Biography
“Girsa is eight young women from the Irish heart of Rockland County, New York that look like angels, play traditional Irish music like demons, and sing like larks.” -- Kansas City Irish Fest
Girsa is an exciting all star ensemble of young ladies who create powerful and spirited Irish traditional music, song, and dance. Comprised of young women from the Pearl River, NY area, Girsa means “young girls” in Gaelic. Steeped in the Irish music and cultural tradition, they have studied their instruments and dance with gifted teachers who pass on the time-honored tunes and songs. Many are the daughters of musicians and Irish immigrants. All have had the distinction of representing the United States at the All Ireland Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann and several girls hold titles in various instruments.
Their lovely mix of lively tunes and beautiful traditional songs has gained a popular following. The girls’ first CD has enjoyed wonderful reviews and a second is in the works. Girsa performs at festivals, concerts, and pubs and has been honored to appear at Ellis Island, Gracie Mansion, City Hall, and the Irish Consulate. Their 2010 summer performances at Midwest Irish festivals in Dublin, Ohio, Milwaukee, and Kansas City have broadened their fan base and heightened the buzz surrounding this vibrant band. As the CD release unfolds, they have played on the Irish Radio Network and have been featured on the air with Tommy Smyth, Kathleen Biggins of WFUV, Adrian Flannelly, and Radio Hofstra University. Local Irish festival appearances include Staten Island, New Jersey Folk, Hartford, Brooklyn, Boston, Celts Play Connecticut, and their beloved Catskills Irish Arts Week.
Maeve Flanagan – fiddle, whistle, darbuka Deirdre Brennan – fiddle, mandolin, vocals Kristen McShane – fiddle, caixixi Margaret Dudasik – vocals, fiddle, whistles, dancing feet Bernadette Flanagan – bodhran, piano, dancing feet Blaithin Loughran – accordion, cajon Pamela Geraghty – guitar, accordion, cajon, vocals Emily McShane – piano, bodhran, vocals