Daniel Neely

Daniel T. Neely is a musician and ethnomusicologist (New York University, Ph.D. 2008) with specialties in the musics of Ireland and Jamaica. Since 2008 he has been the Public Relations Officer of the Mid-Atlantic Region of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann’s North American Province, from 2011-2016 he was the artistic coordinator of the Augusta Irish Week, a Irish music camp in Elkins, West Virginia, and since 2021 he has been on the Board of Directors of the Milwaukee-based Ward Irish Music Archives, the largest public repository for Irish music in the United States.

He plays tenor banjo and fiddle, loves playing at sessions, and has been a member of both the Washington Square Harp and Shamrock Orchestra and the New York Céilí Band.  He has given invited lectures on this history of Irish music at Boston College, the Catskills Irish Arts Week, the Ward Irish Music Archives, Na Píobairí Uilleann in Dublin, Ireland, and elsewhere.

Latest Stories

A year of superb albums & books A year of superb albums & books
And with that, we come to the end of 2025! Over the past year, I’ve had the chance to spend time with a wide range of albums and books about tradit...
'Rian' is a truly compelling album 'Rian' is a truly compelling album
Merry Christmas everyone! I hope everyone reading this has their holiday preparation in line and is gearing up for a lovely, relaxed time with frie...
'Junction' shows NxNW's caliber 'Junction' shows NxNW's caliber
In the media yoke this week is “Junction” from the band North by North West or NxNW. Although just their debut album, NxNW has been around for seve...
Egan tapped again for Burns's 'McMullen' movie follow-up Egan tapped again for Burns's 'McMullen' movie follow-up
If you’ve not yet read it, I’d recommend you check out Ray O’Hanlon’s recent and lovely Echo piece about “The Family McMullen,” the just-released s...
Each O'Connell post is a gem Each O'Connell post is a gem
The great Robbie O’Connell needs no introduction to most readers of this column. A singer and songwriter with a fabulous voice and an unmatched sen...
Keating departs, Schoch takes charge Keating departs, Schoch takes charge
It was announced this week that, after decades of distinguished service, the great Paul Keating has chosen to step down from his stewardship of Cat...
Miller study takes issue with showband critiques Miller study takes issue with showband critiques
“Public Warned Not To Attend Illegal Dance This Weekend,” a Leitrim Observer’s recent article’s headline read. It was in reference to a thing calle...
Mercy fundraiser for Nov. 21 Mercy fundraiser for Nov. 21
A bunch of items for your consideration this week. First up is the Mick Moloney Memorial Concert, taking place at 8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 21, at the...
A clear, focused, resonant voice A clear, focused, resonant voice
In the media yoke this week I’ve got “The Old Wood Road,” the solo debut by singer Evelyn O’Connell. Named for her County Kerry home townland of Kn...
Begley, O'Connor's album daringly challenges boundaries Begley, O'Connor's album daringly challenges boundaries
In the media yoke this week is “Into the Loam” by concertina player Cormac Begley and fiddle player Liam O’Connor. This one was really interesting....
Engaging debut remains essential Engaging debut remains essential
In the media yoke this week is “Vol. 1: Catchin’ the Tune” by The Irish Tradition. The trio, which included Billy McComiskey (button accordion and ...
Compilation showcases 6 women who elevate piping tradition Compilation showcases 6 women who elevate piping tradition
This week I’ve got a report on a few bits coming out of Dublin’s biggest archival institutions in Na Píobiarí Uilleann and the Irish Traditional Mu...



 



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