Irish Music Magazine - May 2025 Issue

COVER STORY

ALTAN ARE STILL TRAIL BLAZING FORTY YEARS ON

Seán Laffey had a zoom call with two of the original members, Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh and Ciarán Curran and new girl Clare Friel. They talked about four decades of the band that has brought Donegal music onto the world stage.

FEATURES

THIRTY YEARS OF FLOOK

From a tentative beginning to 30 years together; how have the mighty Flook prevailed? Instigator Becky Morris, and band members Sarah Allen (flute), Ed Boyd (guitar), Brian Finnegan (whistle/flute) and John Joe Kelly (bodhran), all took time to talk about Flook’s story, including their new album Sanju with Dave McNally.

GENTICORUM

Seán Laffey talks to Deirdre Moynihan who previews Music Network’s May tour, which will feature the award-winning Quebecois trio Genticorum.

HANNAH HARRIS : AT THE CORE IT’S ALL ABOUT THE LILT

Seán Laffey talks to Hannah Harris about her time in Ireland and her innovative online method of teaching the true lilt of Irish music.

BURNISHED AMELIA

Californian, Amelia Hogan’s new album Burnished follows up on Taking Flight, which emerged from a time of fear and sadness. She spoke to Anne Marie Kennedy about her musical journey between the albums.

ROLF WAGELS : THE BODHRÁN MEISTER

Seán Laffey chats to Hannover based Rolf Wagels about the deep influence Donegal had on his journey into the world of the Irish frame drum.

SIANSA GAEL LINN FINAL (THE RESULTS)

Irish Traditional Music was alive and well in the National Concert Hall, Dublin on March 23rd last.

VIENNA’S SESSIONS GOT SPINNING WHEEL SPINNING

The sounds of the Austrian trio Spinning Wheel belie their continental location. That is because their music nestles neatly into the nooks and crannies of the Irish folk tradition, writes John O’Regan.

MEET GEAROID McCARTHY

Robert Heuston in conversation with the emerging voice from West Limerick for Irish Music Magazine.

FESTIVALS

A selection of wonderful Festivals and Summer Schools from Ireland and abroad.

BELFAST TRADFEST 2025

Seán Laffey makes a call to Chloe McGregor to find out what Belfast has in store for us this coming July.

THE CUP OF TAE KEEPS FIDDLING ON THE BOIL IN ARDARA

Gráinne McCool talks to Stephen McCahill from The “Cup of Tae” festival in Ardara, County Donegal.

MOTOR CITY IRISH FEST

Celebrating 15 years in 2025, Festival Director, Kevin Murphy in conversation with Robert Heuston for Irish Music Magazine.

ISLE OF MAN YN CHRUINNAGHT CELTIC GATHERING

Seán Laffey talks to festival organisers Chloe Woolley and Jo Callister.

IRISH MUSIC TO THE FORE IN PENNSYLVANIA

The Penn-Mar Irish Festival in Pennsylvania takes place on Saturday 21st June. Mary Yeaple from the Festival tells Gráinne McCool what to expect from this year’s very full day, of all things Irish music and culture.

REGULAR

1916 EASTER RISING

We continue our new series of stories, songs and poems titled Let The Memories Be, brought to you by the legend of Irish Music that is Johnny McEvoy.

ADVANCED HARP TECHNIQUE with Eimear Coughlan

Brought to you in association with the Online Academy of Irish Music (OAIM.ie).

STORY BEHIND THE SONG

From Gweedore to Glasgow then all around the world. Seán Laffey delves into the history of a song that is now associated with Altan.

LIVE REVIEWS

37th ANNUAL FOLK ALLIANCE

February 2025 saw the return of Folk Alliance to Montreal, Canada. Austin Comerton reports for Irish Music Magazine.

CD REVIEWS

Another selection of CD Reviews from the International World of Folk and Traditional Music.