcripts, links to videos, companion essays, and to contribute to this project, please head to IrishMusicStories.org. ___________________ Thank you to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to this month's underwriters:  the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast, John Sigler, Randall Semagin, Ron Kral, Isaiah Hall, David Vaughan, Susan Walsh, Matt Jensen, John Ploch, Tom Frederick, Paul DeCamp, Suezen Brown, Jonathan Duvick, Gerry Corr, Mike Voss, Sean Carroll, Isobel McMahon, Bob Suchor, Finian McCluskey, Rick Rubin, Ken Doyle, Chris Armstrong, Ian Bittle, Chris Murphy, Sharon Murphy, and Kerryleegh Hildebrandt

Communities. Forests. Families. All of these different ecosystems contain a lot of different components that weave and work together. And as people, plants, and pests carry on and creep around, rich and sometimes unlikely collaborations emerge. In this episode, with the help of Karine Polwart, Colin Farrell, and Steve Nardone, I'll explore how friends, neighbors and families can blend; how humans and trees need and inspire one another; and how we also rely on birds, bees.. and rats. _________________ For playlists, transcripts, links to videos, companion essays, and to contribute to this project, please head to IrishMusicStories.org. ___________________ Thank you to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to this month's underwriters:  the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast, John Sigler, Randall Semagin, Ron Kral, Isaiah Hall, David Vaughan, Susan Walsh, Matt Jensen, John Ploch, Tom Frederick, Paul DeCamp, Suezen Brown, Jonathan Duvick, Gerry Corr, Mike Voss, Sean Carroll, Isobel McMahon, Bob Suchor, Finian McCluskey, Rick Rubin, Ken Doyle, Chris Armstrong, Ian Bittle, and Chris Murphy

In part one of the Fruitful Fells, we met modern and 19th century activists dedicated to making beauty available to current and future humans. In this episode, we learn how our heroes saved acres of woods and bushels of old ballads, and we follow enduring struggles in the crusade for preservation. As always, there's plenty of beautiful music woven into these conversations with guests Mike Ryan, Alison Simcox, Douglas Heath, and Karl Alexander. _________________ For playlists, transcripts, links to videos, companion essays, and to contribute to this project, please head to IrishMusicStories.org ___________________ Thank you to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to this month's underwriters: Gavin McNutt, Sharon Murphy, Brian Unitt, Ken Krause, the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast, John Sigler, Randall Semagin, Ron Kral, Isaiah Hall, David Vaughan, Susan Walsh, Matt Jensen, John Ploch, Tom Frederick, Paul DeCamp, Suezen Brown, Jonathan Duvick, Gerry Corr, Mike Voss, Sean Carroll, Isobel McMahon, Bob Suchor, Finian McCluskey, Rick Rubin, Ken Doyle, Chris Armstrong, Ian Bittle, and Chris Murphy

There are little creatures, trees, ponds, and pedestrians all over the earth. And there are bushels of ballads about the charms of nature. And while there are ecological activists like Mike Ryan and 19th century Elizur Wright, and song collectors like Francis Child and Olive Dame Campbell who are out to enjoy and save the critters and the old songs… there are others who are less interested in preservation. This two-part story on the creation of Massachusetts' Middlesex Fells Reservation takes a look at how trees, pedestrians, bikers, motorists, music collectors, and geese intersect. And sometimes collide. _________________   For playlists, transcripts, links to videos, companion essays, and to contribute to this project, please head to IrishMusicStories.org. ___________________ Thank you to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to this month's underwriters: Laura Johnson, Steve Wilson, Michael Stoner, the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast, John Sigler, Randall Semagin, Ron Kral, Isaiah Hall, David Vaughan, Susan Walsh, Matt Jensen, John Ploch, Tom Frederick, Paul DeCamp, Suezen Brown, Jonathan Duvick, Gerry Corr, Mike Voss, Sean Carroll, Isobel McMahon, Bob Suchor, Finian McCluskey, Rick Rubin, Ken Doyle, Chris Armstrong, Ian Bittle, and Chris Murphy

The weekly Irish music session is a specific niche affair, with a particular code of conduct. Gift giving also has its own rules, at least it has in the past. As older customs like traditional Irish music and wedding anniversary gifts have moved to the new world, have things adjusted? Does modern session behavior reflect wider social trends? Etiquette experts Barry Foy and Zina Lee walk me down the aisle of session (and wedding gift) etiquette, just a year before Barry's Field Guide to the Irish Session celebrates its silver anniversary.   _________________   For playlists, transcripts, links to videos, companion essays, and to contribute to this project, please head to IrishMusicStories.org. ___________________   Thank you to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to this month's underwriters:  April Eight Songs & Stories Podcast, the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast, Mike Lagana & Barb Moore, Joe Martin, Melissa Peabody, John Sigler, Randall Semagin, Ron Kral, Isaiah Hall, David Vaughan, Susan Walsh, Matt Jensen, John Ploch, Tom Frederick, Paul DeCamp, Suezen Brown, Jonathan Duvick, Gerry Corr, Mike Voss,  Sean Carroll, Isobel McMahon, Lynn Hayes, Bob Suchor, Brian Benscoter, Finian McCluskey, Rick Rubin, Ken Doyle, Chris Armstrong, Ian Bittle, and Chris Murphy

New inventions and technology can make life—and Irish music—more convenient, more accessible, and sweeter…. and more complicated. This episode examines a few inventions like the washing machine, the personal computer, and to the electric bicycle and features Irish tunes that mention tech and innovations. (Because whether or not you're actually thinking about short and long clicking sounds, if you call a tune The Telegraph, it's still a reference to what was once a remarkable new way to transmit messages.) _________________ For playlists, transcripts, links to videos, companion essays, and to contribute to this project, please head to IrishMusicStories.org. ___________________ Thank you to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to this month's underwriters:  Linda Gore,  Michael Stoner, Randall Semagin, Ron Kral, Isaiah Hall, David Vaughan, Susan Walsh, Matt Jensen, John Ploch, Tom Frederick, Paul DeCamp, Suezen Brown, Jonathan Duvick, Gerry Corr, Mike Voss,  Sean Carroll, Isobel McMahon, Lynn Hayes, Bob Suchor, Brian Benscoter, Finian McCluskey, Rick Rubin, Ken Doyle, Chris Armstrong, Ian Bittle, Chris Murphy, and the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast

Lunch routines, laundry, kid art supplies, spoons, and teacups are details of domestic life that don't usually make it into the photo albums, or the tune titles. But they shape lives. And in the midst of the thousands of jigs and reels out there, the simple (and profound) cup of tea.. and the basket of turf are represented. Here's a meditation on tunes with prosaic titles and the stimulating stories behind them. _________________ For playlists, transcripts, links to videos, companion essays, sheet music to original tunes in this episode, and to contribute to this project, please head to IrishMusicStories.org. ___________________ Thank you to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to this month's underwriters:  Jocelyn Codner, Karin Kettenring, Ron Kral, Isaiah Hall, David Vaughan, Susan Walsh, Matt Jensen, John Ploch, Tom Frederick, Paul DeCamp, Suezen Brown, Jonathan Duvick, Gerry Corr, Mike Voss,  Sean Carroll, Isobel McMahon, Lynn Hayes, Bob Suchor, Brian Benscoter, Finian McCluskey, Rick Rubin, Ken Doyle, Chris Armstrong, Ian Bittle, Chris Murphy, and the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast

Presenting concerts can be about a lot more than throwing someone onstage. Matt Smith manages Club Passim in Cambridge, Massachusetts, which has been the central venue and fountain of support for 20 years—and is now the official presenter—for Boston's Celtic Music Festival.  For Matt, it's all about creating opportunities for something special and unique to happen. Learn about where this little festival has been, and where it's going, with or without your Mouse Pants! _________________ For playlists, transcripts, links to videos, companion essays, and to contribute to this project, please head to IrishMusicStories.org. ___________________ Thank you to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to this month's underwriters:  Elisabeth Carter, Mark Haynes, Michael Craine, Ron Kral, Isaiah Hall, David Vaughan, Susan Walsh, Matt Jensen, John Ploch, Tom Frederick, Paul DeCamp, Suezen Brown, Jonathan Duvick, Gerry Corr, Mike Voss,  Sean Carroll, Isobel McMahon, Lynn Hayes, Bob Suchor, Brian Benscoter, Finian McCluskey, Rick Rubin, Ken Doyle, Chris Armstrong, Ian Bittle, Chris Murphy, and the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast.

Why did kids carry dead birds on sticks all over Ireland on the 26th of December? And what did this all have to do with first century Christian martyr St. Stephen? Just like traditional tunes, which can vary from player to player, the whole history of Wren Day depends on the storyteller. Learn more about the role a melody, a good story (or three), and a tiny bird has played in the centuries-long winter tradition of hunting the wren. _________________ For playlists, transcripts, links to videos, companion essays, and to contribute to this project, please head to IrishMusicStories.org. ___________________ Thank you to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to this month's underwriters:   John Kerr, Chris Armstrong, Marco Battaglia, Rudolf Tschachtli, Julia Richards, Nina Coyle, Michael Schock, Ron Kral, Isaiah Hall, David Vaughan, Susan Walsh, Matt Jensen, John Ploch, Tom Frederick, Paul DeCamp, Suezen Brown, Jonathan Duvick, Gerry Corr, Mike Voss,  Sean Carroll, Isobel McMahon, Lynn Hayes, Bob Suchor, Brian Benscoter, Finian McCluskey, Rick Rubin, Ken Doyle, Chris Armstrong, Ian Bittle, Chris Murphy, and the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast

Loss can spark achingly beautiful music. It can also spark new forms of creativity for musicians. This episode is a meditation on the stubborn insistence and the transformative power of creativity, featuring beautiful conversations with Emmanuelle Le Blanc, Daniel Neely, Joe DeZarn, Tina Eck, and a poem from Brian O'Donovan. Here's to sowing beauty and blooming from the muck of misfortune.   __________________ For playlists, transcripts, links to videos, companion essays, and to contribute to this project, please head to IrishMusicStories.org. ___________________ Thank you to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to this month's underwriters:   Ron Kral, Isaiah Hall, David Vaughan, Susan Walsh, Matt Jensen, John Ploch, Tom Frederick, Paul DeCamp, Suezen Brown, Jonathan Duvick, Gerry Corr, Mike Voss,  Sean Carroll, Isobel McMahon, Lynn Hayes, Bob Suchor, Brian Benscoter, Finian McCluskey, Rick Rubin, Ken Doyle, Chris Armstrong, Ian Bittle, Chris Murphy, and the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast

As tunes travel they change. And to turn an old Irish reel into an old time tune can involve adjusting notes to suit different instruments, using different techniques… and also digging into the non-musical stories. In this episode I tuck into some early railway stories while Agi Kovacs and Jesse Winch help me follow Paddy on the Turnpike, from North Galway to North Carolina.  __________________ For playlists, transcripts, links to videos, companion essays, and to contribute to this project, please head to IrishMusicStories.org. ___________________ Thank you to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to this month's underwriters:  Laura Johnson, Frank Krygowski, Lynn Hayes, Mike Voss, Bob Suchor, Sean Carroll, Isobel McMahon, John Ploch, Matt Jensen, Tom Frederick, Paul DeCamp, Gerry Corr, Jonathan Duvick, Brian Benscoter, , Finian McCluskey, Susan Walsh, Rick Rubin, Ken Doyle, Chris Armstrong, Ian Bittle, Chris Murphy, Irish & Celtic Music Podcast, David Vaughan, Matt Jensen and Suezen Brown

Beauty is in the eye of the (informed) beholder. Where many of us might overlook a grubby little copy book or an awkwardly named interlibrary loan, others can help us understand them as treasures that shine new understanding on Irish history. Learn how Laura Flanagan in Texas and Dáibhí Ó Cróinín made unexpected finds; learn more about special library collections from Aedín Clements; and take a side trip to Thailand (because even hard working researchers can use a break once in a while). __________________ For playlists, transcripts, links to videos, companion essays, and to contribute to this project, please head to IrishMusicStories.org. ___________________ Thank you to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to this month's underwriters: Susan Walsh, Rick Rubin, Matt Jensen,  Ken Doyle, Chris Armstrong, Andrew Westphal, Ian Bittle, Chris Murphy, Irish & Celtic Music Podcast, David Vaughan, Tom Frederick, Paul DeCamp, Gerry Corr, Jonathan Duvick, Sean Carroll, Brian Benscoter, Isobel McMahon, Finian McCluskey, John Ploch, Suezen Brown, and Bob Suchor.

It's really exciting and important to have kids playing Irish music.  And it takes organization, skill, and willing adults to create learning opportunities for them. In this episode Annmarie Acosta, Lexie Boatright, Clare Cason, Oisín Mac Diarmada, Maisie Lynch, Eileen Estes, Agi Kovacs, Ken Fleming, and Aidan Flanagan—and very special guest students, parents, and community members—share ideas for building the next generation of Irish players and dancers, with and without support and acknowledgement from the rest of us…

Most Irish traditional tunes have names. Some go by many different names. So what's in a name? Do names help us associate tunes with people, or remember vast numbers of melodies… or is there another agenda afoot? In this episode, Colm Gannon, Nic Gareiss, Mick Moloney—and renowned 20th century literary figures Dick and Jane—explore the meaning behind the names. __________________ For playlists, transcripts, links to videos, companion essays, and to contribute to this project, please head to IrishMusicStories.org. ___________________ Thank you to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to this month's underwriters: Michael Maggs, Matt Jensen, Paul DeCamp, Gerry Corr, Jonathan Duvick, Sean Carroll, Brian Benscoter, Isobel McMahon, Mike O'Malley, Mike Voss, Finian McCluskey, John Ploch, Susan Walsh, Rick Rubin, Ken Doyle, Chris Armstrong, Ian Bittle, Chris Murphy, Irish & Celtic Music Podcast, David Vaughan, Suezen Brown, Bob Suchor, and Tom Frederick.

When flute player and police captain Francis O'Neill published his first and most extensive collection of Irish tunes in 1903, he included a LOT of tunes. Nicholas Carolan called it “the largest snapshot of this music ever taken in its 9,000 year history.” 120 years later, I revisit O'Neill's two biggest books, to explore what's in there, and what isn't. With the help of authors Michael O'Malley and Ronan O'Driscoll, librarian Aedin Clements, and fiddle player/scholar Laura Flanagan. I attempt to deepen (and maybe even adjust) my perspective on this heavy piece of the Irish music foundation. __________________ For playlists, transcripts, links to videos, companion essays, and to contribute to this project, please head to IrishMusicStories.org. ___________________ Thank you to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to this month's underwriters: Susan Walsh, Rick Rubin, Ken Doyle, Chris Armstrong, Gerry Corr, Jonathan Duvick, Sean Carroll, Isobel McMahon, Ian Bittle, Finian McCluskey, John Ploch, Brian Benscoter, Chris Murphy, Irish & Celtic Music Podcast, David Vaughan, Suezen Brown, Paul DeCamp, Bob Suchor, Tom Frederick, Leslie Stack, Andrew Westphal, Roland Hebborn, Chris Armstrong, Ralf Wolfgarten, and James Falzone.

Most of the Irish traditional jigs and reels I play have associations, information, history, and sentiments bundled into them. Even these dance tunes that have no words carry so much. And everybody who plays these tunes bears and shares more than just a few notes and rhythms. In this episode, flute player and piper Emer Mayock, harp player Andrea Kiupel-Grona, and banjo/harmonica player Don Meade share Rose in the Heather and Maid of Selma lore. __________________ For playlists, transcripts, links to videos, companion essays, and to contribute to this project, please head to IrishMusicStories.org. ___________________ Thank you to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to this month's underwriters: Susan Walsh, Rick Rubin, Ken Doyle, Chris Armstrong, Gerry Corr, Jonathan Duvick, Sean Carroll, Isobel McMahon, Ian Bittle, Finian McCluskey, Kieran Jordan, John Ploch, Brian Benscoter, Chris Murphy, Irish & Celtic Music Podcast, David Vaughan, Suezen Brown, and Paul DeCamp.

Irish Music Stories is the show about traditional music and the bigger stories behind it, like how important, ancient songs and little short folk ditties lodge in the heart, not the ears… or the eyes. In this episode, fiddle player Séamus Connolly shares early experiences of playing and collecting Irish music, and also recent challenges and insights. Also woven into the show are a few thoughts from Louis de Paor about tradition and innovation, and how the structure of old ballads and poems can resonate today. __________________ For playlists, transcripts, links to videos, companion essays, and to contribute to this project, please head to IrishMusicStories.org. ___________________ Thank you to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to this month's underwriters: Ian Bittle, Finian McCluskey, John Ploch, Brian Benscoter, Chris Murphy, Irish & Celtic Music Podcast, David Vaughan, Suezen Brown, Paul DeCamp, Susan Walsh, Rick Rubin, Ken Doyle, Chris Armstrong, Gerry Corr, Jonathan Duvick, Sean Carroll, Isobel McMahon, John Kerr, Charlie Durfee, Bob Suchor, Maureen Callanan, Margaret Sloan, Donna Kolojeskie, Mark Haynes, Michael Schock, Rachel O'Meara, and Jock Harkness.

Learn how and why Shannon Heaton creates the Irish Music Stories podcast, as Matt Heaton turns the mic around in the sunroom studio. Tune into this Old-Time radio (half) hour celebration of community, DIY ingenuity, and weighted blankets. And learn about the future of IMS! For playlists, transcripts, links to videos, companion essays, and to contribute to this project, please head to IrishMusicStories.org. * * * * Thank you to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to this month's underwriters: Jeremy Hurley, Bob Suchor, Tom Frederick, John Ploch, Ian Bittle, Finian McCluskey, Sean Carroll, Jonathan Duvick, Chris Armstrong, Ken Doyle, Susan Walsh, Rick Rubin, Suezen Brown, Paul DeCamp, Irish & Celtic Music Podcast, David Vaughan, Brian Benscoter, and Gerry Corr.

Setbacks and surprises are inevitable. Weather and illness—and all sorts of other plan disrupters—are not always foreseeable or controllable. But when disappointment and disruption descends, we can regulate our reactions. Here's a short follow up to last month's episode about wellness and balance, including a spoiler about the big marathon (so if you missed Episode 56, check that out before you listen to this one!) __________________ For playlists, transcripts, links to videos, companion essays, and to contribute to this project, please head to IrishMusicStories.org. ___________________ Thank you to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to this month's underwriters: Bob Suchor, Mark Haynes, Linda Gore, John Ploch, Brian Benscoter, Ian Bittle, Finian McCluskey, Sean Carroll, Jonathan Duvick, Gerry Corr, Chris Armstrong, Ken Doyle, Rick Rubin, Irish & Celtic Music Podcast,  Suezen Brown, Paul DeCamp, Emil Hauptmann, Randy Krajniak, Joel DeLashmit, David Vaughan, Susan Walsh, and Loren Bookbinder.

For many Irish musicians, it can be a tricky and essential game to stay active and find balance between artistic, intellectual, social, and physical pursuits. In this episode, Aubrey Atwater, Evangelos Stowell, and Pa Sheehan share tales from the trails,  the barn, the pitch, and the gym to help “work out” some of the Irish music insights that can come to those who sweat. ___________________ For playlists, transcripts, links to videos, companion essays, and to contribute to this project, please head to IrishMusicStories.org. ___________________ Thank you to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to this month's underwriters: Steve Wilson, Tom Frederick, Art Costa, Bob Suchor, Chris & the Murphy family, John Ploch, Susan Walsh, Ian Bittle, David Vaughan, Paul DeCamp, The Irish & Celtic Music Podcast, Paul DeCamp, Suezen Brown, Brian Benscoter, Finian McCluskey, Jonathan Duvick, Joel DeLashmit, Gerry Corr, Chris Armstrong, Ken Doyle, and Rick Rubin.

Flute player John McKenna left troves of treasures when he recorded 78 RPMS in the 1920s; Na Píobairí Uilleann in Dublin helped preserve Irish piping; and Dr. Charles Heaton inspired his grandson to play piano with just eight bars of music. Legacy can nestle between bricks, on birch trees, and on manuscript paper… and it can bloom in surprising ways. In this episode, Liam Kelly, Ivan Goff, Julie Wood Merchant, Wes Merchant,  and Matt Heaton share stories about enduring gifts, with special music from organists Charles Heaton and Renée Anne Louprette.

Irish Music Stories is the show about traditional music, and the bigger stories behind it. Episodes are often 40-50 minutes long (and 51 seconds). Here's a shorter installment. With help from Ellery Klein I delve into collective wisdom; and I revisit a poem that I aired back in Season One. This episode is 26 minutes… and 51 seconds long. ___________________ Thank you to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to this month's underwriters: Chris Armstrong, Margaret Finny, Ken Doyle, Susan Walsh, David Vaughan, Lynn Hayes, Brian Benscoter, John Ploch, Ian Bittle, Finian McCluskey, Joel DeLashmit, Gerry Corr, Michael Craine, Kevin Ryall, the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast,  and The Sofia, Home of B Street Theatre. For transcripts, playlists, bios, video links, and to donate to the project, please visit IrishMusicStories.org

For centuries, traditional music in Wales have endured empire, organized religion, and connections with port towns in Ireland, like Wexford and Cork. In this special IMS spotlight on Cymru, Rhodri McDonagh, Ceri Rhys Matthews, Angharad Jenkins, and Patrick Rimes explore how the Welsh language, the rhythms of industry, and the lyricism of the rural landscape have shaped the music—and the oxen traditions—of one of Ireland's closest neighbors. _______ Thanks to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to this month's underwriters: Irish & Celtic Music Podcast, Brian Benscoter, Ian Bittle, Finian McCluskey, Joel DeLashmit, Jonathan Duvick, Gerry Corr, Mark Haynes, John Ploch, Chris Armstrong, Ken Doyle, Susan Walsh, Rick Rubin, Paul DeCamp, Suezen Brown, David Vaughan Support the show and learn more at https://www.irishmusicstories.org

Plants can be carefully cultivated or can spread naturally. Songs, too, can spread deliberately or accidentally. Here's a small sampling of just a few of the song collectors who helped preserve gardens of old English, Scottish, and Irish ballads that travelled to North America. Alex Cumming and Catherine Crowe help untangle a few strands of the bountiful musical harvest of folk history and culture preserved by Francis Child,  John Lomax, Helen Creighton, Elisabeth Bristol Greenleaf, Anne & Frank Warner, and Olive Dame Campbell (whose grave I'm determined to find by the end of the episode). * * * * * Thanks to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to this month's underwriters: Gašper Šinkovec, Sheila Worrall, Brian Benscoter, Marc Gunn, Suezen Brown, Paul DeCamp, Paul Grajciar, Elisabeth Carter, Jen and Bob Strom, Rick Rubin, Susan Walsh, Ken Doyle, Chris Armstrong, John Ploch, Benjamin Ruth, Joel DeLashmit, Finian McCluskey, Jon Duvick, Gerry Corr, Mike Voss, and Ian Bittle. Support the show and learn more at https://www.irishmusicstories.org

If you want to share music with folks outside of your home, you gotta carry your instruments and gear (unless you’re live-streaming). And if you want to share podcast episodes along with show notes and other extras, you gotta build a site to share everything. Hear a bit about how guitarist Matt Heaton, fiddle player Laura Cortese, and flute player and podcaster Shannon Heaton have created their portable supply bases. And take in a Companion Chapter, from the new Irish Music Stories site. ___________________________________________ Thank you to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to this month’s underwriters:Nancy Kearney, Peter Lee, Tom Frederick, Brian Benscoter, Paul DeCamp, Suezen Brown, Gerry Corr, Joel DeLashmit, David Vaughan, Chris Armstrong, Irish and Celtic Music Podcast, Robert Levelle, Mark Haynes, Bob Suchor, Jon Duvick, Chris Murphy, Ken Doyle, Randy Krajniak, Susan Walsh, Rick Rubin, John Ploch, Charlie Durfee, and Ian Bittle. ——— Find transcripts, bios, related essays and videos, photos, artwork, playlists… and donate to IMS… at IrishMusicStories.org

How much power does a backdrop have? As the Irish Music Stories production team works to assemble episodes and bonus materials, Shannon explores the wooded hills of Medford, Massachusetts to find visual and organizational surrounds that look and feel like time-worn jigs, and ballads, and nights of music and dance. * * * * * * * Thank you to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to this month’s underwriters: Joel DeLashmit, Lynn Hayes, Paul Grajciar, Suezen Brown, Paul DeCamp, Emil Hauptmann, Randy Krajniak, Rick Rubin, Susan Walsh, Ken Doyle, Chris Armstrong, John Ploch, Jon Duvick, Gerry Corr, Brian Benscoter, and Marc Gunn. * * * * * * * * Please CLICK HERE if you can kick in to support this podcast! * Visit IrishMusicStories.org * * * * * * * Music Heard on IMS Episode 50 all music traditional, unless otherwise indicated Tune: “Free the Heel,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton Tune: “Grupai Ceol Theme,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton Tune: “Sunny Banks Demo” #1, 2, 3 from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt & Shannon Heaton Tune: “Chimes,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton Tune: “G# Chimes” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton Tune: “Celtic Grooves” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton Tune: “Sunny Banks Demo” #4 from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt & Shannon Heaton

After a horrific week of social unrest in the U.S., and as Irish Music Stories begins a major overhaul, host Shannon Heaton offers a meditation on how cataloging and organizing can soothe the soul. There’s also plenty of music in this episode. Full playlist below. And for Japanese speakers who want to get started with Irish Music Stories, the first episode has been translated fully (transcript) by Ryoko Murakami (with Tomoaki Hatekeyama) HERE  * * * * * * * Thanks to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to this month’s underwriters: Enda McGreevy, Rus Bradburd, Jeremy Keith, Kevin Doyle, Roland Hebborn, Christopher Stuart, Edward Schilling, Randall Semagin, Parker Abercrombie, Marji Gibbs, Sean Carrol, Peter Smith, Mike Voss, Ian Bittle, Brian Benscoter, Marc Gunn, Gerry Corr, Suezen Brown, Paul DeCamp, Rick Rubin, Kenneth Doyle, Susan Walsh, Emil Hauptmann, Chris Armstrong, John Ploch, Jon Duvick, Randy Krajniak, Joel DeLashmit, and Susan Walsh. Please CLICK HERE if you can kick in to support this podcast! * * * * * * * Visit IrishMusicStories.org * * * * * *  Music Heard on IMS Episode 49 all music traditional, unless otherwise indicated Tune: “Perfect Maze,” from Perfect MazeArtist: Shannon Heaton with Emilie Catlett and Natalie Haas Tune: “Dark Low Jig,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton Tune: “G Meditation,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton Tune: “Haapvesi,” from January EPArtist: Assemble FKA Popcorn Behavior Tune: “D Chimes” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Trailer for the December 2020 episode of Irish Music Stories.

What’s up with stage banter? And why all the joking around between tunes in a session? Explore the on- and offstage chat that surrounds traditional music with Máirtín de Cógáin, Paddy League, Joanie Madden, Rus Bradburd, Liz Carroll, and Jean-Michel Veillon.  There’s also plenty of music in this episode. Full playlist below. And for Japanese speakers who want to get started with Irish Music Stories, the first episode has been translated fully (transcript) by Ryoko Murakami (with Tomoaki Hatekeyama) HERE  * * * * * * * Thanks to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to this month’s underwriters: Sharon Murphy, Bill Wolfe, John Kerr, Chris Murphy, Lynn Hayes, Meg and Harry Ferguson, Jack McCreless, Marco Battaglia, Joe Martin, Tom Frederick, Suezen Brown, David Vaughan, Brian Benscoter, Emil Hauptmann, John Ploch, Rick Rubin, Gerry Corr, Jon Duvick, Randy Krajniak, Joel DeLashmit, Susan Walsh, and Jon Duvick. Please CLICK HERE if you can kick in to support this podcast! * * * * * * * Visit IrishMusicStories.org * * * * * * * Books Mentioned in IMS Episode 48 Bradburd, Rus. Paddy on the Hardwood. Albuquerque: University of New Mexico Press, 2006. Carson, Ciaran. Last Night’s Fun. New York: North Point Press, 1996. Heaney, Seamus. “Digging.” Death of a Naturalist. London & Boston: Faber and Faber, 1966. Music Heard on IMS Episode 48all music traditional, unless otherwise indicated Tune: “Pound the Floor,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton Tune: “Redican's Jig / The Merry Old Woman Jig / The Chapel Bell” from boholaArtist: bohola Tune: “Behind The Bush In Parkhanna/Battle Of Aughrim,” from Swimming Against The Falls/SnámhIin Aghaidh Easa Artist: Joey Abarta Tune: “Little Bird Lullaby,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton Tune: “Abbey Reel,” from Kitchen SessionArtist: Matt Heaton Tune: “Chimes,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton Tune: “The House On the Hill,” from TriptychArtists: Laura Risk, Kieran Jordan & Paddy League Recitation: “First You Must Learn the Grip,” from Forty Years of Irish PipingArtist: Seamus Ennis Tune: “Mutey Big Build,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton Tune: “Bird in the Bush,” (with Beatboxing), from Live at Johnny D’sArtists: Isaac Alderson & Sam Amidon Tune: “Dans Loudieg,” from PremièreArtists: Kornog Tune: “War Hent Kerrigouarc'h/ Sheriffmuir,” from PremièreArtists: Kornog Tune: “Barbra Streisand's Trip to Saginaw / Michael Connell’s,” from On the Offbeat Artist: Liz Carroll Tune: “John’s Theme,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton Tune: “Heartstrings Theme,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton Tune: “Modal Travel Theme,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton Tune: “Polkas Medley: John Collins’ Fancy / Eileen’s Polka / Ned Kelly’s Polka,” from The Burren Backroom Series, Vol. 1 (Live)Artist: Sliabh Notes Tune: “Kerry Reel,” from fiddler compArtist: Padraig O'Keefe Tune: “Meaning of Life,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton Tune: “Tonn Cliodhna,” from FYHArtists: Caoimhin O Raghallaigh & Brendan Begley Tune: “Over The Moor To Maggie/Dowd's Number Nine,” Ómós Do Joe Cooley Frankie Gavin, Paul Brock, and Charlie Lennon Tune: “Rockabye by Firelight,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton Tune: “Pretty Girls of Mayo, the Steeplechase,” (AKA ‘Reel Cork, Like!’) from From Cork with LoveArtist: The Máirtín de Cógáin Project Tune: Celtic Grooves,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton Stage Banter: “How To Make Proper Tea!” from From Cork with LoveArtist: Máirtín de Cógáin Live Tune: “Ballyea,” from Hangin' at the CrossroadsArtist: The Céilí Bandits

How do new traditional Irish and Scottish tunes come together? How do composers conjure melodies? Composers Liz Carroll, Dáithí Sproule, and Katie McNally share thoughts on creativity, the tune writing process, and the myths behind the music. There’s also plenty of music in this episode. Full playlist below. And for Japanese speakers who want to get started with Irish Music Stories, the first episode has been translated fully (transcript) by Ryoko Murakami (with Tomoaki Hatekeyama) HERE  * * * * * * * Thanks to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to this month’s underwriters: Leslie Stack, Patricia P. Wilcox, Michael Craine, Mark Haynes, Emil Hauptmann, David Vaughan, Brian Benscoter, Susan Walsh, Rick Rubin, Randy Krajniak, Jon Duvick, Suezen Brown, John Ploch, Joel DeLashmit, Let’s Learn Irish, and Ministry of Folk Please CLICK HERE if you can kick in to support this podcast! * * * * * * * Visit IrishMusicStories.org * * * * * * * Music Heard on IMS Episode 47all music traditional, unless otherwise indicated Tune: “Bold Doherty,” from An Traidisiún BeoArtist: Angelina Carberry Tune: “Golden Castle chimes… and Golden Castle,” from (Live in our Living Room)Artists: Matt & Shannon Heaton Tune: The Dark Island,” from EncoreArtist: Celtic Fiddle Festival Tune: “The Anniversary Reel/Out for the Night,” from Out for the NightArtist: Battlefield Band Tune: “Pound the Floor,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton Tune: “The Wolf / The Duck,” from On the OffbeatArtist: Liz Carroll Tune: “Limerick Lift Off,” from (Live in our Living Room)Artists: Matt & Shannon Heaton Tune: “As The Crow Flies,” from Half Day RoadArtist: Liz Carroll Tune: “After Hours Theme” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton Tune: “Wild Swans at Coole,” from Living Room DemoArtist: George Keith Tune: “Wild Swans at Coole,” from The Music of Ed ReavyArtist: Liz Carroll Tune: “Little Bird Lullaby” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton Tune: “Last of the Leaves,” from Half Day RoadArtist: Liz Carroll Tune: “Liz’s New tune,” from Living Room Demo (with chords from the Lower Level)Artists: Liz Carroll & Matt Heaton Tune: “The Bag of Spuds,” from Notes From The HeartArtists: Mick, Louise & Michelle Mulcahy Tune: “October Tune,” from Living Room DemoArtist: Dáithí Sproule Tune: “Taylors Falls,” from The Crow in the SunArtist: Dáithí Sproule Tune: “My Dearest Dear,” from TrianArtist: Dáithí Sproule and Trian Tune: “Acadia March,” from The Bloom of YouthArtists: Childsplay Tune: “D Chimes” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton Tune: “Planxty Charles Bunworth” from Ireland: Crossroads Of Art And Design, 1690-1840 - The MusicArtists: Liz Carroll, Liz Knowles, Catriona McKay, Kieran O'Hare Tune: “Mutey Big Build” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton Tune: “Hometown Lullaby” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton Tune: “8645,” from Living Room DemoArtists: Matt & Shannon Heaton Tune: “Lady Ginsberg,” from Living Room DemoArtist: Katie McNally & Neil Pearlman Tune: “Jenny Dang the Weaver,” from Instructional VideoArtist: Hanneke Cassel Tune: “John’s Theme” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton Tune: “Heartstrings Theme” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton

Learning just a few words in Gaelic is mannerly when visiting Ireland and Scotland. And it can be a way IN to cultural values and humor. Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh, Séamus Ó Flatharta, Ciarán Bolger, Michael Coult, Julie Fowlis, Mary Jane Lamond, and Brian Ó hAirt help me understand connections between language and music. And how songs in Irish and Scottish Gaelic transmit emotion, carry history, and lift people up.  There’s also plenty of music in this episode. Full playlist below. And for Japanese speakers who want to get started with Irish Music Stories, the first episode has been translated fully (transcript) by Ryoko Murakami (with Tomoaki Hatekeyama) HERE  * * * * * * * Thanks to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to this month’s underwriters: Jane Knight, Tinka, Roland Hebborn, Marina Poggemann, Emil Hauptmann, David Vaughan, Brian Benscoter, Susan Walsh, Rick Rubin, Randy Krajniak, Jon Duvick, Suezen Brown, John Plock, Joel DeLashmit, and Gerry Corr Please CLICK HERE if you can kick in to support this podcast! * * * * * * * Visit IrishMusicStories.org * * * * * * * Music Heard on IMS Episode 46All music traditional, unless otherwise indicated Song: “Déirín Dé - The Last of the Light,” from Blackthorn: Irish Love Songs - An Draighneán Donn: Amhráin GráArtist: Susan McKeown Song: “A Mhairi Bhoidheach,” from Lan DuilArtist: Mary Jane Lamond Song: “Puirt-À-Beul Set: Fodor Dha Na Gamhna Beaga” from Gach Sgeul / Every StoryArtist: Julie Fowlis Tune: “Chimes,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton Song: “Amhrán Pheadair Bhreathnaigh,” from Local GroundArtist: Altan (feat. Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh) Song: “Liontar Duinn an,” from Down the Green FieldsArtist: Bua (feat. Brian Ó hAirt) Song: “Dh’ eirich mi moch madainn cheòthar,” from alterumArtist: Julie Fowlis Song: “Báidín Fheilimí,” Irish Songs We Learned at School, Ar Ais Arís!Artist: John Spillane Tune: “Dark Low Jig,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton Tune: “Meaning of Life,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton Tune: “Bb Intro Groove,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton Song: “An Mhaighdean Mhara,” from Island AngelArtist: Altan (feat. Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh) Song: “Live Clip,” from The Burren PubArtist: High Time Song: “An Tiarna Randal,” from SundaArtist: Hightime Tune: “Grupai Ceol Theme,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton Tune: “Slip Jig Dreams,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton Song: “Enach Cuain,” from The Road From Connemara Artist: Joe Heaney Song: “O Conamara,” from Live at Dean Cetner-Performing ArtsArtist: Hightime Tune: “Triumph Theme,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton Tune: “Pound the Floor,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton Tune: “Little Bird Lullaby,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton Tune: “Washington Post March,” from Have A Little FaithArtist: Bill Frisell Song: “Dh’èirich Mi Moch Madainn Cheòthar,” from alterumArtist: Julie Fowlis Tune: “After Hours Theme,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton Song: “Beidh Aonach Amárach (There's a Fair Tomorrow),” from The Best of Altan - The SongsArtist: Altan (feat. Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh) Song: “Touch the Sky,” from Brave (Original Score)Artist: Julie Fowlis Tune: “Chimes,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton Song: “A ghoul leig dhachaigh dam nmhàthair mi,” from Gach Sgeul / Every StoryArtist: Julie Fowlis Song: “A Mhorag 's Na Horo Gheallaidh, from Lan DuilArtist: Mary Jane Lamond Song: “Air a' Ghille Tha Mo Rùn (It is the Lad that I Love),” from SeinnArtists: Mary Jane Lamond & Wendy MacIsaac Song: “Chi Mi Na Morbheanna,” from Mouth MusicArtist: Talitha MacKenzie Tune: Tune For Mairead & Anna Ni Mhaonaigh,” from Liz CarrollArtists: Liz Carroll and Dáithí Sproule Tune: “Seinn O,” from Suas e!Artist: Mary Jane Lamond Tunes: “Ifearnáin,” (Boys of Ballisoaire) from SunaArtist: Hightime

There’s no definitive Irish or Scottish music method book. A lot of seasoned practitioners learned their music in kitchens and pubs. So how do they bring that immersive, social learning approach into the classroom? In this episode, June McCormack, Michael Rooney, Alasdair White, Caroline Keane, and Tom Delany share ideas about teaching and learning traditional music. There’s also plenty of music in this episode. Full playlist below. And for Japanese speakers who want to get started with Irish Music Stories, the first episode has been translated fully (transcript) by Ryoko Murakami (with Tomoaki Hatekeyama) HERE  * * * * * * * Thanks to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to this month’s underwriters: Finn Agenbroad, David Vaughan, Brian Benscoter, Susan Walsh, Rick Rubin, Randy Krajniak, Jon Duvick, Suezen Brown, John Ploch, Joel DeLashmit, Chris Murphy, and Joe Martin Please CLICK HERE if you can kick in to support this podcast! * * * * * * * Visit IrishMusicStories.org * * * * * * * Music Heard on IMS Episode 45all music traditional, unless otherwise indicated Tune: “Sabai Sabai,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton Tune: “99 High,” from The Blue DressArtists: Shannon Heaton, Maeve Gilchrist, Paddy League Tune: “Pound the Floor,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton Tune: “McIntyre's Fancy,” from Hup TermonfeckinArtists: June McCormack, Michael Rooney Tune: “Hometown Lullaby,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton Tune: “G Chimes,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton Tune: “Little Bird Lullaby,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton Tune: “D Mutey Big Build,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton Tune: “Graf Spey,” from Draíocht Artists: June McCormack and Michael Rooney Tune: “Celtic Grooves,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton Tune: “Macalla Suite,” from Gradam Ceoil TG4  Artist: National Folk Orchestra of Ireland, conducted by Michael Rooney Tune: “Farewell To Erin, The Morning Star,” from Traditional Music On Fiddle, Banjo & HarpArtist: Oisin Mac Diarmada, Brian Fitzgerald, Micheal O'Ruanaigh Tune: “Capt Murdo Kennedy of Kyle, South Uist Golf Club” from An Clar GealArtist: Alasdair White Tune: “Cairistiona Chaimbeul” from Back of BoisdaleArtist: Joe Peter MacLean Tune: “Quickstep & 9/8 Marches,” from James Duncan MackenzieArtist: James Duncan Mackenzie Tune: “Kenny Gilles of Portnalong, from Scotland’s Big Session videoArtists: Lauren MacColl and Ewan MacPherson Tune: “The Hairy Angler Fish…” from Room Enough for AllArtist: Battlefield Band Tune: “Triumph Theme,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton Tune: “John Kelly's, Old Concertina Reel,” from Never Say Goodbye, Say Good LuckArtists: Caroline Keane and Tom Delany Tune: “Métro Blues,” from Never Say Goodbye, Say Good LuckArtist: Tom Delany Tune: “Modal Groove,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton Tune: “John’s Theme,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton Tune: “Mickey Callaghan's Slide/Winnie Hayes’s Jig,” from Kitty Lie Over Artists: Mick O'Brien & Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh Tune: “The Murroe Polka / The Taur Polka / Mick Duggan’s Polka, from ShineArtist: Caroline Keane Tune: “Slip Jig Dreams,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton Tune: “Abbey Reel,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton Tune: “Little Bird Lullaby,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton Tune: “Reavy's - The Milliner's Daughter,” from Traditional Music On Fiddle, Banjo & HarpOisin Mac Diarmada, Brian Fitzgerald, Micheal O'Ruanaigh Tune: ‘Ballybrolly Jig #1 (The North Star), from RubaiArtist: Flook

The topic of sustainable travel for touring musicians has been reframed, as Covid-19 has cancelled most music live music events for an unforeseeable amount of time. But as activity kicks up again, conversations about responsible, viable, grateful travel—and conservation—remain vital. In this episode, I’ll revisit earlier chats with Liz about her environmental advocacy; Dana Lyn and Kyle Sanna about their musical show that pays tribute (and donates profits) to coral reef ecosystems; and beekeeper Ottavio Forte, whose bees I recorded for a forthcoming album of bee-themed music. And I’ll go back to 6th century Ireland, to offer some historical perspective on activism. Learn more about Sustainable Touring Arts Coalition Listen to/watch Dana Lyn & Kyle Sanna Watch Beekeeping in Belmont  There’s also plenty of music in this episode. Full playlist below. And for Japanese speakers who want to get started with Irish Music Stories, the first episode has been translated fully (transcript) by Ryoko Murakami (with Tomoaki Hatekeyama) HERE  * * * * * * * Thanks to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to this month’s underwriters: Aubrey Atwater, Ed Schilling, John Bunch, Lynn Hayes, Finn Agenbroad, David Vaughan, Brian Benscoter, Susan Walsh, Rick Rubin, Randy Krajniak, Jon Duvick, and Suezen Brown. Please CLICK HERE if you can kick in to support this podcast! * * * * * * * Visit IrishMusicStories.org * * * * * * * Music Heard on IMS Episode 44 Tune: “Trundle’s, Paddy Fahey’s,” from Making TimeArtist: Liz Knowles Tune: “Pound the Floor,” from Irish Music Stories Production musicArtist: Matt Heaton Tune: “Strawberry Blossom / Mulhaire’s,” from The Coral Suite EPArtists: Dana Lyn & Kyle Sanna Tune: “Apian Army,” from Perfect MazeArtist: Shannon Heaton and bees/strings Tune: “D Chimes,” from Irish Music Stories Production musicArtist: Matt Heaton Tune: “D Big Build,” from Irish Music Stories Production musicArtist: Matt Heaton Tune: “Silver Slipper / Aqualude,” from The Coral Suite EP Artists: Dana Lyn & Kyle Sanna Tune: "Wisteria," from Via Portland Artist: O'Jizo Tune: “The Humours Of Trim (AKA Rolling Wave),” from Traditional Music On Fiddle, Banjo & HarpArtist: Micheal O'Ruanaigh Tune: “Sir Ulick Burke,” from Making TimeArtist: Liz Knowles Tune: “Maidin Fhomhair,” from Live At Mona'sArtist: Eamon O'Leary and Dana Lyn Tune: “Meaning of Life,” from Irish Music Stories Production musicArtist: Matt Heaton Tune: “Tuhy's Frolics / Rakes of Cashel,” from Making TimeArtist: Liz Knowles Tune: “Fisher's Hornpipe,” from DanceArtist: Lissa Schneckenburger Tune: “Gur Mise Tha fo mhulad,” from Making TimeArtist: Liz Knowles Tune: “Hometown Lullaby,” from Irish Music Stories Production musicArtist: Matt Heaton Tune: “Heartstrings Theme,” from Irish Music Stories Production musicArtist: Matt Heaton Tune: “The Gypsy Queen,” from RavenArtists: John Williams & Dean Magraw Tune: “The Noodle Vendor,” from Perfect MazeArtists: bees, and strings Tune: “John’s Theme,” from Irish Music Stories Production musicArtist: Matt Heaton Tune: “Brad’s Honeybees,” from Lovers’ WellArtists: Matt & Shannon Heaton Tune: “Aoibhinn Crónán,” from Deadly BuzzArtists: Mick O'Brien & Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh Tune: “Bow for Rama,” from Perfect MazeArtists: bees, and strings Song: “Beeswing,” from Land Of Fish And SealsArtist: Keith Murphy Tune: “Queen of the Earth and Child of the Skies,” from The Western StarArtist: Eric Merrill Tune: Intro to “The Beehive,” from RubaiArtist: Flook

The role of instruments in Celtic traditions can be fickle: newer voices (like the tenor banjo) are increasingly popular on festival stages; while ancient ones (like the harp) still hang on the outskirts when it comes to modern group projects. Find out how the banjo came into common acceptance in Irish circles from Daniel Neely, Enda Scahill, and Martin Howley… and learn about joys and challenges of outsider status from harpist Maeve Gilchrist, cellist Natalie Haas, and saxophone players Susan Lindsay and Isaac Alderson. There’s also plenty of music in this episode. Full playlist below. And for Japanese speakers who want to get started with Irish Music Stories, the first episode has been translated fully (transcript) by Ryoko Murakami (with Tomoaki Hatekeyama) HERE  * * * * * * * Thanks to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to this month’s underwriters: Pat Wilcox, Soomee Han, Ken Doyle, Stephanie Reeve, Finn Agenbroad, Mark Haynes, David Vaughan, Gerry Corr, Susan Walsh, Rick Rubin, Randy Krajniak, Jon Duvik, and Suezen Brown. Please CLICK HERE if you can kick in to support this podcast! * * * * * * * Visit IrishMusicStories.org * * * * * * * Music Heard on IMS Episode 43 Tunes: “The Big Reel Of Ballynacally/The High Hill/Flash Away The Pressing Gang,” from Sunny Spells And Scattered ShowersArtist: Solas Tune: Professor Cherry, from Ports of CallArtists: Alasdair Fraser & Natalie Haas Tune: “D Chimes,” from Irish Music Stories Production musicArtist: Matt Heaton Tune: “Taste of Gaelic,” from The Cabin SessionsArtists: Mairi Rankin & Eric Wright Tune: “February Bright,” from 20 Chandler StreetArtist: Maeve Gilchrist Tune: “Zayante,” from Home RecordingArtist: Alfredo Rolando Ortiz Tune: “G Meditation,” from Irish Music Stories Production musicArtist: Matt Heaton Tune: “Harp Glissando demonstration,” from How to play Glissandos on the Harp Artist: Christy-Lin Tune: “Waimea Rising,” from Vignette Artists: Maeve Gilchrist & Viktor Krauss Tune: “The Castlebay Scrap/Stuarts Rant,” from Play On LightArtist: Síleas Tune: “The Blue Dress,” from The Blue DressArtists: Shannon Heaton & Maeve Gilchrist Tune: “Tom Maguire's Fancy, The Flogging Reel,” from Traditional Music On Fiddle, Banjo & HarpArtists: Oisin Mac Diarmada, Brian Fitzgerald, Micheal O'Ruanaigh Tune: “Following the North Star,” from Freedom HighwayArtist: Rhiannon Giddens Tune: “The Miller Of Drone/Pauline Conneely's/Finbar Dwyer’s,” from An Traidisiún BeoArtist: Angelina Carberry Tune: “Medley,” from live footage from 1928 (presented by Vitaphone) Artist: Fabulous Ingenues Tune: “Seamus Connolly's/Brid Harpur’s,” from Traditional Music From Doolin Co. ClareArtist: Kevin Griffin Tune: “The Rookery,” from Music class at 2014 Milwaukee Irishfest Summer SchoolArtist: Martin Howley Tune: “The New Irish Barn Dance,” from 1929 recording Artists: The Flanagan Brothers Tune: “Sailor on the Rock,” from Fleá Ceoil (1964 recording from Gael Linn)Artist: Barney McKenna Tune: “Bill Cheatum / Kitchen Girl,” from Live in GalwayArtist: We Banjo 3 Tune: Martin Wynnes #2 / Martin Wynnes #1 / The Coalminer,” from Roots of the Banjo TreeArtist:  We Banjo 3 Tune: “Splendid Isolation,” from At the RacketArtist: At the Rocket Tune: “Mutey Big Build,” from Irish Music Stories Production musicArtist: Matt Heaton Tune: “Siege of Ennis No. 3,” from B Side of Copley Record #9-178 Artist: Johnny Powell and his Irish band Tune: “Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Aria,” from Bach: Goldberg Variations (For Saxophone Quartet)Artist: Danish Saxophone Quartet, Christian Hougaard, Torben Snekkestad, Jørgen Ole Bove & Per Egholm Tune: “Rhythm Is Our Business,” from 1935 Hits (Remastered)Artist: Jimmy Lunceford and His Orchestra & Willie Smith Tune: “Abbey Reel Meditation,” from Irish Music Stories Production musicArtist: Matt Heaton Tune: “Heartstrings Theme,” from Irish Music Stories Production musicArtist: Matt Heaton Song: “Sixteen Jolly Ravers,” from From the Green to the BlueArtist: The Lindsays Tune: “Sabai Sabai,” from Irish Music Stories Production musicArtist: Matt Heaton Tune: “Aunt Jane’s Trip to Norway,” from The Blue DressArtists: Shannon Heaton & Maeve Gilchrist Tune: “Jane’s Reel,” from Simon Chrisman & Wes CorbettArtists: Simon Chrisman & Wes Corbett Tune: “Stah Wahs,” from banjo outtakeArtist: Matt Heaton

Trailer for the June 2020 episode of Irish Music Stories 

Persistent infections like Covid-19 … and social injustice.. and racism… loom large. And still, these little Irish jigs and reels are forming bridges across oceans. What happens when people fall in love with a foreign music culture and pull themselves out of their comfort zones to travel and learn to play? Learn about the perspective Irish music has offered Guillermo Del Val Rodriguez, Santiago Molina, Gregor Brinkschulte, Alasdair Fraser, Rolf Wagels, Kerstin Otten, Brent Cassidy, Andy Xuhang, Alex Navar, hatao, Geoffrey Lim, Ted Cizadlo, and Andy Linton. There’s also plenty of music in this episode. Full playlist below. * * * * * * * Thank you to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to this month’s underwriters: Ryne VanHorn, Dan Kaufman, Finn Agenbroad, Rex Edwards, Michael Craine, Bruce Douglas, Nancy Kearney, Paul Fackler, Art Costa, Linda Hammond, Chris Murphy, David Vaughan, Gerry Corr, Susan Walsh, Rick Rubin, Randy Krajniak, Jon Duvik, and one anonymous donor. Please CLICK HERE if you can kick in to support this podcast! * * * * * * * Read about the Irish flute mask (mentioned in the episode) by Lisa Danforth HERE And for Japanese speakers who want to get started with Irish Music Stories, the first episode has been translated fully (transcript) by Ryoko Murakami, with support from Tomoaki Hatekeyama HERE. * * * * * * * Music Heard on IMS Episode 40 all music traditional, unless otherwise indicated Tune: “Migratory,” from tricolor BIGBANDArtist: tricolor Tune: “The Flight of the Earls (El Vuelo De Los Condes),” from Brotherhood of Stars (A Irmandade Das Estrelas) Artist: Carlos Nuñez Tune: “Kiss the Maid Behind the Barrel,” from Living Room recordingArtist: Guillermo Del Val Rodriguez Tune: “The Golden Ticket,” from The Western StarEric Merrill Tune: "Para Ani,” from Historia Artist: Santiago Molina with Félix Pérez guitar Tune: “Foliada!” from Ports of CallArtists: Alasdair Fraser and Natalie Haas Tune: “G Meditation,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton Tune: “Heartstrings Theme,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton Tune: “Masters of Consequence,” from HorizonArtist: Cara Tune: “Bb Intro,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton Tune: “Little Bird Lullaby,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton Tune: “44 Mill Street,” from The Blue DressArtist: Shannon Heaton, Maeve Gilchrist, Paddy League Song: “Ich weiß ein fein brauns Mägdelein,” from DuoGudrun Walther & Jürgen Treyz Tune/Song: “Pretty Girl Milking Her Cow” Artist: Droichead Tune: “Celtic Grooves,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton Tune: “Nocturne,” from Songs From a Secret GardenArtist: Secret Garden  Tune: “Larry Lavin’s Choice,” from Galleon Flute Demo VideoArtist: Blayne Chastain Tune: “Planxty Fitzgerald,” from Traditional Irish Music on pipa guitar, live at Bray Mermaid Arts Centre Artists: Liu Fang and Michael O'Toole Tune: “Celtic Grooves,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton Tune: “Triumph Theme,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton “Midnight Walker,” from Celtic Graces: A Best of IrelandArtist: Davy Spillane “Desvairada,” from Brazilian Choro he posted on YouTube (used with permission) Artist: Cillian King Tune: “月をさがして” (Looking for the Moon) from Songs of Raindrops and BreezeArtists: hatao & nami Tune: “Grupai Ceol Theme,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton Tune: “Polkas,” from Mapo FMArtist: Seul-Ki and Ceoltoiri Korea Song: “Runaway,” from Forgiven, Not ForgottenArtist: The Corrs Tune: “Belle of the South Shore,” from B&BArtist: tricolor Tune: “D Mutey Big Build,” from Production Music for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton Tune: “Out on the Ocean,” from Live In SeattleArtists: Martin Hayes & Dennis Cahill Tune: “Woo Dr Hythm,” from This is How we FlyArtist: This is How we Fly Tune: “The Banshee, Swinging on a Gate,” from Live at the Welsh DragonArtist: Wellington Slow Session Tune: “Twins' Dance Party / Sylvia's & Mikey's Reels,” from RavenArtists: John Williams & Dean Magraw

What do rampant evictions, military ship collisions, and Christmas trees have to do with jigs and reels? Learn how Gaelic culture resonated in Canada’s “New Scotland,” and down in the Boston States, from singer Mary Jane Lamond and fiddle players Troy MacGillivray, Andrea Beaton, Alasdair Fraser, Katie McNally, and Lee Cremo. Plenty of music here, too. Full playlist below. * * * * * * * Thanks to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to this month’s underwriters: Peter Lee, Gabriele Clemens, Loretta Egan Murphy, John Boyce, Sol Foster, Paul Grajciar, Lisa and Bryon Giddens-White, Jen Strom, Chris Murphy, Pat Wilcox, Suezen Brown, Lance Ramshaw, Mark Haynes, David Vaughan, Brian Benscoter, Gerard Corr, Susan Walsh, Rick Rubin, Randy Krajniak, and Jon Duvick. Please CLICK HERE if you can kick in to support this podcast! * * * * * * * Visit IrishMusicStories.org * * * * * * * Music Heard on IMS Episode 40 all music traditional, unless otherwise indicated Tune: “Blue Bonnets Over The Border/Khazi,” from Happy Daze Artist: Battlefield Band Tune: “Little Bird Lullaby,” from Irish Music Stories Production Music Artist: Matt Heaton Tune: “The B Minor Cut,” from Cuts Artist: Andrea Beaton Song: “Fail il o agus ho ro eile” c/o An Drochaid Eadarainn’s site Artist: Mìcheal Eòin Chaluim Sheumais Mhóir (Mickey John H. MacNeil of Jamesville) Tune: “Celtic Grooves,” from Irish Music Stories Production Music Artist: Matt Heaton Tune: Robert Cormack of Aberdeen,” from Musical Ties Artist: Troy MacGillivray Tune: “Holy Strathspeys Pat,” from Off the Floor Artist: Wendy MacIsaac Tune: “Down the Burn, Davie Lad,” from The Boston States Artist: Katie McNally Tune: “Wapikatji’j,” from Traditionally Yours: Mi’kmaq Drums, Young and Old Artist: Michael R. Denny Tune: “Donald & Gordon’s” from Pìob is Fidheall Artists: Kenneth & Angus MacKenzie Song: “Seinn O,” from Suas e! Artist: Mary Jane Lamond Tune: “Out on the Ocean,” from License to Drive 'Er Artist: Andrea Beaton Tune: “Pound the Floor,” from Irish Music Stories Production Music Artist: Matt Heaton Tune: “Meaning of Life,” from Irish Music Stories Production Music Artist: Matt Heaton Tune: "Rockabye by Firelight,” from Irish Music Stories Production Music Artist: Matt Heaton Tune: “Constitution Breakdown,” from Smithsonian Folkways Recordings (Creation's Journey: Native American Music) Artist: Lee Cremo Tune: “Grupai Ceol Memories,” from Irish Music Stories Production Music Artist: Matt Heaton Tune: “Taste of Gaelic,” from The Cabin Sessions Artists: Mairi Rankin & Eric Wright Tunes: “Tom Ward's Downfall/Lucy Campbell,” from Green Grass Blue Grass Artist: Brock McGuire Band Song: “Rinn Mi Corr is Naoi Mile (I Travelled more than Nine Miles),” from Seinn Artist: Mary Jane Lamond Tune: “Triumph Theme,” from Irish Music Stories Production Music Artist: Matt Heaton Tune: “The Barren Rocks of Aden / Mairi’s Wedding” from Live at Celtic Colors (Joan Harriss Cruise Pavilion in Sydney: Big Ceilidh at the Big Fiddle at, October  2018) Artist: Cape Breton University Pipe Band Song: “A Mhorag 's Na Horo Gheallaidh,” from Lan Duil Artist: Mary Jane Lamond Song: “A flaisgaich oig a S'cheanalteadh (My cheerful young man),” recorded by Sidney Robertson Cowell, 1939. Artist: Mary MacPhee c/o Library of Congress Song: “An Nochd Is Trom Tha Mo Cheum (Tonight My Step Is Heavy),” from Làn dùil Artist: Mary Jane Lamond Tune: “Farewell,” from Coffee and the Mojo Hat Artists: Neil Pearlman and Nicole Rabata Tune: ‘Silver and Stuff,” from Ports of Call Artists: Alasdair Fraser & Natalie Haas Tune: “The Second Star Hornpipe Set (Howie MacDonald piano),” from The Judique Flyer Artist: ‘Buddy MacMaster Tune: “Blue Bonnets Over the Boarder,” from Close To the Floor Artist: Ashley MacIsaac

How are traditional musicians and dancers continuing creative careers and group music events during the Covid-19 pandemic? How is social distancing affecting the jigs and reels? In this unexpected open of Season Four of Irish Music Stories, musicians from Ireland, England, Belgium, Sweden, and the U.S. address on and offline strategies… from a safe distance. Plenty of music here, too. Full playlist below. * * * * * * * Thanks to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to this month’s underwriters: Chris Murphy, John Kerr, John Pradarelli, Sharon Murphy, Finn Agenbroad, Charlie Durfee, Mark Johnson, Will Coleman, Gary Usher, Dana Griepentrog, John Plock, David Vaughan, Brian Benscoter, Susan Walsh, Rick Rubin, Randy Krajniak Please CLICK HERE if you can kick in to support this podcast! * * * * * * * Visit IrishMusicStories.org * * * * * * * Music Heard on IMS Episode 40 all music traditional, unless otherwise indicated Tune: “Haapvesi,” from January EPArtist: Assembly Tune: “Cat’s Meow,” from An Irish HomecomingArtist: Cherish the Ladies Tune: “Dark Low Jig,” from Irish Music Stories Production MusicArtist: Matt Heaton Tune: “Midnight Sojourn Intro,” from Kitchen SessionsArtist: Matt & Shannon Heaton Tune: “Bb Shuffle,” from Kitchen SessionsArtist: Matt & Shannon Heaton Tune: “Little Bird Lullaby,” from Irish Music Stories Production MusicArtist: Matt Heaton Tune: “Heartstrings Theme,” from Irish Music Stories Production MusicArtist: Matt Heaton Tune: “Ciuri Ciuri,” from March 14 video on Sicilian balconyArtist: Italian Neighbors Tune: “Mångatskrinna,” from All in AlwaysArtist: Laura Cortese Tune: “Noisy Curlew,” from Dear Old Erin's Isle: Irish Traditional Music from AmericaArtists: Eileen Ivers, Seamus Egan Tune: “Humours of Ballyconnell,” from JamKazam recordingArtists: Pete Strickler, Dirk Mewes, Kevin Rumery Tune: “Griffenfelt,” from March 31, 2020 Virtual Quarantine videoArtist: Folk All-In Band... watch VIDEO HERE! Tune: “Hometown Lullaby,” from Irish Music Stories Production MusicArtist: Matt Heaton Tune: “Pound the Floor” from Irish Music Stories Production MusicArtist: Matt Heaton Tune: “Father Kelly’s Reel,” from Tune.Supply MusicArtists: Caitlin Warbelow & Chris Ranney Tune: “Travel Theme,” from Irish Music Stories Production MusicArtist: Matt Heaton Tune: “Oran Na Maighdean Mhara,” from Four / 4Artists: Kirstan Allstaff Tune: “Paddy Canny's Toast,” from A Sweetish TuneArtist: Noctambule Tune: “The Hunt Set Dance,” from An Irish HomecomingArtist: Joanie Madden & Michael Holland  Tune: “Johnny Going to Ceilidh,” from demoArtists: Flynn Cohen & Matt Heaton Tune: “Lord McDonald’s” from Boston College Irish Fiddle FestivalArtists: assembled fiddle players Tune: “Foggy Dew,” from MBM Performs Irish ClassicsArtist: Music Box Mania Tune: “The Blackbird,” from Cover the BuckleArtists: Seán Clohessy, Sean Mccomiskey, And Kieran Jordan Tune: “Ratholdran Castle,” from Trian IIArtist: Trian Tune: “Cats Meow,” from Joanie’s Living RoomArtist: Joanie Madden

What’s a soccer ball, a school uniform, and a wedding dress have in common? New York-based fiddle player Eileen Ivers helps jar memories and connections, with a jig she wrote for her granny, in this month’s off season installment.  Plenty of music here, too. Full playlist below. * * * * * * * Thanks to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to Charlie Durfee, Desmond O'Hagan, Pat Wilcox, Paul Grajciar, Peter Crimmin, Susan Walsh, David Vaughan, Brian Benscoter, Joe Garrett, Gerry Corr for underwriting this episode. And this season of podcast production. One more tune tale in April… then full episodes coming in May! Please CLICK HERE if you can kick in to support this podcast! * * * * * * * Visit IrishMusicStories.org * * * * * * * Music Heard on IMS Episode 39 all music traditional, unless otherwise indicated Tune: “Apples in Winter” from An Nollaig: An Irish ChristmasArtist: Eileen Ivers Tune: “G Chimes,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton Tune: “After Hours Theme,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton Tune: “Canbrack Girls,” from Live in Eileen’s KitchenArtist: Eileen Ivers Tune: “Harmonics Fails,” from outtakesArtist: Matt Heaton

Are all traditional tunes created equally? And if they aren’t, what happens to the, um, lesser tunes? Do they end up like lost dryer socks? Chicago-based accordion player Jimmy Keane reflects on the room of bad tunes, and shares one of his loveliest compositions in this month’s off season installment.  Plenty of music here, too. Full playlist below. * * * * * * * Thanks to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to John Ploch, Finn Agenbroad, David Vaughan, Brian Benscoter, Joe Garrett, Gerry Corr for underwriting this episode. And this season of podcast production—another exaltation of full episodes coming your way in May! Please CLICK HERE if you can kick in to support this podcast! * * * * * * * Visit IrishMusicStories.org * * * * * * * Music Heard on IMS Episode 38 all music traditional, unless otherwise indicated Tune: “Redican's Jig / The Merry Old Woman Jig / The Chapel Bell” from boholaArtist: bohola Tune: “G Chimes,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton Tune: “Horse Keane’s Hornpipe,” from Live with Jimmy & DennisArtist: Jimmy Keane & Denis Cahill Tune: “Moving-On Song,” from boholaArtist: bohola

What do you do when language just can’t capture how hilarious—and important—an encounter in Ennis, County Clare was? Write a tune about it. That’s what Brendan Tonra did. Pianist Helen Kisiel recounted one of those tune memories in this month’s off season installment.  Plenty of music here, too. Full playlist below. * * * * * * * Thanks to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to James Supplee, Brian Murchison, Michael Todd, Robert Levelle, Mike O'Malley, Parker Abercrombie, Rayburn Vrabel, Mark Haynes, Susan Walsh and Peter Kasin, David Vaughan, Brian Benscoter, Joe Garrett, Gerry Corr for underwriting this episode. And this season of podcast production, as I line up another year of episodes! Please CLICK HERE if you can kick in to support this podcast! * * * * * * * Visit IrishMusicStories.org * * * * * * *Music Heard on IMS Episode 37 all music traditional, unless otherwise indicated Tune: “The Phoenix,” from January EPArtist: The Assembly (FKA Popcorn Behavior) Tune: “D Chimes,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton Tune: “Celtic Grooves,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton Tune: “Ennis Encounter [impressions],” from Parlor Session Artist: Helen Kisiel & Shannon Heaton Composer: Brendan Tonra Tune: “Ennis Encounter,” from Kitchen Session Artist: Matt & Shannon Heaton Tune: “Boston Sligo Reel” Artist: Brendan Tonra & Helen Kisiel Composer: Brendan Tonra Tune: ”When the Saints Go Marching In,” from Field in Autrans, FranceArtist: The New Hot 5

Where do the tunes come from? When does inspiration hit? Shannon learns that it's all about timing, in this short story about a jig by accordion player Billy McComiskey. Plenty of music here, too. Full playlist below. * * * * * * * Thanks to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to Chris Murphy, Naka Ishii, David Vaughan, Brian Benscoter, Joe Garrett, Gerry Corr, and one anonymous donor for underwriting this episode. Please CLICK HERE if you can kick in to support this podcast! * * * * * * * Visit IrishMusicStories.org * * * * * * * Music Heard on IMS Episode 36 all music traditional, unless otherwise indicated Tune: “Free the Heel,” from Kitchen SessionArtists: Matt & Shannon Heaton Tune: "Hometown Lullaby," from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton Tune: "The Priest and his Boots," from Cover the BuckleArtists: Seán Clohessy, Sean Mccomiskey, Kieran Jordan Tune: "D Chimes," from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton Tune: "Poor Timing," from Kitchen SessionArtists: Billy, Sean, and Mikey Mccomiskey

What’s up with the endless cups of Irish tea? Is there something genuinely nourishing about a pile of french fries and melted cheese? Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh, Matthew Olwell, Jamie McClennan, and Matt Heaton help me digest the meaning behind the menu. And I’ve also got tasty tales from Kevin Doyle, Liz Carroll, John Williams, and Kathleen Conneely.  Plenty of music here, too. Full playlist below. * * * * * * * Thanks to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to Mark Johnson, Lynn Cox, Sharon Murphy, Valerie Watt, David Vaughan, Brian Benscoter, Joe Garrett, and Gerry Corr for underwriting this episode. Please CLICK here to support Irish Music Stories * * * * * * *Music Heard on IMS Episode 34 all music traditional, unless otherwise indicated Tune: “Free the Heel,” from Kitchen SessionArtist: Matt & Shannon Heaton Tune: “Grupai Memories,” from Production Music made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton Tune: “Soggy’s Slip Jig,” from A Lovely MadnessArtist: Beoga Tune: “Little Bird Lullaby,” from Production Music made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton Tune: “Trip to Birmingham,” from CybertradArtist: Matthew Olwell Tune: “Ratholdran Castle,” from Trian IIArtist: Trian  Tune: “Bodhrán and Beatbox,” from CybertradArtist: Matthew Olwell Tune: “Last of the Leaves,” from Half Day RoadArtist: Jake Charron Song: “Silver Dagger,” from The Grass is BlueArtist: Dolly Parton Tune: “Austrian Waters,” from Runaway SundayArtist: Altan Song: “Beidh Aonach Amárach,” from AltanArtist: Altan Tune: “Vivienne’s Jig,” from In TransitArtist: Jamie McClennan Tune: “Sabai Sabai,” from Production Music made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton Tune: “G Chimes,” from Production Music made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton Tune: “The Duke of Leinster,” from Ten Years Of Céilí House, With Kieran HanrahanArtist: Mícheál Ó'Raghallaigh Tune: “Demon Ducks of Doom,” from In TransitArtist: Jamie McClennan

Are Irish fairies REAL? And if so, could there be Sí folk living in New England?? Fiddle player Martin Hayes, singer Emily Smith, and storyteller Máirtín de Cógáin help me and this month’s co-producer Nigel Heaton investigate songs, stories, and possible gateways to the Otherworld. Plenty of music here, too. Full playlist below. * * * * * * * Thanks to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to Jonathan Duvick, Mark Haynes, Chris Murphy, David Vaughan, Brian Benscoter, Joe Garrett, and Gerry Corr  for underwriting this episode. Please CLICK HERE if you can kick in to support this podcast! * * * * * * * Visit IrishMusicStories.org * * * * * * * Music Heard on IMS Episode 34 all music traditional, unless otherwise indicated Song: “Edwin of the Lowlands Low,” from Tell You in EarnestArtists: Matt & Shannon Heaton Tune: “Waimea Rising” from Vignette Artists: Maeve Gilchrist & Viktor Krauss Tune: “Rockabye by Firelight,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton (guitar) Tune: “Meaning of Life,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton (guitar) Song: “As I Roved Out,” from CrossroadsArtists: Mairtin O'Connor, Seamie O'Dowd & Cathal Hayden Tune: “As the Crow Flies,” from Half Day RoadArtist: Liz Carroll Tune: “Abbey Reel,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton (guitar) Song: “The Song of the Seal,” from Seal Maiden-Celtic MusicalArtist: Karan Casey Tune: “G Chimes,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton (guitar) Tune: “Lilting Banshee,” from The Otherworld - Music And Song From The Irish TraditionArtist: Robert Harvey Tune: “Port Na Bpucai,” from Live In SeattleArtists: Martin Hayes & Dennis Cahill Tune: “Mist Covered Mountain,” from Martin HayesArtist: Martin Hayes Tune: “Triumph Theme,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton (guitar) tune: “The Wee Folks Thimble,” from Living Room Tommy Peoples composition partyArtists: Matt & Shannon Heaton Tune: “Hometown Lullaby,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton (guitar) Tune: “The Quiet Glen,” from The Quiet GlenArtist: Tommy Peoples Song: “The Wife of Usher’s Well,” from Fairest Floo’erArtist: Karine Polwart Tune: “G Meditation,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton (guitar) Song: “Three Ravens / The Raven's Return,” from 3 RavensArtist: Malinky Song: “Queen of the Fairies,” from Macmath: The Silent PageThe Macmath Collective Tune: “The Lone Bush,” from As it happenedArtists: Mícheál Ó Raghallaigh & Danny O Mahony Tune: “D Big Build,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton (guitar) Tune: “Little Bird Lullaby,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton (guitar) Tune: "The Wolf/The Duck," from On the OffbeatArtist: Liz Carroll Tune: “Awakening,” from RavenArtists: John Williams & Dean Magraw Tune: “Pound the Floor,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

What do the Irish music and dance worlds think about practicing? Fiddle players Fergal Scahill, Finn Magill, and Rose Flanagan; banjo player Martin Howley; cellist Natalie Haas; flute player Nicole Rabata; and dancer Kieran Jordan share thoughts about woodshedding in the trad world. Plenty of music here, too. Full playlist below. * * * * * * * Thanks to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to, George McAvoy, Michael Craine, David Vaughan, Brian Benscoter. Joe Garrett, Gerry Corr, Daniel, and one anonymous donor for underwriting this episode. Please CLICK HERE if you can kick in to support this podcast! * * * * * * * Visit IrishMusicStories.org * * * * * * * Music Heard on IMS Episode 33 all music traditional, unless otherwise indicated Tunes: “Tap Room, Mountain Road, Galway Rambler” (reels), from Rehearsal Recording, c. 2009 Artist: Dan Gurney (accordion), Shannon Heaton (flute), Matt Heaton (guitar) Tune: “Sabai Sabai,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton (guitar) Steps: isolated foot track from “Mountain Ramblier,” from Lovers’ Well Artist: Matt & Shannon Heaton with Kieran Jordan (feet) Tune: “Pound the Floor,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton (guitar) Tune: “The Priest And His Boots,” from Cover the BuckleArtist: Seán Clohessy, Sean Mccomiskey, And Kieran Jordan Tune: Intro reel groove from Rehearsal RecordingArtist: Matt Heaton (guitar) Tune: “G Meditation,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton (guitar) Tune: “Dark Low Jig,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton (guitar) Tune: “Horizons,” from BranchesArtist: Andrew Finn Magill Tune: “Megan & Jarrod,” from Ports of CallArtist: Alasdair Fraser & Natalie Haas Tune: “Mini Thanks,” from Flying Pizzicato Artist: Stephen Katz Tune: “Mutey Big Build,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton (guitar) Tune: “Rockabye by Firelight,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton (guitar) Tune: “Bill Cheatum / Kitchen Girl / The Donegal Lass,” from Live in Galway Artist: We Banjo 3 Tune: “The Blackbird,” from Cover the BuckleArtist: Seán Clohessy, Sean Mccomiskey, And Kieran Jordan Tune: “Galway Rambler, Mountain Road,” from Live in Germany Artist: Matt & Shannon Heaton with Kieran Jordan Tune: “Tracing the Lines,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton (guitar) Tune: “Air Tune,” from Roots of the Banjo TreeArtist: We Banjo 3 Song: “More than a Feeling,” from BostonArtist: Boston

Why learn old songs from your neighbors, when the airwaves are brimming with NEW music? And how can a rooster’s crow affect singing technique? Hear stories behind Len Graham’s life of song in this month’s Cuppa Tea chat. No matter the aperture, apertoire, or repertoire, Len’s got a story (and a song) to suit the situation. * * * * * * * Thanks to everybody for listening. And a special thank you to hatao, Chris Murphy, Justin Anderson, Lynn Hayes, BrotherHug, David Vaughan, Brian Benscoter, Joe Garrett, and Gerry Corr for underwriting this episode. Please CLICK HERE if you can kick in to support this podcast! * * * * * * * Visit IrishMusicStories.org * * * * * * *Music Heard on IMS Episode 32all music traditional, unless otherwise indicated Song: “The Wheels of the World,” from Do Me JusticeArtist: Len Graham Tune: “Meaning of Life,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton (guitar) Tune: “Chimes,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton (guitar) Song: “Fair Rosa,” and “Early in the Morning AKA When I Was Young,” sung live in the Lounge for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Len Graham Tune: “Slip Jig Dreams,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton (guitar) Song: “As I Roved Out” excerpt,  sung live in the Lounge for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Len Graham Song: “As I Roved Out,” from The Heart Is TrueArtist: Sarah Makem Tune: “Celtic Grooves,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music Stories Artist: Matt Heaton (guitar) Song: “Now Westlin Winds" (AKA Western Winds), sung live in the Lounge for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Len Graham Tune: “Little Bird Lullaby,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton (guitar) Tune: “John’s Theme,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton (guitar) Song: “The Moorlough Shore,” sung live in the Lounge for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Len Graham Tune: “The Girl that Broke My Heart,” from Celtic Mouth MusicArtists: Joe Holmes & Len Graham Tune: “Farewell to Whiskey,” from The Star Above the GarterArtists: Denis Murphy & Julia Clifford Song: “Rambling Irishman,” from The Best of DeDannanArtist: DeDannan Song: “New York Bay,” from Max Hunter Collection #455 (c/o Missouri State University, Duane G. Meyer Library)Artist: Bertha Lauderdale Tune: “Hometown Lullaby,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton (guitar) Song: “The Parting Glass,” from After DawningArtists: Joe Holmes & Len Graham Song: “Ye Lovers All,” from Ye Lovers AllArtist: Len Graham Tune: “Bb Intro Groove,” from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton (guitar) Song: “Fox and the Hare,” from When I Was YoungArtists: Len Graham and Pádraigín Ní Uallacháin Song: “Where the Moorcocks Crow,” from The Road TakenArtists: Len Graham & Brian Ó Hairt Song: “The Keeper of the Songs,” from live at WGBHArtist: Robbie O’Connell Song: “The Lowlands of Holland” [intro and outro only], sung live in the Lounge for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Len Graham Tune: “The Blackbird,” from The Star Above the GarterArtists: Denis Murphy Song: “The Royal Blackbird,” sung live in the Lounge for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Len Graham Song: “The Parting Glass” [outro lilting], from After DawningArtists: Joe Holmes & Len Graham Tune: “The Blackbird,” from Cover the BuckleArtists: Seán Clohessy, Sean Mccomiskey, And Kieran Jordan Song: “Rooster Crow,” recorded by Benjamin Nelan used under Creative Commons license