Three in a week. Who loves you?You know those "supergroups" that you hear about now and then? Like The Traveling Wilburys, where a bunch of great musicians from different bands get together to form a new band? We got one of those at Irish Fest this year. And they're Cumasc.
Cumasc means to blend or fuse together and this group blends three amazing players. John Redmond, our old buddy from the Harling's days of many years ago is on button accordion. A Wexford man, John was a Wexford champion at 11, Leinster champion at 12, and a three time All-Ireland champion. He's an Irish Fest veteran and a wonder on the box. He's joined on guitar and vocals by the amazing James Reilly, who's backed Irish Fest alums Eileen Ivers, Cathie Ryan and this year's headliners Solas. Dubliner Reilly is effortless and astounding on guitar and plays like he has at least 15 or 16 fingers. Tenor Banjoist Pio Ryan of Tipperary rounds out the trio. Since coming to New York in 2005, Pio founded the tenor banjo program at the NYC Irish Arts Center and has been a mainstay on the Irish trad circuit in the Northeast and beyond. He is also, notably, a former Musician of the Year at Portumna Community School in Tipperary.
Excited for Irish Fest yet? 141 days to go.
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3 comments:
John Redmund has played off and on in Kansas City. I can remember evenings at Harlings listening to John and Eddie playing together. St. Patrick's day at Harlings brings great memories of John. He is a pleasure to be around. Thank you you fester people for bringing John and his crew to Irish Fest.
Hooray! Fantastic! Pretty much worth the price of admission right there!
I'm SOOOO glad John is coming back! Can't wait to see him! And if he's playing with others, you can bet they're just as good as him!
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