Heirs of Erin

Our theme this year is titled "Heirs of Erin", and is a tribute to the many Irish immigrants who left their homes and families in Ireland in search of a better life across the Atlantic. They brought little with them in the way of material possessions, but what they did bring was a culture and a way of life that quickly spread from their ports of arrival in New York, Boston and New Orleans to every corner of the United States.

Much is written about the thousands of Irish immigrants who arrived in the years of the Potato Famine, 1846-1850. Far less is written about those who arrived in the 20th century through centers such as Ellis Island. Though far less in number, those immigrants are the parents and grandparents of many of the current generation of musicians and dancers who are carrying on the cultural heritage that they inherited.

Musicians such as Eileen Ivers, born of Irish parents in the Bronx, New York, who's mother took her home to Ireland almost every year so she would learn to value the culture of her homeland; the Makem Brothers, sons of that fine Irish ballad singer, Tommy Makem who is often referred to as the grandfather of Irish music in the USA; and Aoife Clancy, daughter of Bobby Clancy of the world famous Clancy Brothers.

Many more of our international and featured musicians and dancers are first, second or third generation Irish, and are in many different ways are working to carry on the traditions that their parents and grandparents brought with them.

These Heirs of Erin are certainly carrying on the tradition that is the cornerstone of the mission of the Southwest Celtic Music Association.