This presentation is drawn from Richie Piggot’s recently published book Cry of a People Gone. It will include a history of the development of Chicago and that city’s attraction for Irish immigrants from the mid-nineteenth century onwards and provides details of Irish musicians who lived there from 1920 to 2020. The presentation will focus on some of the major events relating to Irish traditional music in the city such as the formation of the Irish Musicians Association of America (IMA), major tours of musicians and dancers to and from Ireland, and the organizing of the first Fleadh Cheoil festivals in America. The lecture will be illustrated by many photographs and non-commercial sound recordings of musicians in Chicago and Ireland. This event is part of Irish Arts Week.

Free hybrid event.  REGISTER (coming soon) for the webinar or attend in person at Celtic Junction Arts Center.