Seán Gavin & Colm Gannon: Irish Music Concert-Session and Céilí

Saturday, September 12, 2026
CelticMKE Center, Wauwatosa, WI

Schedule:

3:00 – 4:30 PM: Concert & Session in the Ward Irish Music Archives (Doors open at 2:30 PM)

7:00 – 9:30 PM: September CelticMKE Céilí in the Downstairs Hall (Doors open at 6:30 PM; 6:45pm beginning instruction)

Tickets:

• Concert & Session: $25 Advance (through Sept 7) / $35 Regular (starting Sept 8)
  • *All concert ticket holders receive complimentary admission to the evening céilí!
• Céilí Only: $10 at the door

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Enjoy a day of Irish music with the Milwaukee Irish Fest School of Music featuring Seán Gavin (uilleann pipes, flute, whistle) and Colm Gannon (button accordion).

Event Details:
 

3:00 – 4:30 PM: Concert & Session (Ward Irish Music Archives)

Seán and Colm will perform an intimate, all-acoustic matinee concert in the Ward Irish Music Archives. Experience traditional Irish music played on uilleann pipes, flute, whistles, and accordion in one of Milwaukee’s most unique acoustic venues. If you play Irish music, bring along your instrument for a short session to follow. Seating is strictly limited to 50.

7:00 – 9:30 PM: September CelticMKE Céilí (Downstairs Hall)

Wrap up the day with live céilí music from Seán and Colm! Dances will be taught and called by Kim Griffin throughout the evening. Beginners and all ages are welcome—no experience or partner needed. A bar will be open offering draft Guinness, canned beer, wine, soda, and water.
 

About the Artists

Seán Gavin is one of the most highly regarded Irish musicians of his generation. A master uilleann piper and flute player, he is the first musician born outside Ireland to win the prestigious Seán Ó Riada Gold Medal. He served as Musical Director for the PBS program I Am Ireland and Atlantic Steps, and has lectured on traditional music at the University of Chicago, the University of St Andrews, and across North America and Ireland.

(irishmusicinstitute.org | SeanGavinMusic.com)

Colm Gannon is an accordion master whose playing is as vibrant and resonant as the Connemara hills. Born in Boston to Connemara parents, he learned music from his father John and brother Seán. Colm has recorded extensively, lectured on the history and transatlantic connections of Connemara accordion music, and is widely celebrated as a leading bearer of the tradition.

Their collaborative album, The Boys of 25, stands as a testament to their shared mastery and deep love for traditional Irish music.