The Irish Music and Dance Association is a 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit cultural and educational organization established to support, coordinate, encourage and promote high quality activities and programs in Irish music and dance in the Twin Cities community. We hope to foster greater awareness, understanding, appreciation of and participation in the traditional arts of Ireland and related cultural traditions.
Each year the Irish Music & Dance Association:
• Hosts more than 6,000 people at our St. Patrick's Day Irish Celebration & Day of Irish Dance at Landmark Center.
• Hosts "IMDA Honors"; an evening celebrating and honoring the contributions of one of our great community members.
• Honors dedicated Irish dancers with the IMDA 'Decade of Dance' award, presented each year at our Day of Irish Dance.
• Awards Educational Grants to aspiring musicians, dancers, and artists to continue their study and bring their new skills back to the community.
• Sponsors the IMDA Music Workshop tent at Irish Fair MN in August. Workshops have included: bodhran, whistle, great pipes, fiddle, banjo and many song workshops.
• Sponsors an annual lodging package to Milwaukee's Irish Fest in August.
• Keeps our members informed about Irish happenings through our monthly news- letter and music calendar.
• Provides information about Irish music and dance groups, ceilis and other Irish events to the greater community through our website including an on-line calendar and Irish Community Resources list.
• Encourages our 'friends' to attend and participate in Irish music, dance and cultural events with regular postings on the IMDA Facebook page.
• Provides referral service to community members wishing to book Irish musicians and dancers for their own events
• Serves as fiscal agent for many other individuals & community organizations seeking grants.
