Be the first to hear Nic Gaviskey's new CD

As part of the Fleadh Cheoil Na hÉireann 2010, a new band with strong Cavan connections, Nic Gaviskey, is set to share a stage this Friday, August 20, with 'Old' Dé Danann Band at the Arts Council Late Night Fleadh Club in Cavan Town Hall. Nic Gaviskey's performance that night will be the first night of an Irish tour to promote the band's new CD. Nic Gaviskey is the transatlantic musical quartet of Bernadette Nic Gabhann on fiddle, Caitlin Nic Gabhann on concertina, Sean Gavin on flute and Sean McComiskey on accordian. The girls from Co. Meath met the Detroit and Baltimore boys at the Catskills Irish Arts week in upstate New York in the summer of 2009. Caitlin explains how the group first joined forces in a spontaneous early morning session created a rhythm and feel to the music that was infectious not only to themselves, but to all those listening. These young musicians forged a mighty connection in those early morning hours, and what followed for two hours was four musicians playing as one. Miss McGuinness, Cramers, The Kinnegad Slashers, The Dances at Kinvara rolled off their fingers with a collective familiarity which surprised them all, and left them yearning for more months after they had departed to their homes far away. Recording sessions in Baltimore and Milltown Malbay in early 2010 led to this debut CD, Home Away From Home, which stands as evidence of the kindred spirit that comes from the deepest well of the tradition of Irish music and dance. The girls are daughters of respected Mullahoran fiddle player Antóin MacGabhann. Caitlin is three times All-Ireland concertina champion, a regular performer on Irish National Radio, and has performed at festivals and in concert halls from North America all the way to Asia. Also an accomplished dancer, Caitlin has toured with many Irish dance shows, including Riverdance. Both girls dance on this album. Bernadette competed successfully at Fleadhanna Cheoil through the years, and has spent the past decade performing and touring North America, Canada, Korea, Taiwan and Japan with Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance, Gaelforce Dance and other solo ventures. Sean Gavin's style on the flute reflects his lifelong immersion in, devotion to, and love for traditional Irish music. This was no doubt encouraged by his Clare born, fiddle playing father, Mick Gavin. Sean McComiskey is among the most innovative young performers on the button accordion. Son of North Americas veteran accordion player Billy McComiskey, Seans own unique harmonic style has earned him a spot in the pantheon of Irish accordionists far beyond his native Baltimore. Nic Gaviskey will share the stage at the Town Hall this Friday with 'Old' Dé Danann Band. They will also play in The Venue, Ratoath on Friday, August 27, and Seamus Ennis Cultural Centre, The Naul, on Sunday, August 29. Enjoy the music. • See www.nicgaviskey.com and www.myspace.com/nicgaviskey for audio clips.