Since 2017, the Irish Music Stories project has explored Irish, Scottish, and other Celtic traditions. Through podcasts, essays, and bonus content, producer Shannon Heaton weaves together music and stories from luminaries of the “trad” world. IMS is culture, history, and art exploration through an Irish music lens. Complete library below… or here’s a starter pack:
How Brian O’Donovan set Boston’s stage for connection and community
Cuppa Tea chat with Passim’s Matt Smith about Boston’s Celtic Music Festival
How language, landscape, and industry have shaped music in Wales
How banjo got to Irish music, while other instruments have been slower to the fold
How jigs and reels have inspired people outside of Ireland
How old Scottish tunes bloomed into Cape Breton traditions
How traditional musicians and dancers stay social in isolation
Fiddler Eileen Ivers talks soccer balls, wedding dresses, and jigs
Accordion player Jimmy Keane talks missing socks and enduring tunes
Box player Billy McComiskey shares a wee tale and a tune
Antrim singer Len Graham on old songs and friends who sang them
Musicians who play more than one style of traditional music
Derry-born Dáithí Sproule on beauty, respect, and mindfulness
How two Irish pubs were built on music, faith, and four forks