Johnny B Connolly and Casey Neill – Saturday June 30, 2018 at 8:00pm
Although still in his twenties, Johnny B. Connolly has already generated a reputation as an exciting and accomplished button accordionist. Johnny’s talents have paved the way across continents and provided him opportunities to perform or record with many internationally renowned artists including Kevin Burke, the Chieftains, Anam, Martin Hayes and Altan. His debut album Bridgetown (Green Linnet) was called “the most exciting solo debut from an Irish artist in years” by The Irish Herald — “a must-have CD for all true lovers of Irish box playing.”
Singer Casey Neill’s bona fides range from indie-rock to Celtic music: He’s collaborated in various ways with Solas, The Minus 5, Black Prairie and The Decemberists, among others.
In the late ’90s, Neill was featured on a Pete Seeger tribute album alongside Bruce Springsteen, Billy Bragg and Bonnie Raitt. Neill’s full-time band, the Portland, Oregon-based Norway Rats, features some of the city’s most sought-after and respected musicians. But for his Mountain Stage debut, he plays two solo songs and another pair backed by the Mountain Stage Band. His latest album is titled All You Pretty Vandals.
“This is the most exciting solo debut album from an Irish artist in years…a must-have CD for all true lovers of Irish box playing.” – The Irish Herald
“Bridgetown features the sounds of Johnny B. Connolly’s accordion: lilting, somber, joyful, poignant. Though only 26, the Dublin-born Connolly has a masterly control over his instrument, conveying a range of emotions in 10 jigs, reels and songs.” – The Irish Echo
“Johnny B. Connolly is among the best young players. Bridgetown is a delightful splash of jigs, reels, a slow air and even a whimsical, Paris-flavored musette.” – Goldmine