IAHM 2026 Trad/Folk Performance Series: GERRY O’CONNOR AND KEVIN McELROY

The Irish American Heritage Museum proudly welcomes Gerry O'Connor and Kevin McElroy to IAHM's Flanagan Theater, for the Museum's May installment of the 2025 Trad/Folk Performance Series concert.

GERRY O'CONNOR

A native of Dundalk, Co. Louth - grew up in a family of musicians, dancers and singers, all of whom were taught at home by Gerry's mother, Rose.

From an early age, Gerry was involved in Irish music, winning numerous All Ireland awards in a range of duets, trios and céilí band titles. Playing with Michael Coleman’s contemporary John Joe Gardiner in the 1970s shaped Gerry’s style in the form of the fluid, lyrical fiddle-playing of the great Sligo masters. Gerry was a step-dancer, also - a grounding which complements his music, imbuing it with vibrancy, a pulsating rhythm for which Gerry is noted. Indeed, Gerry is known as one of the greatest fiddle players of his generation.

Gerry has played and recorded with Lá Lúgh (Eithne Ní Uallacháin, Sony Music) and Skylark (Len Graham, Gary O’Briain & Máirtín O’Connor), recording four CDs on the Claddagh label. Gerry 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. Lá Lugh’s album “Brighid’s Kiss” was voted Album of the Year in 1996 by readers of Irish Music magazine. Gerry’s solo CD "Journeyman" was rated in the top five Albums of 2004 by The Irish Times. This critically acclaimed recording, co-produced with his son Dónal (At First Light) was heralded as a milestone in the recorded music of the Oriel region of South Ulster. Gerry's second solo album “Last Night’s Joy” was released in 2018.

Gerry is also known as a remarkable teacher of Irish arts and fiddle, on both sides of the Atlantic. Indeed, Gerry previously presented to a local school district music department in the Capitol District.

Gerry is well known for his international work touring and has recorded with the celebrated Irish-Canadian band The Irish Rovers.

KEVIN McELROY

Kevin McElroy has been playing Irish traditional Music since he was a teenager, inspired by his family’s connection to Ireland. Kevin sings, and he plays the fiddle, banjo, mandolin, and guitar. He had the good fortune of meeting and learning from some of Boston’s best Irish musicians during 1980s and 1990s, a period known for the great revival of Irish traditional music in Boston.

Kevin has shared the stage with many top players including Séamus Connolly, Joe Burke, Paddy Keenan, Jerry O’Sullivan and Msr. Charlie Coen. Kevin can be heard on the Séamus Connolly Collection at Boston College. The late Mick Moloney - an encouraging figure to Kevin - hired Kevin to teach banjo and mandolin alongside Seamus Egan at the Augusta Heritage Week.

Kevin has performed, recorded and taught workshops, and has hosted concerts and has helped to organize and coordinate musicians and presenters in Maine, where he has resided with his wife and three daughters for over 35 years.

Kevin’s recordings include “Irish Music for the Mandolin,” “ Up the Winding River”, “Heather on the Moor” , “Live from Priest Road,” and “Better Late Than Never”

IAHM is just thrilled to welcome Gerry and Kevin back. Please: bring your family and join us for this festive, Irish evening. The songs and tunes will be mighty, and will move you.

IAHM is grateful to sponsors of this event: Metroland Now, Common Roots Brewing Company, ParkAlbany and the Flanagan family.

Show your ticket the day of the show at Common Roots Brewing Company and get the Common Roots’ special “IAHM Buy One / Get One” beverage deal!!!

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