Recently while visiting a friend in Texas I had the pleasure of seeing Emmet Cahill, String Theory and Ireland Harber perform live at Poor David’s Pub in Dallas. This is a two-part blog series because there was so much talent it was just too big for one post.
For this series I was fortunate enough gain use of pictures from that night taken by the incredible Amanda Grace of Gilded Isle Photography! All images used in this series are hers.
After a lovely Q&A/meet and greet with Emmet Cahill before the opening act, we sat down to watch the amazement that is String Theory! This band is made up of University of North Texas graduate Jesse Ramirez on guitar, and North Texas School of Irish Music student Nathan Kennedy on fiddle.
What first caught my eye was their perfect rhythm and synchronization, as both played so naturally like that was the only thing their arms were made for. These lads are Celtic instrumental at its finest! As I sat there listening I wished this could be the soundtrack to me horseback ridding through Irish moorland (I have artsy dreams, okay?).
I was most impressed by Kennedy’s fiddling. During each song he added so much emotion and narrative with his well-seasoned playing, then to my amazement I learned that Kennedy was only thirteen years old! This lad has talent beyond his years. I am completely proud to say that Kennedy was just recently in Ireland competing in the world championships of Irish music, the Fleadh Cheoil! Kennedy is the first Texas youth fiddler to qualify and compete in this championship!
For those of you lucky enough to live in the Dallas Fort-Worth Metroplex, stop by The Celt Irish Pub where String Theory frequent. These lads put on an incredible show!
After Emmet Cahill did a few songs, Ireland Harber, another member of the North Texas School of Irish Music, came up on stage to sing. The whole room stilled as she told the beautifully mournful and truly Celtic ballad “The Last Rose of Summer” with a grace that many professional singers lack.
At the end of her song, Cahill broke the room’s stillness with a proud “She’s ten” and proceeded to gush on her talent saying how it was, “The best performance of that song I’ve seen, and I’m not just saying that ’cause you’re here.” I have only seen this song performed that one time but I can most certainly say that it was breathtaking.
For her last song Harber joined Cahill in “Go Lasse Go”. Her gorgeous harmonies alongside her sweet and truly Celtic voice, stole the hearts of all who listened. I was also extremely impressed by how relaxed Harber was onstage, even down to interacting with the audience. This lass will go places!
These people have been some of my favorite opening and guest artists, and I can’t wait until they have opening artists of their own.
Click here for part two of A Night at Poor David’s with Emmet Cahill
You can find:
String Theory on Facebook
Jesse Ramirez on Facebook and jesse-ramirez.com
Ireland Harber and Nathan Kennedy in their Irish Folk band Innisfall on Facebook.
North Texas School of Irish Music on Facebook and at schoolofirishmusic.org
Legit Photographer Amanda Grace on Facebook, Instagram @gildedisle and gildedisle.com
Dé Luain sásta– Gems of Genres
