Irish Arts Minnesota (IAM) will honor acclaimed Irish musician, educator, mentor, and historian Brian Miller during a special celebration at the Celtic Junction Arts Center on Friday, October 30. The event will bring together members of the Twin Cities Irish community, along with many of Miller’s longtime friends and musical collaborators, for an evening of performances, storytelling, and recognition of his extraordinary contributions to Irish music and culture.

The celebration will be held at the Celtic Junction Arts Center, 836 Prior Ave. N., St. Paul. Doors open at 6:00 p.m., with the program beginning at 6:30 p.m. Performances will feature many of Miller’s musical partners as well as recipients of IAM Educational Grants. Admission is $15, with all proceeds supporting Irish Arts Minnesota’s Educational Grant Program. Tickets will be available at the door, and guests are encouraged to bring a dessert to share.

For more than two decades, Brian Miller has been a driving force in the Twin Cities’ Irish traditional music community. A native of Bemidji, Minnesota, Miller began his musical journey as a teenager performing with the traditional Irish group The Gales. Drawn to the strong sense of community that surrounds Irish traditional music, he has dedicated his career not only to performance, but also to fostering connections, preserving history, and mentoring the next generation of musicians.

Miller toured nationally for 14 years with the acclaimed Irish band Bua and continues to perform with Danny Diamond, The Lost Forty, and Two Tap Trio. Since 2006, he has taught at the Center for Irish Music, inspiring hundreds of students through lessons, workshops, and music camps across the United States and Canada.

Beyond the stage and classroom, Miller serves as director of the Eoin McKiernan Library at the Celtic Junction Arts Center, where his research into Irish music and cultural traditions in the Great Lakes region has earned national recognition. His work has been supported by multiple grants and honored with a Parsons Award from the American Folklife Center.

Reflecting on the community that has shaped his life and career, Miller said:

“When I began playing gigs and sessions in the Twin Cities, I got to know so many people who volunteered at the local festivals, organized social events, and simply helped each other out. I loved all of that and decided it was how I wanted to live my life.”

“This event is an opportunity not only to celebrate Brian’s remarkable accomplishments, but also to recognize the spirit of generosity, mentorship, and community that he embodies,” said Irish Arts Minnesota. “His influence can be seen in countless musicians, students, and cultural organizations throughout Minnesota and beyond.”

Tickets $15 at the door.  Youth 18 and younger are free.save-the-date—brian-miller