Trad Nua Celtic Series: O’Connor, Gavin, & Penzien

Gerry O’Connor, Seán Gavin, and Don Penzien bring together three seasoned musicians whose paths have crossed many times in the world of Irish traditional music, but who are now coming together as a trio for essentially the first time. With Gerry’s unmistakable fiddle playing, Seán’s masterful piping and flute, and Don’s rhythmic and sensitive DADGAD guitar, the trio draws on musical traditions stretching from County Louth and Clare to the Irish music communities of America. What they share most is a love of the music itself—great tunes, thoughtful arrangements, and the kind of musical conversation that happens when experienced players listen closely to one another. The result promises to be lively, spontaneous, and firmly rooted in the tradition.

Gerry O’Connor is a renowned Irish fiddler, researcher, and educator from Dundalk, County Louth, celebrated for his contributions to traditional music. Born into a family of musicians, he was taught the fiddle by his mother, Rose, and influenced by Sligo fiddler John Joe Gardiner. O’Connor has been a founding member of several influential bands, including Skylark and Lá Lúgh, and has recorded extensively, with his solo album Journeyman receiving critical acclaim for its exploration of Oriel music. In 2018, Gerry was awarded “Ceannródaí”, the prestigious Bardic Award by Comhaltas for his valued contribution to the Traditional Arts.  In the same year, he launched his second solo album, “Last Night’s Joy”, and published “The Rose in the Gap” Dance Music for Oriel from the Donnellan Collection. He is a skilled violin maker and restorer.

Seán Gavin is among the leading exponents of traditional Irish music in the United States, carrying forward a family tradition rooted in County Clare. Raised in Detroit and mentored from an early age by his father, Mick Gavin, a Clare fiddler and respected tradition bearer, he developed a deep connection to the repertoire, style, and cultural values of Irish music that continues to shape his work today. As a founder of the Irish Music Institute, he has played a central role in nurturing Irish traditional music in the American Midwest and strengthening connections between Ireland and the Irish diaspora. Seán is internationally acclaimed as a master of the uilleann pipes, Irish flute, and tin whistle, with a performing and teaching career that includes acclaimed recordings and collaborations with Téada, Bua, and Séamus Begley. Sean brings to the stage a rare combination of family legacy, virtuosity, and deep knowledge of one of Ireland’s richest living traditions.

Guitarist Don Penzien has long been a top-flight performer of Irish traditional music. He frequently is on the road playing concerts and festivals with the likes of Gerry O’Connor, Haley Richardson, Brian Conway, and Sean Gavin, and he is a member of Gailfean and The Máirtín de Cógáin Project. He has accompanied numerous other well-known performers including John Whelan, Liz Hanley, Randal Bays, Tim Britton, Jimmy Crowley, Billy McComiskey and more. Widely recognized for his reserved backing style, Don’s dexterous work on DADGAD-tuned guitar provides solid, driving rhythms to traditional tunes as well as perceptive and sensitive accompaniments to songs and airs.

Food & Bar: Our full food and drink menu will be available before and during the show.