CMA Next Concert

Presents

Irish music with “enough steam in its heels to leave most of its peers at the starting blocks”
(The Irish Times)

“Gráda is not a household name in the US – yet, but if this talented quintet appears anywhere
within 100 miles of you, hi’ thee hence… ”
(Sing Out Magazine)

October 15, 2005 8:00 pm
Holy Trinity Parish Hall

It’s been a long time coming, but Irish group Gráda are finally starting to get the sort of
recognition they deserve, having received a raft of awards and reviews that have
propelled them into the elite circle of Irish super groups.

They have taken Irish traditional music forward to a new level, effortlessly blending
contemporary music styles, modern songs and other forms of ethnic music into their own
natural style. Noteworthy guest musicians, such as Vyvienne Long (cellist with Damien
Rice) and percussionist Dave Hingerty (Josh Ritter / The Frames) have further added to
Gráda’s sound and reputation.

American record label, Compass, has seen the group’s CDs released worldwide, laying a
platform for Gráda’s steady path of touring, which saw them play 120 concerts in 12
countries last year in venues as prestigious as the Sydney Opera House, Ireland’s
National Concert Hall, and the main stage at Belgium’s Dranouter Festival where 12,000
people came to see their concert.

Some Press Excerpts For Gráda’s Current Album “The Landing Step”:
“A pacemaker with enough steam in its heels to leave most of its peers at the starting blocks” –
Siobhán Long, The Irish Times

“A true gem… so amazing to see the younger generation keeping traditional music alive.” - Dale
Dobson, WWHP Radio

“Gráda plays with obvious respect for the ancient roots of their music, but also without any
apparent fear that they might break it through experimentation” – Rick Anderson, All-Music
Guide

“A Firm foothold in the upper echelons of Irish music” – Celtic Connection
“Gráda are one of the great Irish bands that carry this countries music around the world’s waist,
playing and singing, singing and playing, shining and shining!” – John Spillane

Some press excerpts for “Endeavour”:
“Endeavour is a thoroughly gripping and electrifying debut.” – Folk Roots Magazine.
“A work of pulsing energy and vision” – Folkworld Online

“Hear how diverse pitches coalesce to startling effect, welding contemporary and traditional
tunes and songs that consort as cosily as if they were lifelong bedfellows… ensemble playing
with a vengeance… This is an eye-popping debut. Firebrands all.” - The Irish Times

“Simply spectacular. A fresh wind, jazzy tones” - Schwäbische Zeitung, Germany
“Gráda combines both globe trotted experience and musical accomplishment. Multicultural
backgrounds help bring a fresh approach to playing and present a unique slant on traditional
music. ” - Irish Music Magazine

About the Musicians:

Alan Doherty (flutes/whistles/vocals)
- Alan is widely recognized as a lead soloist on the Lord of the Rings soundtrack. His
  freewheeling, “soaring flute playing” is a major part of Gráda’s sound.
Nicola Joyce (vocals/bodhrán/fiddle/whistles)
- Nicola comes from a long family line of musicians (her brother, Fabian Joyce, is himself a well
  known musician, playing often with Paddy Keenan, ex Danu fiddler Jessie Smith, and the Kane
  Sisters). She grew up in Galway, in the west of Ireland and learned to play instruments and sing
  from a young age. Before joining Gráda, she studied music in Limerick and began performing
  extensively around Ireland at sessions and concerts. Her influences are numerous, but include
  singers such as her neighbor - Dolores Keane; Karen Casey; Tom Waits; Ella Fitzgerald; and
  Joni Mitchell.
Brendan O’Sullivan (fiddle/viola)
- Widely known for his creativity and rock-steady fiddle playing, Brendan has spent the past 10
  years touring with an array of vastly different groups, including the Reckless Pedestrians and Rea
  Garvey.
Gerry Paul (guitar/bouzouki)
- Gerry has spent half his life living in New Zealand. Dubliners regard his anitopdean rhythm
  section pairing with fellow Kiwi Andrew Laking as the “engine room” behind Gráda.
Andrew Laking (double bass/vocals/guitar)
- Born in New Zealand, Andrew comes from a varied musical background, including jazz, Latin,
  folk and gypsy styles. He has been in big demand as a session musician, having recorded for
  producers such as Bill Whelan (composer of Riverdance).

Tickets can be purchased at our Ticket outlets
or thru the mail
Send Check ($18 per ticket) to

the CMA
P.O. Box 30001
Des Moines, IA 5031

Band Contact and Suggestions for bands please email: Concert Committee Chair

Tickets are $18.00 purchased in advance or $20.00 purchased at the door. Tickets can be purchased in advance at CMA Ticket Outlets, or from any board member or send check to:

the CMA
P.O. Box 30001
Des Moines, IA 50310

CMA Ticket Outlets (cash or checks) $18 at Advanced Sales $20 at the Door		Online purchases thru IowaTix.com accept Visa, Master Card, American Express or Discover.
Holy Trinity Parish Office 2926 Beaver Av Des Moines, IA (515) 255-3162	Waterfront Seafood Market 2900 University West Des Moines, IA
Cooney's Tavern 3708 Beaver Ave. Des Moines, IA	That Irish Shoppe 136 5th Street / Historic Valley Junction West Des Moines, IA (515) 633-0030
Up Tempo Music 2714 Beaver Ave. Des Moines, IA (515) 277-0145
Or Send Check to the CMA P.O. Box 30001 Des Moines, IA 50310

CMA concert sound and lighting
provided by...... VTEC Productions

Hit Counter

CMA Home	Concert Page		Music Links		Friends of CMA
For further information about the CMA
CALL (866) 883-9482		WRITE the CMA P.O. Box 30001 Des Moines, IA 50310		General info and web content email mail@thecma.org
Band Contact and Suggestions for bands email: Bernie Gradoville