Second Saturday Music Extravaganza!!
P.V. O’Donnell Branch CCE is delighted to welcome back to our branch two fantastic musicians from New York - Seagda Coyle and Eugene Bender! Both of these musicians have visited our branch numerous times, and with their combination of excellent musicianship and joyful enthusiasm, it’s easy to see why they are some of our favorites! October presents a lovely lineup all day long of branch events including playing, learning, and listening with Eugene and Seagda. First, attend their workshop (open to anyone), from 1:00-2:00, then join in the fun and enjoy playing tunes at our Second Saturday session from 2:30-5:00, where they will be the guest hosts. Saving the best for last, don’t miss their special house concert held at 7:30pm in Fairfield, CT. You won’t want to miss a single moment!
About Eugene and Seagda:
Eugene Bender began learning the Sligo style of Traditional Irish fiddling when he was in the 3rd Grade, studying with Jo-Ellen Bosson. He spent the next 13 years learning from famed fiddler and teacher Brian Conway and won 1st Place in the under-18 fiddle competition at the Mid-Atlantic region fleadh in 2007. He also studied classical violin at the Music Conservatory of Westchester for 5 years and was first violin in The Baroque Ensemble, The String Ensemble and the Orchestra. He was Concertmaster/violinist of the Manhattan College Orchestra for all 4 years of his undergraduate career, as well as being a member/secretary of the Manhattan College Jazz Band. He continues to be a very much ‘in-demand’ fiddler at concerts and sessions in the Tri-State area.
Séagda Coyle began playing the button accordion at the age of 7. Beginning his lessons under Mary Rafferty, Seagda went on to study under John Nolan from whom he learned most of his music. His primary influences were Joe Madden, Joe Burke, and Bobby Gardiner. A multiple time Mid-Atlantic Champion, All-Ireland medalist, leader of the senior New York Ceili Bands, and former co-instructor of multiple under-age Ceili Bands in the Bronx area, he has worked to promote traditional Irish music to the next generation. Seagda has traveled throughout the USA, Mexico, Ireland, and Canada while touring with various groups, most recently with the group, “Socks in the Frying Pan.” Seagda released his solo album “Rip the Bellows” in 2017 featuring John Walsh, Kathleen Boyle, and Steve Wickins.
Join us at the IHSM club in Milford, CT. All sessions are FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC to musicians, dancers, storytellers, poets and anyone interested in Irish culture. For those wishing to financially contribute, the suggested donation is $5 a person and goes directly to support the continuation of bringing wonderful traditional Irish musicians to our branch. Feel free to bring your snacks but all beverages must be purchased at the club, with water provided free of charge. (No outside beverage containers per Connecticut State law).
The Session and Workshop are brought to you by Sláinte Milford and P.V. O’Donnell Branch CCE.