The “Last Days of Summer” Concert Tour

 Haley Richardson & Don Penzien

If you’ve an affinity for “pure drop” Irish traditional music, you’ll find it wherever this duo performs! First joining forces on a festival stage in 2017, Haley and Don toured regularly together until Haley took up the mantle as core musician for Riverdance. Taking advantage of Haley’s brief summer hiatus from Riverdance, the duo is joining forces once again with shows in NC, AL, and TN.

On Tour Aug 23 – Sept 3, 2023

Haley Richardson:  With her highly ornamented and virtuosic style of playing, Haley launched her opening salvo in the Irish music world at 6 years old when she won the under 12 All Ireland qualifier. She has since amassed a long list of All Ireland and other championship titles (solo fiddle and slow airs) and has performed the world over.

Whether performing in a solo capacity or in an ensemble, Haley brings a rare dynamism and energy to her music, which is informed by her thorough knowledge of the Sligo fiddle style, her mastery of her instrument, and the trailblazing and show-stopping technique and emotion evident in every note she plays.  Currently the fiddler for the 25th Anniversary tour of the Grammy Award winning production, Riverdance, Haley has performed with many of the best-known Irish musicians including The Chieftains, Altan, Dervish, Mick Moloney and Green Fields of America, Pride of New York, Liz Carroll with Cherish the Ladies, John Whelan, Paddy Keenan, The Máirtín de Cógáin Project.

Don Penzien has long been a top-flight performer of Irish traditional music. He frequently is on the road playing concerts and festivals with Gailfean, The Máirtín de Cógáin Project, and Haley Richardson and he has served as accompanist for numerous other well-known performers (e.g., Gerry O’Connor, Randal Bays, Tim Britton, John Williams, Pat Broaders, Gabe Donohue, Ben Jaber, Tony DeMarco, Billy McComiskey, Sean Clohessy, Bridget Fitzgerald, Kevin Doyle). Widely recognized for his reserved backing style, Don’s dexterous work on DADGAD-tuned guitar provides solid, driving rhythms to traditional tunes as well as perceptive and sensitive accompaniments to songs and airs. Don is a Michigan native with strong roots in Irish culture and an affinity for Celtic music. Don now resides in NC where he works as Professor at the Wake Forest School of Medicine.

Ticket Information:
Fiddle Workshop Tickets $20
Concert Tickets $25
non-refundable
Event is BYOB

Schedule:

5pm – 6pm Fiddle Workshop (learn a tune and explore different variation/ornamentation possibilities as well as overall phrasing of tunes)
7pm – 7:30pm Cocktail reception (bring your own beverage)
7:30pm  Concert with Haley Richardson & Don Penzien

ABOUT THE CONCERTS

Music lovers can enjoy a true listening room experience as The Sound Wall Recording Studio is transformed into an intimate concert venue.  This cozy, state-of-the-art facility offers guests an up-close-and-personal opportunity to engage with the artists in a warm, BYOB atmosphere.  Housed in a historic Victorian home in downtown Opelika that was lovingly renovated by proprietors Rob and Jen Slocumb (AKA the duo Martha’s Trouble), The Sound Wall Music Initiative (SWMI) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting musicians and music education in the Auburn/Opelika area. Ticket purchases are tax deductible, as they fuel SWMI’s efforts, such as the annual Opelika Songwriter’s Festival, grants to school music programs, educational workshops and more.  Join your friends and neighbors for “Live! At the Wall!”Music lovers can enjoy a true listening room experience as The Sound Wall Recording Studio is transformed into an intimate concert venue.  This cozy, state-of-the-art facility offers guests an up-close-and-personal opportunity to engage with the artists in a warm, BYOB atmosphere.  Housed in a historic Victorian home in downtown Opelika that was lovingly renovated by proprietors Rob and Jen Slocumb (AKA the duo Martha’s Trouble), The Sound Wall Music Initiative (SWMI) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting musicians and music education in the Auburn/Opelika area. Ticket purchases are tax deductible, as they fuel SWMI’s efforts, such as the annual Opelika Songwriter’s Festival, grants to school music programs, educational workshops and more.  Join your friends and neighbors for “Live! At the Wall!”