An Evening with Johnny B Connolly, John Weed, and Cary Novotny - 2nd Saturday Community Concert

Saturday, February 8, 2025 

7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Organizer: Irish PDX

Join three of the west coast's finest exponents of traditional music for a rare full-length concert: Dublin IR button accordion player Johnny B. Connolly, Carmel fiddle player John Weed, and Portland OR guitar wizard/vocalist Cary Novotny are uniting for a limited run of fall shows in the California Bay Area and Central Coast. The concert will intertwine driving sets of jigs and reels, rhythmic old time tunes highlighting the interplay between squeezebox and fiddle, and Americana ballads that'll delight the soul. Seating for these events are limited.

Johnny B. Connolly, a Dublin-born master of Irish traditional music, gained early recognition in his hometown before joining the renowned ensemble Anam. Touring extensively, he eventually made his home in Portland, Oregon. Settling in Portland, Oregon, Johnny's friendship with legendary fiddler Kevin Burke led to a record deal with Green Linnet Records in 2001. His album "Bridgetown," a fusion of traditional Irish and French tunes, garnered widespread praise with guest appearances by Burke and production by guitarist Ged Foley.

Joining the esteemed Irish band Solas in 2014, Johnny showcased his exceptional talent on their latest CD, "All These Years." He has also toured and performed alongside notable artists such as Eammon McElholm, Kevin Burke, Nuala Kennedy, Tony Furtado, Aidan Brennan, and Casey Neill.

John Weed, fiddler for Molly's Revenge and New World String Project, has spent the last 30 years immersed in various fiddle styles. With an affinity for folk traditions, John's exploration has emphasized Irish, Scottish, Swedish, and Old-Time fiddle. While he holds a bachelor's degree of music from CSU Chico, the musical education that charted his path began through a long series of Irish sessions. There, he learned the nuance of aural passing of melodies and the tradition of conversing in a deeply musical manner. John's passion for the vital expressiveness of the session led to performing across the United States and internationally. In addition to being a full time performer and instructor, John is currently on faculty at Palenke Arts, a multicultural arts organization in Seaside, California. 

Cary Novotny was born in South Dakota. He studied classical guitar in Bowling Green, KY where he was also influenced by country, folk, and bluegrass. Cary earned a Bachelor of Music degree at the University of Portland and began a career as a professional guitarist, singer and songwriter in the Northwest. His band, Cul an Ti, is hugely popular for their lively traditional Irish tunes and unique blend of Irish and popular songs. Having recorded and performed with many other notable musicians including Kevin Burke, The Bridies, Johnny Connolly, Tony Furtado, Hanz Araki, Winifred Horan, and the touring Irish dance show Celtic Legends, Cary is described as a masterful guitarist with an epic sense of harmony, song structure, and a soulful and captivating vocalist by the Willamette Week newspaper in Portland, Oregon.

Tickets: 

$25 — General Admission Online

$30 — General Admission Door 

Select the following ticket after type it has been added to your cart:

$15 — 15 & Younger Online

$20 — 15 & Younger Door

Online ticket prices rise to the door price at 2 pm, Friday, February 7. 

Online ticket sales end at 2 pm, Saturday, February 8. 

All ages.

Tickets are non-refundable.

Winona Grange is not accessible by wheelchair.

Free on-site and street parking is available near Winona Grange.