Jesse Smith and Ryan McGiver (Special Event)

Drawings for Dinner and Champagne

Tuesday, February 14 ? 7:30 pmJesse Smith plays to the heart and from the heart. He was born to music. His father John is a singer and guitarist and his mother, Donna Long, is a noted pianist and fiddler who learned from her father. And Jesse?s fiddle teacher was Brendan Mulvihill. Yes, he grew up in the thriving Baltimore-D.C. Irish scene and moved to Ireland in 1998 to immerse himself further in the music. Now he performs, records and teaches on both sides of the Atlantic. He has a special fondness for the old tunes of the 78-rpm era, particularly those of Sligo fiddlers James Morrison, Paddy Killoran and Michael Coleman. His own recordings and those he made as a member of the band Danu have been enthusiastically received. Critics praise his playing for its sensitivity and tastefulness, admiring both his bowing and his fingerwork.

For our concert, Jesse is joined by New York-based guitarist and vocalist Ryan McGiver, who also performs and teaches widely. His work has been showcased on Irish radio, he tours with award-winning singer Susan McKeown, and he has accompanied uilleann piper Cillian Vallely (Lunasa), fiddlers Liz and Yvonne Kane, and young concertina phenom Edel Fox, among others. His debut album features re-interpretations of Appalachian ballads and an all-star lineup of musicians. When not touring or working as a stone mason, he can be found at NYC music sessions.

And, in honor of the day, one attendee will leave with a $100 gift certificate for dinner, generously donated by the Irish Inn at Glen Echo. Six more will leave with a bottle of champagne (non-Irish)! And, there?ll be chocolates, (donation by Cat Tucker?Thank you!), champagne and other indulgences for all on the break!

At Glen Echo Town Hall, 6106 Harvard St., General admission is $20, FSGW members $15, Students $10. Presented, in part, with support from Culture Ireland.