Milwaukee Irish Fest Summer School Instructors
Note: All times are listed in CENTRAL TIME ZONE. Thank you!
Mary MacNamara
Instructor Website: http://www.marymacnamara.net/
Teaching Concertina Classes
Music was a way of life when Mary MacNamara was growing up in East Clare. Born in the townland of
Clondanagh between Tulla and Feakle, from an early age she was in the company of the great
masters of Irish Traditional Music of the region such as John Naughton, Martin Rochford, P.
Joe Hayes, Francie Donnellan, Joe Bane and Bill Malley. And there was plenty of musical
guidance and inheritance from her parents who were both from musical families. Mary
learned much from her mother Ita whose discernment in music was unquestionable, with a
musical pedigree reaching back many generations. Mary’s musical style was further honed
and perfected as a young girl sitting by the fireside in the homes of Mikey Donoghue in
Ballinahinch and P. Joe Hayes of Maghera and then Sunday afternoon sessions with Joe Bane
and Bill Malley in Lena's Bar in Feakle. This unique musical nurturing has resulted in Mary
being a highly respected musician performing at home and abroad and also one of the most
sought-after teachers of Irish Music today.