Gerry O'Connor with Don Penzien

Thanks to the New Mexico Music Commission and the Friends of the Public Library for funding these library shows!

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Gerry O'Connor is an undeniable fiddle master from Dundalk, Co. Louth, where he grew up in a family of musicians, dancers and singers, all taught at home by his mother, Rose. From an early age Gerry was involved Irish music, winning numerous All Ireland awards in a range of duets, trios and céilí band titles.  Gerry's style is in the form of the fluid, lyrical fiddle-playing of the great Sligo masters, and his love for the music shows in his obvious delight in playing.

He has toured and recorded with members of all the legendary traditional music ensembles, including Planxty, Bothy Band, De Danann, Boys of the Lough, and The Chieftains. In 2018 Gerry was awarded "Ceannródaí," the prestigious Bardic Award by Comhaltas for his valued contribution to the Traditional Arts.

Don Penzien has long been a top-flight performer of Irish traditional music. He frequently is on the road playing concerts and festivals with Gailfean, The Máirtín de Cógáin Project, and Haley Richardson and he has served as accompanist for numerous other well-known performers (e.g., Gerry O'Connor, Randal Bays, Tim Britton, John Williams, Pat Broaders, Gabe Donohue, Ben Jaber, Tony DeMarco, Billy McComiskey, Sean Clohessy, Bridget Fitzgerald, Kevin Doyle). Widely recognized for his reserved backing style, Don's dexterous work on DADGAD-tuned guitar provides solid, driving rhythms to traditional tunes as well as perceptive and sensitive accompaniments to songs and airs. Don is a Michigan native with strong roots in Irish culture and an affinity for Irish traditional music. He now resides in NC where he works as Professor at the Wake Forest School of Medicine.