It’s tough to determine when Irish immigrants first began to populate New Mexico. Irish soldiers fought for Mexico during the Mexican-American War between the years 1846-1848, with some staying in the region.
Probably the most famous Irish immigrant to move to New Mexico was Catherine McCarty, Billy the Kid’s Irish mother. She lived in both Santa Fe and Silver City, arriving in the state around 1872. Her anti-hero son rose to legendary status, one of New Mexico’s leading figures.
Because of this, there’s a deep connection between the Irish and New Mexico. So, it’s no surprise Irish musicians are welcomed with open arms.
For the past twenty years, AMP Concerts have brought top-notch Irish bands and performers to the state. As early as 2004, Lunasa has graced the stage. This year is no different. Lunasa and Altan performed on two separate nights, providing marvelous musicianship and dance-worthy music.
Lunasa. Provided press photo
Hailing from County Clare, Ireland, Lunasa gave a powerful performance, reflective of their 25-plus year status as a leading Irish band. Consisting of fiddles (Seán Smyth and Colin Farrell), flute (Kevin Crawford), uilleann pipes (Cillian Vallely), guitar (Ed Boyd), and bass (Trevor Hutchinson), Lunasa plowed through a series of jigs, reels, hornpipes, slip jigs, and airs, leaving the audience speechless with the girth, speed, and weight of their concert.
With Altan, however, my admiration was reflective. I’ve been a fan of the band since their debut album Horse With a Heart was released in 1989, followed by The Red Crow in 1990. Formed in County Donegal in 1987, the band is a leading traditional Irish act, helping to revitalize traditional Irish music in our contemporary era. Led by vocalist and violinist, Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh, the band performed an hour and half set, encompassing their 38-year career, with special emphasis placed on their newest release Donegal. With bouzouki (Ciarán Curran), guitar (Mark Kelly), accordion (Martin Tourish) and fiddle (Clare Freil) leading the way, the band did not disappoint.
Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh and Martin Tourish of Altan. Photo: Brian C. Nixon
The highlight for me was hearing music not heard in over one-hundred years. Martin Tourish shared a story about a funeral where music from over 20 fiddlers from the turn of the century was found under the bed of the deceased, a time capsule of tunes revealed and shared via Altan’s performances.
I caught up with Neal Copperman, founder of AMP Concerts, to discuss the lure of Irish music.
Neal Copperman of AMP Concerts. Photo: Brian C. Nixon
What is it about Irish music that is so compelling?
I think people love Irish music for the energy and the high level of musicianship. With Altan you get the bonus of angelic vocal sound in the magical Gaelic language. You can’t go wrong with that! The first time I saw Altan I was blown away seeing a band with two fiddles. And while the lineup has changed over the years, they always have two fiddles to deal with those arrangements. Seeing the two fiddlers digging in and intertwining their parts is always a highlight for me.
As a promoter, what do you look for in bringing top-notch Irish acts to the state?
There’s nothing sexy about how we bring Irish musicians to town. It’s mostly just who is available. It’s nice that we get pitched to such powerhouse bands as Lunasa and Altan though! I’ve been fans of both bands for decades and it’s always a treat to get to see them and bring them to New Mexico.
Full band photo of Altan. Photo: Brian C. Nixon
AMP Concerts offers innovative and inspiring arts programming throughout New Mexico. A portion of all AMP ticket sales goes to fund free community concerts, workshops, school programs and artist residencies. For more information about their world-class concerts and upcoming shows, go to https://www.ampconcerts.org.
Brian C. Nixon, Ph.D., is Chief Academic Officer and professor at Veritas International University in Albuquerque. As a writer, musician, and artist, his interests surround the philosophical transcendentals: truth, beauty, and goodness. You can contact Brian via his Bandcamp email address: https://briancharlesnixon.bandcamp.com
