Irish banjo musicians play an eclectic style of music that is difficult to classify but is generally described as a mix of traditional, bluegrass, country, and pop genres. These musicians are widely revered for their harmonies and cross-cultural influences that shine through in their sound.
The tenor banjo is often utilized in traditional Irish music. Its range is similar to that of a fiddle while its left hand fingerings resemble those used by mandolin players.
Pauline Conneely
Pauline Conneely was born in Bedford, England to Irish immigrants who were immersed in music, dance and culture. They passed their love of Irish music onto her and her siblings; Brendan Mulkere from Co. Clare was her teacher for Irish studies.
As soon as she arrived in America in 1988, she has made Chicago her home and performed as both musician and dancer with Ceoltoiri Eireann. One of the finest banjo players in the country, she has shared stages with many top Irish performers performing today.
Chicago Reel brings together some of the best Irish musicians in Chicago for an energetic and spirit-filled night of traditional Irish music, showcasing fiddle, flute, button accordion and piano among its array of reels and jigs both old and new. This group has performed at festivals across America.
Fergal O’Brien
Fergal O’Brien is one of the leading trainers in National Hunt racing. His stable of horses can be found at Ravenswell Farm – a modern facility boasting some of the latest facilities available in this country.
He provides training services for various racehorses including point-to-pointers, jumps and flat horses in the Cotswolds region of England. In addition, he runs an equine research centre at Ravenswell as well as training horses for PS1million Grand National competition.
O’Brien boasted 11 winners during 2011-12 season and has gradually worked his way up through the ranks. He operates two yards at Ravenswell and Martins Hill where his stable can be found.
O’Brien began his professional snooker career in 1991. By 1994 he had earned a spot among the world’s 64 players, playing three major finals and earning one ranking title (British Open 1999) as well as winning an individual World Snooker Championship title.
Enda O’Rourke
Enda O’Rourke has long been active in the Irish music community as a banjo musician and an admirer of Irish tunes. He has performed throughout Ireland and is passionate about all types of Irish music.
O’Rourke blends thoughtful and emotive lyrics with folk-driven instruments for an emotive music experience that has found great success across Ireland, collaborating with numerous Irish musicians including John Prine.
O’Rourke has earned himself an exceptional reputation as a writer and performer since 2004, when his albums began receiving critical praise.
O’Rourke has also worked in multiple businesses and contributed substantially to the hospitality industry. He is a member of the Restaurant Association of Ireland and has received recognition three times within that field.
Tony Sullivan
Tony Sullivan emerged from an Irish community in England as an early adopter of the banjo and quickly inspired an entire generation of Irish musicians. His tenor banjo style successfully blends Irish with traditional jazz; many of his tunes have been recorded by Lunasa, Martin Hayes and Dennis Cahill – his tunes even appearing on their albums!
He has also written several books on banjo and Irish music, most notably Sully’s Irish Banjo Book which has since been followed up with more technical titles.
Tony is an award-winning author, speaker and environmental law attorney who regularly appears before federal and state courts for his clients’ environmental matters. Additionally, he has extensive experience negotiating with government agencies to find practical solutions that meet his clients’ needs; Tony holds memberships in both the American Bar Association and Indiana Bar Association where he participates in its environmental law section.