Institute of Musical Traditions: Kevin Elam

Kevin Elam presents Irish traditional music as a multi-instrumentalist, singer, and interpreter of traditional ballads. His instruments include tin whistle, guitar, bouzouki, mandolin, banjo, and piano. His musical training also encompasses classical piano, choral singing, jazz keyboard, and a BM in Jazz Studies from George Mason University.

Elam won first place in Men’s English Singing at the 2019 Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Drogheda, Ireland, receiving the Dalaigh Shield. He has also earned second-place All-Ireland medals for accompaniment in 2022 and newly composed songs in 2023, along with nine first-place awards at the CCE Mid-Atlantic Fleadh. His other accomplishments include a George Mason University Young Artist Commissioning Project grant, the 2021 album *If I Were A Small Bird*, and selection as one of Strathmore Music Hall’s six 2023 Artists in Residence.

He performs throughout the United States and abroad as a soloist and with Irish and Scottish music ensembles. His credits include AMP by Strathmore, the Hylton Performing Arts Center, the Music Center at Strathmore, the Kennedy Center, and the National Gallery of Art. He has also toured extensively with Scottish National Fiddle Champion Sean Heely. In addition to performing, Elam teaches piano, guitar, bouzouki, tin whistle, and voice, leads workshops, produces online lessons, and performs jazz, popular music, Renaissance polyphony, and other choral works. He directs the a cappella chamber group Ars Gratia Populi and regularly plays at the Irish Inn’s Monday session in Glen Echo and other Washington-area sessions.

When: November 4

Showtimes: 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Run time: 90 minutes

Performer: Kevin Elam

Tickets: Price not available

Venue: Montgomery College Cultural Arts Center, 7995 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910

Organizer: MC Live Arts