HistoryMiami’s South Florida Folklife Center recently announced that James Kelly, a world-renowned Irish fiddler, will be featured as part of the Heritage Spotlight Series. The series is an artist-in-residence program that showcases local traditional artists and cultural expressions.
“James Kelly is a hidden gem in South Florida’s cultural landscape,” said Michael Knoll, HistoryMiami folklorist. “We are honored to be showcasing James, his incredible talent, and the traditional culture of Ireland.” Kelly’s residency continues until June and will include a special presentation on the history of Irish music from the mid-1600s to the 1960s on June 2. Visit HistoryMiami’s website at <www.historymiami.org> for a complete schedule of performances.
A native of Ireland, Kelly is a renowned Irish fiddler. He learned the fiddling tradition from his father, a respected musician from County Clare. James has since toured three continents and, in 2006, was named “Irish Musician of the Year” by Ireland’s Irish-language television station, TG4. He also has been a recipient of the Florida Folk Heritage Award (2001) and the Florida Individual Artist Fellowship. He moved from Dublin to Miami in 1984.
The Heritage Spotlight Series has been funded by grants from the Knight Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts, State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and Florida Council on Arts and Culture, and Florida Humanities Council.
HistoryMiami is the premier cultural institution celebrating Miami’s history as the unique crossroads of the Americas. This is accomplished through exhibitions, city tours, education, research, collections and publications. Visit <www.historymiami.org> to learn more. For general inquiries, call 305-375-1492 or send email to <e.info@historymiami.org>.
