Melanie Beth Curran is a New York City-based folklorist, traditional musician, Irish American Song Saver, and writer.
She is the author of “Happy Within: An Irish American Songbook”. Her live performance “takes you on this journey through the evolution of Irish American music” -Rick Steves Monday Night Travel, by “pulling field recordings through the annals of time and sharing them with a new generation of folk music enthusiasts.” -Courtney Fox (@thefoxandtheivy).
Curran’s performance transports listeners back and forth over centuries of musical history and landscape, all while “shifting narratives around the Irish-American experience through music” -Hannah Mayree, Black Banjo Reclamation Project. Fans of traditional American song, hidden histories, and Irish musicality will delight in Curran's performance of forgotten traditionals and “rousing originals” -The Irish Echo. Melanie was a Fulbright recipient for her work documenting the living musical traditions of Bretagne, France.
“We had the privilege of catching one of Melanie’s shows in Rhode Island a few months ago and were blown away. Her Irish American songbook is incredible, as well as her deep research and commitment to keeping these songs alive.” -Jason Principi, Thee Phibbs
The Irish American Song Project
Melanie Beth Curran collects and unearths lost Irish American Song and shares them in publications and performances. She is dedicated to celebrating the unsung and forgotten musical contributions of Irish Americans to American Musical History. To support her Irish American Song Project, please donate directly through our Fiscal Sponsor, Fractured Atlas. Your contribution helps fund research, performance, and publication.
Blending Folkore and Musical Performance
Melanie Beth Curran performs originals and traditionals collected and inspired by field recordings, her ancestors, and living Irish American sources. Her performance uses banjo, voice, and guitar to bring listeners on a journey through the evolution of Irish American sound.
Zines
Perfect Reading Materials for your Irish American Meltdown.
