Minneapolis, September 18, 2015—Forging new connections between the
rich Irish folk tradition and the New York contemporary music scene, the
virtuoso musicians of The Gloaming make music that is sparse, authentic,
and heartrending. Featuring New York pianist Thomas Bartlett (aka
Doveman), Chicago guitarist Dennis Cahill, fiddle master Martin Hayes,
hardanger fiddle innovator Caoimhin Ó Raghallaigh, and Irish singer Iarla
Ó Lionaird (Afro Celt Sound System). Catch one of only a few US dates by
this critically adored all-star ensemble at the William and Nadine McGuire
theater on Friday, October 9, 8 pm. This event is copresented with
the Cedar.
About The Gloaming
Martin, Caoimhín, and Dennis have been recognized for extending the Irish
and Celtic music traditions – both literally and metaphorically, balancing
traditional rigor with an energy that seems entirely new. Thomas has been
identified with the independent rock scene for his work with artists as
diverse as The National, Glen Hansard, Antony and the Johnsons and old
friends Nico Muhly and Sam Amidon. Iarla has sung with projects as far
afield as “new music” composer Donnacha Dennehy’s Nonesuch debut
and the electronic/world-music hybrid Afro-Celt Soundsystem, the second
best-selling artist in the history of Real World.
The five met in early 2011 to explore a new musical direction at Grouse
Lodge Studios is West Meath, Ireland. The musicians discovered a shared
musical aesthetic that transcended the genres for which they’ve become
known. Says Iarla “We came to the conclusion that our identities were
more tied up in the individual sounds we made rather than any notion of
being a culture bearer.”
Adds Thomas: “Maybe The Gloaming works so well because I don’t
recognise the lines that the rest of this band sees. They’re very happy to go outside of those boundaries, but the fact that I don’t even know the tradition
helps make them disappear.”
In the brief period of time since their formation, The Gloaming have
become a much-heralded live draw in UK and Europe – playing to capacity
crowds in the world’s most prestigious venues.
The music they make is ephemeral yet furious, pairing memorable,
yearning melodies with a progressive style. The group hearkens back to
some of the most unexpected success stories of the late 90s – when the
amazing backstories and largely instrumental sound of artists like Buena
Vista Social Club and Sigur Ros helped the niche genres of Afro-Cuban
music and post-rock to briefly break into popular consciousness. Imagine if
alchemical music of a band like Tortoise could appeal to your old Irish
uncle – and you have an idea of what The Gloaming are after.
Dennis Cahill says, “It’s the mark of a great piece of music, when it’s
bendable, and it doesn’t lose its integrity, and I think the tunes we borrow
from are spectacular like that, and that they can be played in a lot of ways.”
Tickets to The Gloaming are $35 ($31) available at walkerart.org/tickets or
by calling 612.375.7600
Walker Art Center Performing Arts Program History A catalyst for the
creative expression of artists and the active engagement of audiences, the
Walker Art Center examines the questions that shape and inspire us as
individuals, cultures, and communities. Established in 1927 as the Walker
Art Gallery, in 1940 it adopted a new name and focused on modern and
contemporary art exhibitions as well as screenings, performances and
public programs. Today the Walker is one of the top-five most visited
modern and contemporary art centers in the U.S. Multidisciplinary in focus,
it is equally committed to advancing artistic innovation and interdisciplinary
scholarship as it is with increasing access to lifelong learning in the arts.
Led by Senior Curator Philip Bither since 1997, the Walker’s Performing
Arts program under his tenure has been defined by its commitment to the
increasingly blurred lines between artistic disciplines, including
contemporary dance, new music-theatre, performance art, experimental
theatre, avant-jazz, contemporary classical music, new global sounds and
alternative rock and pop. In addition to animating its outstanding McGuire
Theater, the Walker has also greatly expanded its placement of dance into
gallery settings, in its sculpture garden, and beyond, to further encourage a
conversation between forms. It has also continued it long-standing tradition
of mounting work together with presenters, venues, community-based
collaborators, and unique sites across the Twin Cities. Through its
endeavors, the Walker has earned an international reputation as “one of
America’s foremost experimental art spaces” (UK’s The Guardian).
The Cedar Cultural Center
The Cedar Cultural Center is a highly eclectic music venue located in the
Cedar-Riverside neighborhood of Minneapolis, MN. Over its 27 year
history, The Cedar has become one of the premiere venues for world
music in the U.S. by fulfilling its (501c3 non-profit) mission of promoting
inter-cultural appreciation and understanding though the presentation of
global music and dance. Learn more at http://www.thecedar.org/
Make a Night of It!
Balcony Bar
Meet the artists, talk about the show, and enjoy drinks on the upper
balcony of the elegant McGuire Theater. Open one hour prior to and after
most performances.
Dig Deeper
Discover
Keep an eye on the Walker site for all the latest updates, including original
articles about artists and performances.
walkerart.org
Find rich film and audio content related to artists past and present on the
Walker Channel. channel.walkerart.org
Engage
Share your thoughts on the Walker’s social media channels or leave
your comments on the performing arts blog, The Green Room.
blogs.walkerart.org/performingarts
Discuss
On Saturday nights after select shows, join us in the Balcony Bar for
SpeakEasy, a conversation led by Walker tour guides and local artists.
Connect with the Artists
Take part in unique offstage experiences such as public workshops, open
rehearsals, opening-night celebrations, postshow Q&As, and member
events walkerart.org/performing-arts
Free Gallery Admission
Walker gallery admission is free with a paid event ticket within one week of
every performance.
Accessibility
The Walker is accessible to all visitors. Assistive listening devices, audio
description, and ASL interpretation are available for performing arts events.
For more information, call 612.253.3556 or e-mail access@walkerart.org
Call 612.375.7600, stop at the box office, or visit walkerart.org/tickets to
take advantage of this special offer through October 18, 2015.
Groups
Discounted tickets are available for groups of 10 or more. Call
612.253.3556 or e-mail
groups@walkerart.org
Students
As available, rush tickets go on sale at the Hennepin Lobby box office one
hour before any performing arts event. Limit one $10 ticket per person with
valid student ID. For more information or to check availability,
call 612.375.7600.
Members Get More
Walker members always save up to 50% on tickets and are invited to go
deeper with Art School and A Think & A Drink events. Members also
receive advance notice and purchase opportunities for hot tickets, free
gallery admission, a 10% discount on shopping and dining, and much
more.
To become a member and/or to learn more about these programs, call
612.375.7655 or visit walkerart.org/membership.
Acknowledgments
Support provided by Producers’ Council members Nor Hall and
Roger Hale.
The Walker Art Center’s performing arts programs are made possible by
generous support from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation through the
Doris Duke Performing Arts Fund, the William and Nadine McGuire
Commissioning Fund, the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, and the National
Endowment for the Arts.
Producers’ Council
Performing Arts programs and commissions at the Walker are generously
supported by members of the Producers’ Council: Nor Hall and Roger
Hale; Kings’ Fountain/Barbara Watson Pillsbury and Henry Pillsbury; Emily
Maltz; Dr. William W. and Nadine M. McGuire; Leni and David Moore,
Jr./The David and Leni Moore Family Foundation; Mike and Elizabeth
Sweeney; and Frances and Frank Wilkinson.