Michael O'Laughlin, Irish Song Singer from Kansas City, MO

Mike has received many honors for his performances. His was among the top 10 "Irish Traditional Albums of Song" in 2013; he performed the first all Irish language show in the midwest and sang in Irish at Gaelic Mass in 2012-13. His album 'Irish Song: Traditional and Sean Nós, is held in the Irish Traditional Music Archives in Dublin, Ireland today. Mikes 'old style' Irish songs date back centuries, in the Irish Language, learned by ear, and with a sense of history. His English language songs range from Traditional Irish and Scots, to American Vaudeville and Tin Pan Alley, with an occasional Cajun tune for even more variety. His songs range from classical ballads to raucous pub tunes. "I am at home performing in your living room, pub, or on stage in Irish (gaeilge) and English. Small venues are a great way to share the intimate Irish tradition of 'old style' song. I can also appear live, in person over the internet. Historical background is always shared during my shows" which include: 1) Irish Language (gaeilge) sean nós show. Includes folk songs of courtship, marriage, and troubles 2) Traditional songs and ballads from Ireland, in the English language, a cappella. 3) Irish-American, St. Patricks Day, Vaudeville, and Tin Pan Alley selections, with Singalongs and trivia. (Guitar, fiddle and mandolin available. I was ranked #1 celtic artist in the U.S. on Reverbnation for 9 consecutive months in 2012 -'13.) . I first learned in the style of Joe Heaney, a native speaker, with a Galway accent from the west coast, near my own family origins. it was clear that his Irish words were not pronounced the way modern Irish is being taught today. In fact, modern Irish would not do justice to the 'old' song in my opinion! I have also taken instruction from Niamh Parsons in person, and online via Skype.. . Why 'old style' Irish song? For the first time in 2,000 years in my family, Irish was longer spoken. Once I came to realize that, I dedicated myself to learning to sing in Irish. One of my six podcast series, 'Hello Fada', is an outside look at Irish (gaeilge), encouraging others to become acquainted with it. I urge all to do the same ! P.S. I have written genealogy books on every county in Ireland, and have published several books in Irish. My displays on Irish genealogy, and author signings can be combined with my singing appearances by special request.