We have an amazing opportunity to have a private workshop with Len Graham on April 9. He is the singer who was with the band Skylark and many of our favorite songs in Irish came from his wife (Carol na Nollaig, Nead na Lachan, Deandramin Dillis).

Len Graham will teach traditional songs in English from the North of Ireland. Len's extensive repertory of songs covers the gamut of themes and human experience as portrayed in the old ballads, local songs, come-all-ye's, lyric folksongs, music hall pieces; songs on politics, murder, love, emigration and more.

Len Graham is one of Ireland's best known traditional singers who has gained an international reputation, not only for his inimitable singing style, but also for the breadth of his knowledge of Irish folk music. Since coming to the fore in 1971 when he won the All-Ireland traditional singing competition, Len has appeared at numerous Irish and international folk, literary and storytelling festivals, as well as on radio and television programs.

In 1992 he was awarded the Seán O'Boyle Cultural Traditions Award, in recognition of his work in Ireland as a song collector and singer. In 2002, he was honored as the inaugural recipient of the TG4 (Irish language and culture television channel) National Music Award for Traditional Singer of the Year. His rich recording history spans over thirty years, with more than twenty highly acclaimed albums to his credit.

The junior workshop will begin at 6 and go till 7:30, adult workshop to follow. We are grateful to the Scheer family for hosting. Their address is 48 Maple, Clarendon Hills 60514. Please let me know if you planned to attend. Donations to help offset the cost would be gratefully accepted, since this workshop cost exceeds our budget.

Raquel Chole