Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh introduces Brittany Hass, Trollstilt & Nic Gareiss

• Monday 7th February @ the Cobalt Cafe, 16 North Great George’s Street 9 pm.
• €10
• Tel 01 873 0313 / 087 272 2648

Writes Conor Byrne of County Sessions fame: “Very short notice, but, every once and a while, a chance arises for a night which is going to knock your socks off! Well if you have the slightest interest in fiddle music, this is certainly one that will. You will not want to miss this…

Renowned Irish fiddler and acclaimed musician & composer Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh has always had a great love of fiddle styles from the traditions of both the Norwegian Hardanger and American Old-time fiddle music. Thanks to Caoimhín we have managed to bring together some of the most respected exponents of these traditions in one great room in Dublin for one night only. Not to be missed!

TROLLSTILT (yep, like a stilt belonging to a troll) composes and performs new music inspired by the folk traditions of Norway and America. Combining the diverse musical interests of Dan Trueman (Hardanger and electric fiddles) and Monica Mugan (Classical and steel-string guitars), this duo derives its name from a traditional tuning used by Hardanger fiddlers, also known as the “Devil’s Tuning.” Trollstilt’s original compositions are un-notated, co-composed, and often open form, involving improvisation. Formed in 1997, Trollstilt has performed widely (in concert and on radio) in the United States and in Norway, and has been featured on both contemporary art and folk festivals, including the Bang-on-a-Can Marathon, Den Norske Folkemusikkveka, and the Chamber Music America National Conference in NYC.

BRITTANY HAAS is an American fiddle player. She is currently a member of the Boston-based alternative bluegrass band, Crooked Still. She graduated from Princeton University in 2009 and was a member of the Princeton University Band. Previously she was a member of Darol Anger’s Republic of Strings. Her first CD, Brittany Haas, was released on Ook records in 2004 and includes guest musicians Bruce Molsky, Darol Anger, Todd Sickafoose, Mike Marshall, and her sister, cellist Natalie Haas. Her repertoire focuses on Appalachian mountain music played on the 5 string fiddle. She studied with Darol Anger for several years.

NIC GAREISS has been studying Music & dance in the University of Limerick for many years, and is considered by many a magnificent and a unique performer. His influences stem from that of the dance traditions of Québécois step dance and Cape Breton Clog Dance. Originally from Michigan in the US Nic has performed as a featured soloist with The Chieftains, Solas, Dervish, Gráda, Téada, Le Vent du Nord, Dr. Anthony Barrand, Liz Carroll, Martin Hayes, Bruce Molsky, Darol Anger and Alasdair Fraser.