IAHM 2025 Trad/Folk Performance Series: JOHN WHELAN AND DYLAN FOLEY

The Irish American Heritage Museum is delighted to welcome to Albany as part of its 2025 Trad / Folk Performance Series John Whelan and Dylan Foley, two fabulous Irish performers with deep roots in New York.

John Whelan is one of the world’s best living Irish button accordion players. John was raised in the vibrant London Irish music, where he learn his craft from legends that included Lucy Farr, Roger Sherlock, Paddy Taylor, Mick O’Connor and teacher Brendan Mulkare. John came to New York in 1980 at the age of 20. It did not take long for John to establish himself in the US, as he teamed up with Brian Conway and Eileen Ivers. In 1987, John recorded his first highly regarded US album with Eileen (Fresh Take). An extensive US and Canada tour followed; John and Eileen received “Duo of the Decade” awards from both the Wall Street Journal and the Irish Echo. John has recorded over fifteen albums, and has performed on television (Late Night with Conan O’Brien; Fox After Breakfast), and has been heard on television (Sex in the City; History’s Mysteries; History Detective) and appeared in motion pictures (Gods and Generals; Ride with the Devil). Along with his recording and performing credentials, John has dedicated himself to spreading Irish arts and the tradition through his teaching and mentoring promising students. Indeed, John has mentored four All-Ireland button accordion champions. John frequently teaches at a number of trad music camps throughout the United States. Irish Echo Magazine’s Earl Hitchner described John as: “[…] an instrumentalist, composer, producer and arranger who brings both passion and playfulness to his music while respecting the tradition it’s rooted in.”

Dylan Foley has been described as one of planet Earth’s GOAT Irish fiddlers. Dylan has been delighting audiences throughout the world, from performances at Lincoln Center to Irish television channel programs (RTE; TG4). In 2013, Dylan travelled to Vietnam with the late Mick Moloney as part of Irish Aid, bringing Irish music and culture to those who were affected by the horrors of the Vietnam War. Dylan teaches and performs at major Irish music summer camps on both sides of the Atlantic. Indeed, Dylan gives informances around the world where he attributes his energetic, infectious and fluid style of playing to New York legends Rose Conway and Joanie Madden, and the late greats Mike McHale (Greene County) and Monsignor Charlie Coen. Dylan is also known throughout the country for his commitment to passing on the Irish tradition as it was graciously passed to him. Daniel Neely of The Irish Echo has said of Dylan: “[…] one of the finest fiddlers in America and certainly the most genial among them […] his feel and tone breathtaking […] He pulls brilliant music from the fiddle.”

IAHM is just thrilled to have John and Dylan perform in our intimate, unique and brilliant Flanagan Theater. Please: join us for this unforgettable homecoming!

IAHM is grateful to sponsors of this event: Metroland Now, Common Roots Brewing Company, ParkAlbany and the Flanagan family.

Show your ticket the day of the show at Common Roots Brewing Company and get the Common Roots’ special “IAHM Buy One / Get One” beverage deal!!!

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