About this Event
Join us for an intimate evening of Irish fiddle music. This is a Home Routes/Chemin Chez Nous event. All proceeds go to the musicians.
Doors open: 7:30; Show starts: 8 p.m.
The fiddle holds a central place in Irish musical tradition, with distinctive regional styles shaped by generations of expressive ornamentation, intricate bowing, and rhythmic variation. In the early 1900s, Irish immigrants brought these traditions to New York, where the lyrical Sligo Style evolved into the New York Sligo Style, known for its added drive and swing. Influenced by legendary fiddler Michael Coleman and carried forward by musicians such as Andy McGann and Paddy Reynolds, this tradition remains a vital part of Irish music. Bronx-born fiddler Brian Conway, a direct link to Coleman through his teachers, has dedicated his career to preserving and sharing this rich musical heritage. As one of the world’s premier Irish fiddlers and a renowned teacher, Conway continues to pass the Sligo Style to a new generation of musicians, including Cate Sandstrom.
Website: https://www.catesandstrom.com/duet.html
Brian Conway
Former All-Ireland champion fiddler, Brian's family moved to New York from Plumbridge, Co. Tyrone. Bronx native Brian Conway is the standard bearer of the Sligo fiddle style in America. A student of Martin Mulvihill and Martin Wynne, he was also much influenced by Andy McGann. In addition to his 1979 duo recording with Tony DeMarco, the All-Ireland champion has issued two solo recordings, a collaboration with the late button accordion great Joe Burke, and “The Pride of New York,” an all-star collaboration with Joanie Madden, Billy McComiskey and Brendan Dolan. Now retired from his career as prosecuting attorney, Brian devotes himself to performing and teaching.
Website: https://www.brianconway.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brian.conway.1232
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sligofiddle/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3PveiiCQMqJ3DwwNxJsHTp
Cate Sandstrom
Cate Sandstrom is a New York-based traditional Irish fiddler whose musical versatility has led her through several genres to a deep love of Irish music. After discovering traditional music in Canada, she spent seven weeks in Ireland in 2012, where she began playing Irish fiddle, and went on to study both classical and Irish music in college. Cate currently performs with the McLean Avenue Band and teaches private lessons and workshops, including at internationally recognized music camps. She has performed across the United States, Canada, and Europe, appeared on screen in Life & Beth and Malevolence 3, and is featured on Brian Conway’s latest album, Wallace Avenue.
Website: https://www.catesandstrom.com/index.html
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CateSandstromMusic/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catesandstrom/
Event venue & nearby stays
Hope Grows, 27 Gage Avenue South, Hamilton, Canada
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