Mike Rafferty 80th birthday

Subject: Mike Rafferty 80th birthday
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 26 Sep 06 - 01:10 PM

Mike Rafferty, who graces us with his East Galway style of flute playing and has been one of the leading forces in the Irish trad scene here in the U.S., will turn 80 years old on Wednesday September 27.

Mike came to the U.S. in 1949 and has appeared in concerts, festivals and ceili's throughout the country. In 1976 he was one of the musicians chosen for the Smithsonian Institution's Bicentennial Festival of American Folklife. He went on to tour with Green Fields of America and he has taught the flute to many students over the years. His daughter Mary played the accordian with Cherish the Ladies for a number of years, and now she performs with her husband Donal Clancy (son of Liam Clancy) as well as her father.

Mike is an icon in these parts. The local chapter of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Eireann has been named in his honor.

If you have a chance, drop Mike a birthday greeting through his daughter Mary - [e-mail] and visit their website at www.raffertymusic.com.

This Friday I will devote most of the program to Mike and his music. The Session can be heard at noon ET on WFDU-FM at 89.1 in the NYC area or you can listen online at www.wfdu.fm .

Subject: RE: Mike Rafferty 80th birthday
From: KateG
Date: 26 Sep 06 - 02:22 PM

Sounds like some great listening to a great man. May I cross post your information on the Chiff & Fipple Flute List and the Session.org list? I know there are a lot of Rafferty fans on both sites.

Subject: RE: Mike Rafferty 80th birthday
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 26 Sep 06 - 02:33 PM

I would be honored Kate. Thank you so much!

Subject: RE: Mike Rafferty 80th birthday
From: KateG
Date: 26 Sep 06 - 08:21 PM

You are most welcome! It's the least one New Jersite can do for another.

Subject: RE: Mike Rafferty 80th birthday
From: GUEST,MIKES GRANDAD
Date: 27 Sep 06 - 04:32 PM

HAPPY BIRTHDAY