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Irish Music Institute

The Irish Music Institute promotes and preserves traditional Irish music through education, performance, and cultural events, fostering a deep appreciation for its heritage while inspiring new generations of musicians and audiences.

Join us for an unforgettable evening with Se&aacute;n McKeon, one of Ireland&#39;s leading uilleann pipers, live at Corktown Tavern! Known for his virtuosic and exhilarating performances, Se&aacute;n McKeon brings energy, skill, and emotional depth to the uilleann pipes. A member of the Damien Dempsey band, Se&aacute;n has performed and recorded with artists including Elvis Costello, Hozier, and Christy Moore. His 2025 solo album Salamanca has been celebrated as a bold, contemporary take on solo traditional piping. 🎓 Workshop - 5:30 PM | $25 An intimate session where Se&aacute;n shares insight into the uilleann pipes and traditional music, open to players and enthusiasts of all levels. 🎵 Concert - 7:30 PM | $25 online / $30 at the door An evening of virtuoso piping featuring music from Salamanca and beyond &mdash; stark and intimate one moment, fiery and full-bodied the next. 🎟️ Combo Ticket - Workshop + Concert | $45 Catch both events and save! Workshop and combo tickets available online now &mdash; don&#39;t miss this rare chance to experience one of Ireland&#39;s most exciting traditional musicians up close.

Seán McKeon Workshop & Concert — Live at Corktown Tavern

Masters in Conversation: Past, Present, and Practice Episode 2: Fiddle Presented by the Irish Music Institute, in collaboration with IMAA (Irish Music Association of Asia) 📅 Saturday, September 26, 2026 🕐 1:00 PM GMT &bull; 9:00 AM EST 🌍 Online, worldwide - via Zoom Following the success of Episode 1&#39;s deep dive into the Irish flute, Masters in Conversation returns with its second installment, this time turning to the fiddle, one of the most expressive and widely played instruments in Irish traditional music. Join four extraordinary fiddle players for a wide-ranging conversation covering technique fundamentals, ornamentation, phrasing, regional styles, and the history of the instrument in the tradition, followed by an open Q&amp;A with our panelists. Featuring:<ul fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Kevin Burke</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">James Kelly</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Patrick Ourceau</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Liz Kane</li></ul>Hosted by Hannah Harris&nbsp; Whether you&#39;re a fiddle player yourself, a fan of Irish traditional music, or simply curious about the craft behind the tradition, this is a rare chance to hear four masters reflect on their playing, influences, and approach &mdash; live and worldwide. 📌 Zoom link will be sent to registered participants ahead of the event.

Masters in Conversation: Past, Present, and Practice — Episode 2: Fiddle

Andy Irvine is back in Detroit for a very special night of Irish traditional music, song, and storytelling. A founding member of the legendary Planxty, and a veteran of Sweeney&#39;s Men, Patrick Street, and Mozaik, Andy Irvine has spent over 55 years at the heart of Irish traditional music. His repertoire weaves together Irish traditional songs, Balkan-influenced rhythms, and a rich canon of his own compositions &mdash; all delivered with the warmth and mastery of a true troubadour. As The Irish Times put it: &quot;Often copied, never equalled.&quot; Don&#39;t miss this rare opportunity to see a living legend of Irish music, live in Detroit.

Andy Irvine — Live at the Gaelic League

<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/hxn9dbuhd/image/upload/v1782225647/wysiwyg/eumj2ewuwzp5iu1akcql.jpg" style="width: 746px; display: block; vertical-align: top; margin: 5px auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; padding: 0px 1px; user-select: none; max-width: 100%; position: relative; box-sizing: inherit;" fr-original-style="width: 746px; display: block; vertical-align: top; margin: 5px auto; text-align: center;" fr-original-class="fr-draggable">Join us for a special evening with O&#39;Jizo, an acclaimed trio of multi-instrumentalists from Tokyo, Japan, bringing a fresh and distinctive voice to traditional Irish music. Formed in 2008, O&#39;Jizo combines authentic Irish tradition with subtle influences from jazz, world music, and their Japanese roots, creating a sound that is both deeply respectful of the tradition and uniquely their own. Their music features Irish wooden flute and tin whistle layered with piano accordion, bouzouki, guitar, and mandolin. Their performances have captivated audiences across Japan, Ireland, the United States, and Canada, including appearances at major festivals such as Dublin Irish Festival, Goderich Celtic Roots Festival, and Milwaukee Irish Fest. Warm, energetic, and deeply musical, O&#39;Jizo brings a memorable concert experience that celebrates tradition while creating something entirely their own.

O'Jizo Live at AOH – General Admission

In a program inspired by the spirit of Memorial Day, acclaimed Irish musicians Eamon O&rsquo;Leary, Cathy Jordan, and Se&aacute;n Gavin present an evening of traditional songs and tunes reflecting on war, remembrance, exile, and the enduring hope for peace. Drawing from Irish and folk traditions, the program weaves powerful storytelling with expressive, world-class musicianship. Cathy Jordan, a native of County Roscommon, is one of Ireland&rsquo;s most celebrated traditional singers and a longtime member of the internationally renowned group Dervish. A self-taught multi-instrumentalist on guitar, bouzouki, bodhr&aacute;n, and bones, she brings a deep sensitivity and command to the Irish song tradition.As frontwoman of Dervish, Cathy has performed in hundreds of cities across nearly 40 countries, appearing on stages ranging from the Great Wall of China to Rock in Rio before audiences of over 250,000. Her work as a songwriter includes collaborations with Brendan Graham, and her performances are widely recognized for their emotional depth and authenticity.Beyond the stage, Cathy is a dedicated advocate for Irish cultural heritage. She has presented Fleadh TV on TG4 and has collected and preserved a vast repertoire of traditional songs. Her recent projects highlight both innovation and tradition, including multiple album releases in 2023 and The Crankie Island Song Project in 2024, which pairs songs from each Irish county with original visual art. A recipient of numerous honors, including the BBC Lifetime Achievement Award and TG4&rsquo;s 2025 Gradam Ceoil Singer of the Year, Cathy continues to shape and share the living tradition of Irish music with audiences worldwide. Originally from Dublin and now based in New York City, Eamon O&rsquo;Leary is a highly regarded guitarist, bouzouki player, and singer whose work bridges Irish traditional music and contemporary folk. Known for his nuanced accompaniment and expressive vocal style, he is an in-demand collaborator and performer on both sides of the Atlantic.Eamon maintains an active touring schedule, performing regularly across the United States and Europe in concert settings, festivals, and intimate traditional sessions. His current work includes collaborations with a wide range of artists in the Irish and folk music communities, as well as ongoing performances with The Murphy Beds, his duo with Jefferson Hamer, which explores traditional song through a modern lens.In addition to performing, Eamon is a dedicated educator, teaching at leading programs such as the Swannanoa Gathering, Augusta Heritage Center, Catskills Irish Arts Week, and the Alaska Irish Music Camp. His teaching reflects a deep commitment to passing on the tradition while encouraging personal expression and musical curiosity. Se&aacute;n Gavin is a leading performer of traditional Irish music, known for his mastery of the uilleann pipes, Irish flute, and tin whistle. Based in Detroit, he maintains an active career as a performer, educator, and presenter, sharing the tradition through concerts, workshops, and community initiatives. He currently tours widely as both a solo artist and collaborator, and directs the ongoing concert series Shore to Shore, which brings together some of today&rsquo;s finest traditional musicians. Se&aacute;n is also the founder and director of the Irish Music Institute and plays a central role in organizing Celtic Week at the Swannanoa Gathering, where he mentors musicians from around the world.As an educator, Se&aacute;n is widely sought after for his engaging and insightful teaching, working with students at all levels and presenting at institutions and festivals internationally. His published Tin Whistle Method has become a standard resource for learners of the instrument. Earlier in his musical development, Se&aacute;n spent formative years in Chicago, where he immersed himself in the city&rsquo;s vibrant Irish music scene and studied closely with the renowned Sligo flute player Kevin Henry, an experience that continues to inform his distinctive style today. Through his performing, teaching, and leadership, Se&aacute;n continues to play a vital role in sustaining and advancing traditional Irish music, fostering both deep respect for its roots and a vibrant path forward.

Songs of War, Exile & Hope – Live at Chief O’Neill’s

A founding member of&nbsp;Solas, John Doyle&rsquo;s signature rhythmic guitar style and commanding baritone voice have shaped countless landmark recordings in Irish music.<p fr-original-style="color: rgb(59, 63, 68); font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; margin: 0px;" style="color: rgb(59, 63, 68); font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; margin: 0px; width: 100%; line-height: 1.5; box-sizing: inherit;"> He has performed and recorded with artists including Liz Carroll, Eileen Ivers, Karan Casey, Mary Black, and toured as music director for Joan Baez.<p fr-original-style="color: rgb(59, 63, 68); font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; margin: 0px;" style="color: rgb(59, 63, 68); font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; margin: 0px; width: 100%; line-height: 1.5; box-sizing: inherit;"> In recent years, Doyle&rsquo;s songwriting has focused on the Irish emigrant experience &mdash; powerful narrative songs rooted in migration, identity, and history. His acclaimed album&nbsp;Shadow and Light&nbsp;has been praised for songs &ldquo;destined to be classics.&rdquo;<p fr-original-style="color: rgb(59, 63, 68); font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; margin: 0px;" style="color: rgb(59, 63, 68); font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; margin: 0px; width: 100%; line-height: 1.5; box-sizing: inherit;"> This is a rare opportunity to experience one of Irish music&rsquo;s most respected and influential artists in an intimate setting.

John Doyle Live in Concert

The Irish Music Institute is thrilled to present a special concert bringing together three outstanding musicians for one night only: Gerry O&#39;Connor, Don Penzien, and Sean Gavin. Gerry O&#39;Connor is widely regarded as a master of Irish fiddle, celebrated as a soloist and as a founding member of the bands L&aacute; L&uacute;gh, Skylark, and Oirialla. Raised in Dundalk, Co. Louth, in a family of musicians, dancers, and singers, he learned at home from his mother, Rose. He&#39;s a four-time winner of the Fiddler of Oriel competition and now judges that contest and other major competitions, teaches throughout Europe, and has recorded 14 albums alongside major figures in Irish music, including members of the Chieftains, Boys of the Lough, Planxty, De Dannan, the Irish Rovers, and the Bothy Band. Guitarist Don Penzien is a top-flight performer of Irish traditional music with a long history on concert and festival stages, and a frequent musical partner of Gerry&#39;s. Joining them is Sean Gavin, a master of the uilleann pipes, Irish flute, and tin whistle, and the first musician born outside Ireland to win the prestigious Se&aacute;n &Oacute; Riada Gold Medal.&nbsp; This is a special homecoming performance bringing together three generations of trad tradition under one roof &mdash; don&#39;t miss it.

Gerry O'Connor, Don Penzien & Seán Gavin: An Evening of Irish Traditional Music

Join the Irish Music Institute for our new beginner music classes for kids!&nbsp; Starting Friday, September 25th at 5:00 PM, we&#39;ll meet every Friday at the Gaelic League to learn tin whistle, bodhr&aacute;n, or fiddle. No experience needed, just enthusiasm. Every child who registers receives a free tin whistle to get started. Already play an instrument? All instruments are welcome, so feel free to bring your own. Over the coming months, your child will learn tunes, build confidence, and become part of a musical community. By St. Patrick&#39;s Day, they can march and play alongside fellow young musicians in the parade.

Play in the Parade

The Irish Music Institute presents Frankie Gavin, one of the most influential fiddle, flute and whistle players in Irish traditional music, for one night only at Downey Brewing Company in Dearborn. Born in Corrandulla, Co. Galway, Frankie began on whistle at four and fiddle at ten, and as a child played with his family for President John F. Kennedy. In 1974 he founded De Dannan, and he has spent his career pushing the tradition into new territory. He is a junior All-Ireland champion, AIB Musician of the Year (1996), and holds an honorary Master&#39;s in Music from NUI Galway. He has recorded with artists across jazz, blues, gospel and rock, including the legendary St&eacute;phane Grappelli. Opening the evening Kate Knudsvig, fiddler with Celtic Thunder, trained as a classical violinist before discovering Irish music at the New England Conservatory. She also performs with tenor Emmet Cahill and leads the ensemble Forsyth. Richard Hearn is a Baltimore-based tenor banjo player and accompanist who has toured internationally with Irish and Scottish projects. He directs the Baltimore Irish Trad Fest and is Executive Director of the Baltimore Irish Music School.

Irish Music Institute

Irish Music Institute

Events

Events

Gerry O'Connor, Don Penzien & Seán Gavin: An Evening of Irish Traditional Music

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Play in the Parade

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Frankie Gavin Live in Dearborn, with Kate Knudsvig & Richard Hearn

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Events

Events

Gerry O'Connor, Don Penzien & Seán Gavin: An Evening of Irish Traditional Music

Get your tickets

Play in the Parade

Get your tickets

Frankie Gavin Live in Dearborn, with Kate Knudsvig & Richard Hearn

Get your tickets

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Irish Music Institute