An Evening of Irish Music with Colm Broderick & Sky Kelsey - Presented by The Greater Sitka Arts Council

Description

oin the Greater Sitka Arts Council for an enchanting evening of Irish music featuring virtuoso piper Colm Broderick and talented fiddler Sky Kelsey. This captivating performance will take place at the Miner Music Center in Stevenson Hall.

Colm Broderick - 

Colm Broderick, a virtuoso uilleann piper hailing from the cultural heartland of County Carlow in Ireland's South East, stands as a distinguished artist with a profound commitment to preserving and elevating the rich traditions of traditional Irish music. From an early age, Colm immersed himself in the intricate art of uilleann piping, diligently honing his skills under the tutelage of local masters and seeking inspiration at workshops across the globe. His dedication bore fruit with notable triumphs, securing prestigious all-Ireland titles consecutively in 2014, 2015, and 2016, as well as earning the esteemed Seán Ó Riada Bonn Óir Medal in 2021.

Colm's ascendancy in the world of traditional Irish music extends beyond competitive accolades, seamlessly transitioning into a sought-after figure in both teaching and performing. His profound understanding of the uilleann pipes, an instrument of historical significance, showcases an artistry that transcends technical mastery, connecting deeply with the cultural roots embedded in Ireland's musical heritage. This dedication to preserving the essence of Irish music culminated in Colm becoming the custodian of the late Liam O'Flynn's iconic uilleann pipes, a responsibility laden with historical and emotional weight.

The legacy of Liam O'Flynn, whose transcendent performances resonated globally on prestigious stages like Carnegie Hall and The Sydney Opera House, finds a worthy guardian in Colm Broderick. Selected by the esteemed organization Na Píobairí Uilleann in Dublin among numerous candidates, Colm now carries the torch of a musical heritage, embodying a link to the unparalleled excellence witnessed under Liam O'Flynn's skilled hands.

Colm's musical journey has not only graced local stages, including Dublin's National Concert Hall and Liberty Theatre, but has also left an indelible mark on international audiences. With successful tours across the United States, Australia, and Europe, Colm showcases the rich tapestry of traditional Irish music, sharing the stage with luminaries such as Matt Molloy, Seán Keane, and Carlos Núñez of 'The Chieftains,' Christy Moore of 'Planxty,' Sir James Galway, and Steve Cooney. Colm's performances extend beyond entertainment, capturing the essence of Irish culture and leaving an enduring impact on audiences worldwide.

In addition to his musical pursuits, Colm seamlessly integrates his passion for music with his profession as a dedicated primary school teacher. This unique blend of artistry and education reflects Colm Broderick's multifaceted contributions to both the preservation of traditional Irish music and the nurturing of future generations. As an artist of exceptional qualities and achievements, Colm continues to shape the landscape of traditional Irish music, drawing profound inspiration from the legacy of Liam O'Flynn while crafting a legacy uniquely his own.

Sky Kelsey – 

Sky Kelsey, a native of Anchorage, Alaska, found his musical calling within the vibrant traditional Irish music community. Under the tutelage of master fiddler James Kelly from the age of twelve, Sky's journey into Irish music began to unfold. For seven formative years, he honed his craft under Kelly's guidance.

Throughout the past five years, Sky has embarked on annual pilgrimages to Ireland, immersing himself in the rich musical landscape, particularly in Doolin and Ennis, County Clare. It's within these hallowed musical grounds that his distinctive style has taken shape and flourished.

Sky's accolades speak volumes of his dedication and talent. A five-time Midwest Fleadh Champion on both fiddle and banjo, and a four-time champion on flute and whistle, his prowess as a musician is undeniable. 

In 2019, Sky collaborated with the esteemed Eoin O’Neill to produce "In Session 2," a recording that honors the musical tradition of County Clare. 

As a respected figure in the Irish music community, Sky has also shared his expertise as a visiting artist at the Minnesota Irish Music Weekend in 2022 and has taught and performed at The Minneapolis Center For Irish Music.

In recognition of his contributions to the Irish music tradition, Sky was honored with the Fiddler of London Diaspora Award in 2023. This prestigious accolade led him to perform at the Irish Cultural Arts Center in London, further solidifying his place among the finest in the genre.

 

Date & Time

Tue, Aug 13, 2024 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Venue Details

The Miner Music Center at Stevenson Hall

104 Jeff Davis Street
Sitka, Alaska 99835

Sitka Music Festival