Music Exhibits
Below are the exhibits that were at the 2011 Festival, we expect many of them to return for 2012.
Ward Irish Music Archives: – When Johnny Comes Marching Home
The Ward Irish Music Archives, Milwaukee, Wisconsin will present this stirring exhibit at Irish festivals throughout the U.S. in the summer of 2011 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the start of the American Civil War. The exhibit will have the first stop here in Dublin.
The role of native born Irish and Irish Americans is one of the untold stories in this conflict. This exhibit looks at the Irish contribution and experience through music, stories and biographies.
Burke Whistles
Exhibition of 56 models of pennywhistle in l0 keys and three materials. Michael Burke will answer questions about theory and maintenance of instruments. Michael Burke makes Pennywhistles in 20 keys from high G to low C in brass, aluminum and Bakelite composite. Display will show all models and give visitors and chance to try the whistles and ask Michael Burke any questions about his whistles. A display of classic pennywhistles will also be shown. Michael’s instruments are played by many of the best musicians in Irish, Celtic and World music as well as American Country. The following movies feature his whistles: “Road to Perdition,” “Gangs of New York,” “The Alamo,” “Ladder 49,” and the “Passion of the Christ.”
Dave Copley and Marlene Boegli use traditional methods and materials to make flutes based on designs from 19th century craftsmen such as Rudall & Rose. Their instruments are held in high regard worldwide by players of tradional Irish and early music. The exhibit will feature antique and modern flutes and instruments will be available to try out.
In 2001, Candyce and Benjamin Dunham started their own harp company, building custom craft lever harps. This business has expanded into the Ohio Harp Center, which sells Dunham Harps along with sheet music, strings, harp cases, accessories and is the home base for private and ensemble harp lessons. Dunham Harps has recently emerged as one of the sound standards in lever harp production, providing high quality harps with outstanding sound. The year the family will also perform on the Ceili Stage at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday.
Gibson Bagpipes makes Highland bagpipes, small pipes, practice Chanters and accessories here in the United States. Gibson Bagpipes was featured on “Made in America.”
A totally unique presentation in Celtic music, Robert Mouland performs on a number of period and antique instruments. These include the Cláirseach (wire strung harp), the baroque flute (c.1795), the baroque violin (c.1760), the English guitar (c. 1770), and the Union Pipes (an early form of the modern Uilleann Pipes). His music explores the transition from the dominance of the wire-strung harp tradition to the more modern songs and melodies that comprise the traditional music of today. There is a strong focus on the 18th century (a pivotal time in the history of Irish music). He will perform throughout the day in authentic period clothing and can be found at his large red handcart.
Michael is a maker of Irish Bodhran drums and Irish Uilleann pipes based in Galway Ireland. He is a craftsman and musician. Michael makes hand crafted Bodhrans for many professional musicians all over the world.
David Lynch, Owner of Sweet Wood Instruments will be presenting Custom harps and dulcimers. Demonstrations of how harps ad dulcimers are made and strung will take place all weekend long. In addition, this is a “hands on” workshop where both adults and children are encouraged to try the instruments for themselves.
W.A. Petersen Shop
Bill Petersen specializes in Irish style bouzoukis, octave mandolins, citterns, and mandolas. Custom work includes guitars, banjos, and one-of-a-kind instruments. All instruments are hand crafted using solid wood. Because he is one man shop, output is limited to about 50 instruments a year in order to allow him to do all designing and building himself.
