The Session with the Pipers Monthly recital Presented by Na Píobairí Uilleann
Pádraig Óg Mac Aodhagáin (Uilleann Pipes)
Shane Mulchrone (Banjo)
Heather Cole-Mullen (Fiddle)
Anne Skelton (Songs)
Pádraig Óg Mac Aodhagáín – I’m a young piper from Raheny in North Dublin. I began playing the pipes when I was around 12 years of age and I first learnt from Nollaig Mac Carthaigh. Emmett Gill taught me for many years in Na Piobairi Uilleann, where I now teach. I was introduced to Irish music at home by my parents and two older brothers who have influenced me massively, as well as the various teachers that taught me over the years. I’ve been greatly influenced by the piping of Patsy Touhey and Seamus Ennis among others.
Shane Mulchrone – is from near Ballina, Co. Mayo and has been playing the banjo for over 20 years. His early tutors included John Carty and Tommy Finn, and his music is additionally influenced by the local musicians of Mayo and Sligo. He has taught at numerous summer schools and workshops around the country and abroad, including the Joe Mooney Summer School, Scoil Acla, and Scoil Éigse at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann. He has featured on television and radio and performed internationally in Europe, America, and Cuba. Shane’s highly-anticipated debut CD is expected in the spring of 2016.
Heather Cole-Mullen – grew up outside of Boston, Massachusetts and began playing violin at 4 years of age. She was raised on New England contra dancing and music and began playing Irish music as a teenager. Her early influences included George Keith, Tommy Peoples, the late Sean Gannon, and his father John. She spent several years in Chicago, where she played regularly with such musicians as Devin Shepherd, Sean Gavin and Kevin Henry, among many others. During this time, Heather developed a particular interest in music from the North Mayo/South Sligo region as well as in the Irish language. Over the last few years she has also become increasingly interested in traditional singing and has been especially influenced by the Fermanagh singer Rosie Stewart. Since 2014, she has lived in Northeast Mayo where she plays regularly. Heather hosts an Irish music radio program called ‘From the Shamrock Shore’ on the Louisiana station KRVS and has performed and taught in America, Europe, and Cuba.
Anne Skelton (Songs) – from Co. Mayo and have lived in Galway for the last 30 years. My parents John and Mary Kelly were both singers and my father was also a step dancer. I got most of my songs from my Dad but I’m also a fan of the Northern singing tradition. I have given workshops and guest appearances at many traditional music schools and festivals over the years, such as Feile Chois Cuain, Louisburgh, Corofin Tradfest, Scoil Samhradh Willie Clancy and recently participated in the Birdsong and Man Woman and Child Projects for the National Library.