Welcometo the Irish Music and Dance Association website. The site will help you to learn more about IMDA, access Irish Community Resources and Event Information and find out how to become a member. IMDA Membership offers you our comprehensive monthly newsletter which gives you up-to-date information on what's going on in the Irish music, dance and cultural scene.
IMDA Honors Paddy O'Brien
Join us for a wonderful evening of music and friendship - Friday, Oct. 29 at the Celtic Junction
Paddy O’Brien is regarded by serious players and collectors of Irish traditional music as one of the tradition’s most important repositories; in a career that spans nearly forty years, he has collected more than 3,000 compositions—jigs, reels, hornpipes, airs, and marches, including many rare and unusual tunes. His collection, all the more remarkable because it is stored in his head, is the result of many years of careful listening, diligent practice, and sharing tunes with people for the sake of the music itself.
A product of County Offaly in the midlands of Ireland, Paddy traveled the countryside as a young man to spend time with older players, absorbing music and the accompanying oral tradition. Since the mid-1980s Paddy has toured with a number of different artists. Paddy currently tours and records with Irish traditional trio Chulrua.
Paddy O’Brien is, by dint of nationality, experience, and talent, one of the leading authorities on Irish music, both as a scholar and as a traditional musician. His recognition as an authentic primary source for tunes was demonstrated when his music was selected for inclusion in Breandán Breathnach’s Ceol Rince na hÉireann, the foremost scholarly work on the tradition. His mastery of the two-row button accordion was also acknowledged through prestigious awards: he was named Oireachtas champion four times, and All-Ireland senior accordion champion in 1975.
For many devotees of Irish music, Paddy O’Brien is the embodiment of the living tradition, one who understands and communicates the essence of Gaelic culture, going beyond technique to the spirit that drives the music. Paddy O’Brien captures the creativity, honesty, and enthusiasm that great traditional music is all about. IMDA Honors Paddy O’Brien will be an evening of music and fellowship – a very special evening indeed. Please plan to join us in honoring a truly amazing musician and a cherished member of our community.
Thanks to everyone who came out for
Great Northern Irish Piper's Club and Irish Music and Dance Association's
Celtic MusicOpen MicNight
in July.
It was a grand evening with lots of great artists, so mark your calendars for the next one - Saturday, Nov. 6 at the Celtic Junction!
More about the Uilleann Pipers' Club at www.GNIPC.org
Looking for some great Irish Entertainment?
We are growing and expanding all the time to fit the needs of our community! Looking for a rousing Irish band on the weekend? Need to locate the best spots for traditional Irish music? Itching to try out some Irish dance? Check out the new and improved Irish Community Events Calendar.
IMDA 2-CD Sampler 'Hooley in the Heartland'
now available!
The Irish Music & Dance Association has released our new IMDA 2-CD set 'Hooley in the Heartland' featuring all local artists. The CD set includes one CD dedicated to Irish traditional music and one to Irish pub music. click here for more information.
