Traditional Irish Arts of Knoxville is proud to present a trio of America's finest traditional Irish musicians. Sean Gavin, Liz Hanley, and Don Penzien will bring the tunes and songs of Ireland to Knoxville TN, for a night of world-class music. Join us Saturday, August 23rd, at the Historic Laurel Theater. The performance will begin at 8 pm.
A master of the uilleann pipes, Irish flute, and tin whistle, Seán Gavin is one of the most highly regarded performers and teachers of traditional Irish music. He is the first musician born outside Ireland to win the prestigious Seán Ó Riada Gold medal, and the author of a popular tin whistle book published by Hal Leonard. Seán is the founder and director of the Irish Music Institute – a non-profit music school based in Southeast Michigan, and also serves as coordinator of Celtic Week at the Swannanoa Gathering in North Carolina.
Liz Hanley is a Brooklyn based singer and fiddle player across many genres. Growing up in Boston, Liz learned traditional fiddle tunes from her father/fiddle player Andy Hanley, songs and stories from her grandparents, Martin Hanley, Rita McNamara. She attended the New England Conservatory Preparatory School and has toured globally with Mick Moloney and the Green Fields of America and The Murphy Beds.
Don Penzien has long been a top-flight performer of Irish traditional music. Frequently on the road playing concerts and festivals with his many projects, including Gailfean (featuring Brian Conway, John Whelan & Máirtín de Cógáin), The Máirtín de Cógáin Project, and Shared Madness (featuring Haley Richardson of Riverdance). Don is widely recognized for his reserved backing style, and his dexterous work on DADGAD-tuned guitar provides solid, driving rhythms to traditional tunes.