Téada (pronounced Tay-da, meaning “strings” in Irish) return to the States after a nearly 5-year absence with Méabh Begley, a gifted singer from a famous musical family in West Kerry, and champion step-dancer Samantha Harvey. What sets Téada apart from many Irish bands is their passion for a deeply traditional approach. The young group has been heralded for their “fierce familiarity with the old ways” by Irish Music Magazine. Following an initial gig opening for the Sharon Shannon band at Dublin’s Celtic Flame festival in 2001, Téada was off and running. They were quickly tipped as “one of the most exciting traditional groups in recent years” by The Irish World and voted “Best Traditional Newcomers” by readers of Irish Music Magazine in 2003. Fiddler Oisin Mac Diarmada is joined by fellow Sligoman Damien Stenson on flute, Seán McElwain on banjo and bouzouki, and Tristan Rosenstock on bodhrán. Despite her youth, Méabh (pronounced Mayve) Begley is fast becoming one of the most respected singers in Ireland. With her crystal clear voice, she commands an audience tackling themes of love, emigration, and loss in both the English and Irish languages. In addition, she continues the family accordion tradition.
March 11, 2017
