We're proud to welcome back former DIMA Chair Colleen Shanks, who's been pursuing an MA at the World Academy of Irish Music & Dance at the University of Limerick. Colleen will be with us on May 25th to share some fresh new tunes that she's been learning and playing through her program, and around the session scene in Ennis, Co. Clare. The focus will be on teaching tunes that can be put into sets, and may include  jigs, barndances, marches, reels and more!

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About the workshop:

Colleen will be covering several tunes during this 2.5 hour workshop, so the pace will be targeted more for intermediate and above players, but beginners are more than welcome to come along, pick up what they can, and record the tunes to take home to work on if it moves too fast. 

Please note that this workshop will be in the main hall at Green Wood, so there will be no session at 7:30.  (Also note that the start time for this is 7:00 pm, not 7:30!) There will be a chance to play tunes for a while after the workshop finishes, and all are welcome as always, though there will not be a designated 'slow session' period on this night.

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About the teacher:

Colleen Shanks hails from Michigan, and began her journey into traditional Irish music at the age of 11, when she first heard a recording of The Chieftains. Captivated by the sound of the music, she acquired her first tin whistle shortly after, and began teaching herself tunes. From there, she became immersed in Detroit's vibrant Irish music community and learned much of her music from Clare-born fiddler Mick Gavin, who has tutored and encouraged many young musicians in Michigan for the past 40 years. 

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Colleen is currently pursuing an MA in Irish Traditional Music Performance from the University of Limerick's Irish World Academy. Her area of focus is uilleann piping and she has the great privilege of learning from Michael Blackie O'Connell, and attending masterclasses taught by the top exponents of uilleann piping. 

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In Michigan, Colleen founded the Strayaway Child Concert Series, a monthly music series that features traditional Irish musicians, both upcoming and seasoned performers. She has toured the U.S with the Nashville based band The Celts, and is a regular performer at the annual Crossroads Ceili show at The Ark, Ann Arbor.

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