Gerry O'Connor and Don Penzien Concert

Gerry O’Connor grew up in the town of Dundalk, County Louth in a family of musicians, dancers and singers. His mother Rose  (née O’Brien) taught Gerry and his siblings the fiddle at home and she continued to teach from there for the next 40 years. Students travelling from Armagh and Dublin as well as closer to home to learn from the doyenne of fiddle teachers. His father Peter was a singer whose seven uncles all played music.

From an early age Gerry was involved Irish music and dance, winning numerous All Ireland titles between 1967 and 1973 in a range of formations including duet, trio and four Céili Band titles.

Playing with Michael Coleman’s contemporary John Joe Gardiner in the 1970’s formed Gerry’s style of music, focussing on the fluid and ornamented lyrical fiddle playing of the great Sligo masters. His own background in step dancing translates into vibrant pulsating dance music for which he is noted; today he is regarded as one of the great fiddle players of his generation.

Gerry will join forces with master guitar player, Don Penzien, for this special show!

Don Penzien has long been a top-flight performer of Irish traditional music. It was the never- ending traditional music playing at the Irish pub he frequented while earning his Ph.D. (clinical psychology) in Athens, Ohio that inspired Don to play and where he began his exclusive use of the “DADGAD” guitar tuning with tips from such notables as Zan McLeod and Daíthí Sproule. Frequently on the road playing concerts and festivals with his many projects including Gailfean (featuring Brian Conway, John Whelan & Máirtín de Cógáin), The Máirtín de Cógáin Project, and Shared Madness (featuring Haley Richardson & Megan Irby). Don is widely recognized for his reserved backing style and his dexterous work on DADGAD-tuned guitar provides solid, driving rhythms to traditional tunes as well as perceptive and sensitive accompaniments to songs and airs.

Doors will open at 2:30pm and music will begin at 3pm. Refreshments will be available for purchase.

Members receive a discount on tickets to this show. To become a Celtic Arts Foundation member, please visit our Membership Page or call 360-416-4934.

Concert goers can take advantage of 15% off of the best available rate at the Hampton Inn & Suites in Burlington–just mention the Celtic Arts Foundation when booking or click here.

Tickets are final sale and cannot be refunded. Tickets on sale in early 2026!