Direct From County Clare To Newtown Meeting House

On Saturday, October 6, at 8 pm, Newtown Meeting House will host an evening of traditional Irish music featuring the Josephine Marsh Band, direct from County Clare, Ireland. Josephine Marsh is one of the world’s premier button accordionists, having burst onto the scene in 1996 with her “mind-blowing debut album,” wrote John O’Regan in The Irish Times, and the accolades haven’t stopped since.

She is one of the greatest exponents of the beautifully lyrical and haunting style of her native Clare. Her acclaimed band also features virtuoso All-Ireland Champion Declan Corey on mandolin and bouzouki, Paul O’Driscoll on double bass, and Tommy Carew on vocals and guitar.

The concert is being sponsored by the Shamrock Traditional Irish Music Society, a non-profit educational organization dedicated to the promotion of traditional Irish music. A donation of $15 is requested for adults, and $5 for children. For reservations or more information about the concert, call 203-256-8453 or send email to timothymquinn@msn.com.

To be regarded as a truly great traditional accordion player of individual style, grace and spirit, in a country that boasts of an excess of truly great traditional musicians, is an accolade not to be taken lightly. Josephine Marsh is one such musician.

In the wake of her wildly successful debut album, Josephine Marsh, Ms Marsh’s reputation has carried her and her band around the world. Her music has been featured on national and international radio programs, including Garrison Keillor’s “Prairie Home Companion” in February 2000.

Originally from County Tyrone, Declan Corey now lives in Galway City. He was a three-time All-Ireland Champion on banjo before turning his remarkable talents to the mandolin and bouzouki. In addition to being a master of his native Irish traditional music, he has also absorbed and mastered the music of Greece, Turkey and France. Mr Corey is also a highly regarded composer in addition to being a virtuoso player. He now concentrates his considerable talents on the Josephine Marsh Band.

Paul O’Driscoll is a highly accomplished bass player now living in County Clare. His recording work resembles the “A to Z” of Irish music, including Arcady, Sean Tyrrell, Brendan O’Regan, Moher, the legendary Kilfenora Band, Calico, and of course, the Josephine Marsh Band. Mr O’Driscoll was also a member of the Riverdance Orchestra, appeared with Charlie Lennon, Michael O’Suilleabhan and Hiberno Jazz, and Tamlin, duetted with harpist Laoise Kelly, and has performed with the Bumblebees and flautist Michael McGoldrick.

Tommy Carew is the newest addition to the band, hailing from County Limerick. An exceptional singer and guitarist, his style gels wonderfully with the band, and his songs add an additional welcome element. He has toured the US many times, most recently returning from a very successful tour of France as part of an all-star Irish ensemble tour. A true Irish speaker, audiences are captivated by his songs in Irish as well as English.