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Breathtaking duo with total virtuosity blends traditional Irish music, hot jazz, bluegrass and baroque, and on the guitar and harp.
The Irish American Heritage Museum proudly welcomes back Máire Ní Chathasaigh & Chris Newman to IAHM's Flanagan Theater, for the Museum's May installment of the 2026 Trad/Folk Performance Series concert.
Máire Ní Chathasaigh & Chris Newman
The “celebrated partnership” of a “brilliant English master of the acoustic guitar” (The Daily Telegraph) with “the doyenne of Irish harpers” (Scotland on Sunday) has presented its unique musical vision in twenty-four countries on five continents to venues ranging from the tiniest of village halls to palaces in Kyoto and Istanbul, London’s Barbican, Cologne's Philharmonie, and Town Halls from Sydney to Seattle.
Chris Newman has toured and recorded with many luminaries of the folk and jazz worlds, among them Boys of the Lough, Aly Bain and Stéphane Grappelli, and Máire Ní Chathasaigh - "an absolute legend" (The Irish Echo) - is a recipient of Irish music’s most prestigious award, Musician of the Year (Gradam Ceoil TG4).
Expect a breathtaking blend of traditional Irish music, hot jazz, bluegrass and baroque, striking new compositions, and pieces from Chris’ groundbreaking solo album Breaking Bach.
"Dazzling ... utterly breathtaking ... a triumph.” Folk Wales
“A colossal achievement.” RnR Magazine, The Scotsman
“Máire is an absolute legend... a game-changer in the world of harp-music… truly ground-breaking.” The Irish Echo
“Blazing guitar and dancing harp.” Dirty Linen (USA)
“Magnificent … outstanding.” Scotland on Sunday
“Brilliant, innovative harping and guitar-playing of astonishing virtuosity and versatility.” Songlines
“Fire and brilliance.” The Irish Times
“This virtuoso guitar/harp duo test the limits of Irish music with touches of calypso, bluegrass and 40s-style swing. Newman’s hot guitar licks and Ní Chathasaigh’s bell-toned harp are delights … ” Sing Out (USA)
“An eclecticism and spirit of adventure that is quite thrilling.” The Times
“This celebrated duo took the place by storm. Stately Carolan tunes, jazzy Django-ish numbers, dazzling Doc Watson style flat picking fliers, driving Irish dance tunes - this pair can nonchalantly do the lot. Guitar players applauded and went sadly home to burn their instruments!” The Belfast Telegraph
“Dazzling virtuosity.” The Daily Telegraph
IAHM is just thrilled to welcome Máire and Chris back. Please: bring your family and join us for this festive, Irish evening. The songs and tunes will be mighty, and will move you.
IAHM is grateful to sponsors of this event: Metroland Now, Common Roots Brewing Company, ParkAlbany and the Flanagan family.
Show your ticket the day of the show at Common Roots Brewing Company and get the Common Roots’ special “IAHM Buy One / Get One” beverage deal!!!
Seán Gavin and Caoimhin O'Fearghail, master pipers, master musicians, a powerful duo.
Join us this April 21, 2026, for Seán Gavin and Caoimhín Ó Fearghail - at the Irish American Heritage Museum's Flanagan Theater (Albany's most intimate venue).
Seán Gavin, is one of the most highly regarded Irish musicians of his generation. Master uilleann piper and flute player, he is the first and only musician born outside Ireland to win the prestigious Seán Ó Riada Gold Medal. His latest recording, The Boys of 25, with accordion maestro Colm Gannon “is a superb bit of pure drop music that stands tall on strength of Gavin and Gannon’s musicianship. There are no frills here, just straight traditional music played with extreme class. “ – Daniel Neely/ Irish Echo
He has toured with the groups Bua and Téada, both have gleaned top praise from Irish music critics. Seán was Musical Director for the PBS program “I Am Ireland", and for the long running Atlantic Steps. He has lectured on traditional music at the University of Chicago, St. Andrew's in Scotland, and many other locations. Seán is now back in his native Detroit where he continues to play, teach, and promote traditional Irish music. His latest project is the Irish Music Institute, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that encourages people of all ages to explore the ancestral music and song of Ireland. IMI connects a broad network of players, learners, and enthusiasts worldwide.
Caoimhín Ó Fearghail (Kwee-veen) comes from An Rinn in the Waterford Gaeltacht. He received the TG4 Young Musician of the Year award and was chosen as Best Folk Instrumentalist at the RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards. His music is greatly influenced by that region as well as diverse players throughout Ireland. With a start on the tin-whistle at the age of eight, he has since mastered uilleann pipes, flute, guitar, and bouzouki, as well as being an accomplished singer and Irish speaker. A frequent teacher and performer, Caoimhín has taught pipes and performed at many piping events, including Scoil SamhraidhWillie Clancy, the William Kennedy Piping Festival in Armagh, and the Northeast Tionól in the US. He has many albums to his credit, and has toured worldwide with Caladh Nua, Danú, and others.
IAHM is grateful to sponsors of this event: Metroland Now, Common Roots Brewing Company, ParkAlbany, and Michael Flanagan Irish Music Heritage, Inc.
Show your ticket the day of the show at Common Roots Brewing Company and get the Common Roots’ special “IAHM Buy One / Get One” beverage deal!!!
For over two decades, the Capital District Irish American Association has been the heart of Irish cultural life in Albany, New York. Founded in 2002, this membership-based organization has grown into a welcoming community space that serves as home to several respected Irish cultural groups, including the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, and the Capital District Set Dancers. CDIAA's mission centers on fostering connections among people who share a passion for Irish culture, history, music, and dance. By providing a dedicated facility and coordinating collaborative efforts, the organization creates opportunities for both longtime members of the Irish American community and newcomers to experience the warmth and vibrancy of Irish traditions. The Capital District Irish American Association's work extends beyond event hosting—it represents a commitment to keeping Irish heritage alive and thriving in the Albany area. Whether you're seeking to connect with your roots, learn about Irish history, enjoy traditional music and dance, or simply become part of a welcoming community, CDIAA offers a genuine space where Irish culture is celebrated and shared.