An Irish House Party at Lauralton Hall in Milford

Celtic Music Masters, Damien Connolly and Seamus Connolly are set to perform at Lauralton Hall for a Night of Irish Music and Dancing on November 1, 2014. This Event is Part of the Series of Public Events Celebrating 150 Years of the Lauralton Hall Estate.

The 2014-15 academic school year marks the 150-year Anniversary of the Pond-Taylor estate, the home of the Academy of Our Lady of Mercy, Lauralton Hall. The school has planned a yearlong series of events inviting alumnae, students, friends and the community to visit the historic grounds and participate in the celebration throughout the year.  This second event in the series is an opportunity to enjoy the Irish stylings of Damien Connolly (Master Accordion Player) and Seamus Connolly (Master Fiddler) while enjoying the steps of the Lauralton Irish dancers. This event is BYOB. Irish desserts with coffee and tea will be served. The night begins at 7:30 in the Claven Auditorium on the Lauralton campus.

About Damien & Seamus Connolly:

Damien Connolly began learning the accordion at the age of 11. When he was 13 years old, he competed in the Fleadhanna with his friends in the groupai cheol and ceili band competitions, with a group under the direction of the Deirdre O' Brien Vaughan. At age 16, he took up the fiddle, under the tutelage of his stepmother Maureen Glynn. In 1997, Damien took first place in both the Under-18 All Ireland accordion and melodeon competition held in Ballina, Co. Mayo. The following year, Damien recorded three melodeon tracks on his father's CD entitled Back to Brooklyn. In 2000, he recorded his first accordion and melodeon CD, Tippin Away, accompanied by guitarist Pete Mancuso of NY. This CD was generously praised by Joe Burke, Joe Derrane and Bobby Gardiner. In 2003, Damien relocated his family to the U.S. and now resides with his family in Fairfield. To learn more about Damien Connolly visit, www.irishmusicinconnecticut.com/damien--sally-connolly.html.

Uncle to Damien, Seamus Connolly is one of the world's most respected master Irish traditional musicians and teachers. Seamus won the Irish National Fiddle Championship 10 times, a feat unequalled by any other musician. He was also the winner of the internationally acclaimed "Fiddler of Dooney" Competition. Seamus holds an endowed Chair at Boston College and is the "Sullivan Artist in Residence".  Seamus directed the highly acclaimed Gaelic Roots Summer School and Festival at Boston College from 1993 - 2003.  He now coordinates a Gaelic Roots Series of free concerts and lectures by visiting artists throughout the academic year. To learn more about Seamus Connolly visit Seamusconnolly.com.

Lauralton Hall is located at 200 High Street, Milford. Ticket prices are $25 and the event starts at 7:30pm. Price includes Irish desserts with coffee or tea. Guests are welcomed to BYOB as well. Tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance by going online to www.lauraltonhall.org/IrishEvent or contact Kathleen Donahue, Director of Alumnae Relations and Special Events, at 203-877-2786, ext. 114 for more information. Mail registration form and checks to: Kathleen Donahue/IrishEvent, 200 High Street, Milford, CT 06460.