The Eastport Arts Center is pleased to present a series of events, May 2-6, with renowned Irish fiddler Gerry O’Connor, including workshops, a lecture, a concert and an open jam.
Gerry O'Connor (right) and Kevin McElroy will give a concert on May 5 at EAC. O'Connor will also present a series of workshops, a free lecture and will lead an open jam, all during an action packed Eastport visit, May 2-6.
Workshops will be Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, May 2-4, 6-7 pm, as follows: May 2—Reels; May 3—Music of Oriel; May 4—Jigs. The workshops are open to all ages and experience levels, but some ability on the fiddle is recommended. In addition to the workshop topics, participants will be able to learn about their own fiddle and how to get the most out of it. Participants’ fee is $20 per session; a sliding fee scale (pay what you can) is available by request. To register, please email info@eastportartscenter.org and put "O’Connor Workshop” and the date you wish to attend in the subject line. A free lunchtime lecture, “The Rose in the Gap: Dance Music of Oriel” will be offered on Wednesday, May 3, noon-1 pm. An evening concert, for which O’Connor will be joined by Kevin McElroy, will be offered Friday, May 5 at 7 pm, featuring a selection of Irish fiddle compositions. Tickets, $20, will be available at the door prior to the show. As finale of his time in Eastport, O’Connor will host an open jam session from 3-5 pm, Saturday, May 6, at the Old Sow Grill in Eastport, sponsored by the Eastport Arts Center. O’Connor will share his own collection of session tunes for the first hour, then open the jam up to participants’ picks for the second hour.
A four-time winner of The Fiddler of Oriel competition, O’Connor has played and recorded with such highly-regarded groups as Lá Lúgh (Eithne Ní Uallacháin, Sony Music) and Skylark (Len Graham, Gary O’Briain & Mairtin O’Connor), recording four CDs on the Claddagh label. He has toured and recorded with members of many well known groups including Planxty, Bothy Band, De Dannan, Boys of the Lough and Chieftains. In 2018, he was awarded “Ceannródaí”, the prestigious Bardic Award by Comhaltas for his valued contribution to the Traditional Arts. In the same year he published The Rose in the Gap: Dance Music of Oriel from the Donnellan Collection. O’Connor teaches fiddle at the Willie Clancy Summer school in County Clare, Ireland, and at master classes throughout Europe. When at home, he works as a violin maker/restorer. Freeport, Maine-based musician Kevin McElroy has been playing Irish traditional music since he was a teenager, inspired by his family's music, dancing and Irish stories. Kevin is a guitarist, singer, fiddler and banjo player. Eastport Arts Center is at 36 Washington Street, Eastport. EAC abides by the State of Maine CDC COVID guidelines, revisiting our policy monthly. Additionally, at this time, the EAC encourages people to wear masks when in our building. More information about EAC programs may be found at eastportartscenter.org.