Blarney Star Concert Series: Brian Conway, Brendan Dolan, and Friends at New York Irish Center – Long Island City, NY

Brian Conway is one of the world’s very best Irish fiddle players, the leading exponent of the famed New York/County Sligo style. As a boy in the Bronx, Brian learned from mentors who included Sligo native Martin Wynne and New York-born Andy McGann. They, in turn, were influenced by Michael Coleman, James “Lad” O’Beirne and other legendary Sligo immigrant musicians of the pre-World War II era. Brian, who was the senior All-Ireland fiddle champion in 1986, has done much to keep this tradition alive by teaching a generation of younger New York fiddlers.

Pianist and flute player Brendan Dolan inherited his father Felix’s mantle as the preferred accompanist to top Irish traditional musicians. He and Brian joined button accordionist Billy McComiskey and flute/whistle player Joanie Madden to form the all-star “Pride of New York” quartet. Brian will also invite other musical friends to join him for this concert.