Gailfean Band returns to the Stonefield Cellars stage for an encore performance of the best that traditional Irish music can offer. The all-star line-up includes guitarist Don Penzien, Brian Conway on fiddle, and John Whelan on accordian.
About the Band:
Brian Conway–
New York born fiddler Brian Conway is a leading exponent of the tastefully ornamented Sligo fiddling style made famous by the late Michael Coleman. The winner of two All- Ireland junior titles in 1973 and 1974 and the All-Ireland senior championship of 1986, Brian’s early studies were with his father Jim of Plumbridge, County Tyrone and with Limerick born fiddler/teacher Martin Mulvihill. However, it was the legendary fiddler and composer Martin Wynne who taught him the real secrets of the County Sligo style. Later, Brian met and befriended the great Andy McGann of New York, a direct student of Michael Coleman, who further shaped his precision and skill on the instrument.
In 1979, Brian recorded a duet album, The Apple In Winter (Green Linnet) with fellow New York fiddler Tony Demarco. He released his debut solo CD, First Through the Gate, on the Smithsonian-Folkways label in July 2002. This CD was voted the Album of the Year by The Irish Echo. Brian is also featured on the CD, My Love is in America, recorded at the Boston College Irish Fiddle Festival, and on the documentary Shore to Shore”which highlights traditional Irish music in New York. He is considered one of the musical rocks in the New York area.
In 2007, Brian released a CD titled A Tribute to Andy McGann on the prestigious Irish Label Cló Iar-Chonnachta. This CD pairs up Irish music legends Joe Burke and Felix Dolan along with Brian in a CD which has received glowing accolades since its release in the summer of 2007. Brian followed this CD with a much-anticipated solo CD titled Consider the Source in deference to the rich environment from which Brian learned his music. This CD was released in 2008 on the Cló Iar-Chonnachta Label. This CD features guest appearances by music greats Niamh Parsons, Dan Milner, Billy McComiskey, Joannie Madden, Felix Dolan, and Brendan Dolan. Earle Hitchner of the Irish Echo described this CD as “Easily one of the best releases this year.” Brian followed up that recording with the highly acclaimed Pride of New York, and last year, in 2017, recorded with the group Gailfean, featuring John Whelan, Mairtin DeCogain and Don Penzien
Don Penzien has long been a top-flight performer of Irish traditional music. He frequently is on the road playing concerts and festivals with various bands. 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. Upon relocating south, he found Mississippi sorely lacking as per its appreciation of the Irish and Scottish traditions native to many of the state’s citizens. So, in 1992, he founded and for 25 years he directed what has evolved into a much-revered celebration of traditional Celtic music and dance—CelticFest Mississippi. Don has now relocated to North Carolina (where he works as Professor of Psychiatry, Anesthesiology and Neurology at the Wake Forest School of Medicine).
John Whelan – Seven-time all-Ireland champion John Whelan is one of the world’s best living Irish button accordion players. John was raised in the vibrant London Irish music scene of the 1970s, and learned his craft from such legends as Lucy Farr, Roger Sherlock, Paddy Taylor, Mick O Connor and his teacher Brendan Mulkaire. He moved to the USA in 1980 and has been inspiring Celtic musicians and fans ever since. Along with his All-Ireland Championships, he was twice awarded musician of the year from the Irish Music Association. He has over 15 CDs and has performed on Late Night with Conan Obrien. John Is also a sought-after composer and producer. His music has been featured on such TV shows as Sex in the City and History’s Mysteries and History Detective. Currently John performs with the John Whelan Band and Gailfean. John has dedicated most of his life to delivering the gift of song through his accordion.
Advance Ticket Purchase is Recommended: You will not receive physical tickets. Your name will be placed on a Pre-Paid Will-Call list at the Entrance Table; please have your ID available in case we need to confirm your ticket purchase. If you have any questions regarding tickets you can reach us over the phone at 336-644-9908 during regular business hours (12-6pm Thurs-Sat & 1-6pm Sun).
COST: See Seating Options below.
EVENT TIMELINE: Concert is from 7-9 (or a wee bit later) pm. The Food Truck will be ready to serve by 6:30 pm. Guests may arrive at any time prior to the concert. Prior to 6:30 pm please proceed to our Tasting Room to purchase your ticket or get your prepaid wristband. After 6:30 pm, at-the-gate sales and Will Call check-in will be at our Entrance Table.
INSIDE OR OUT?: This concert will be held OUTSIDE in our lovely garden, rain or shine. Dress for the weather. Should severe, unsafe conditions arise, it is possible that the concert will be delayed or interrupted until it is safe to start/resume. We will post any schedule changes on our website and on the Stonefield Cellars Winery Facebook Page.
SEATING:
- 4-person Front Row VIP Bistro Seating for $60 (includes admission for four)
- 6-person Front Row VIP Glass-Top Table Seating for $90 (includes admission for six)
- 4-person Pavilion VIP Bistro Seating for $60 (includes admission for four)
- General Admission ($12.50/person): Bring a lawn chair for our terraced lawn area, or we have first-come-first-seat picnic tables in the upper garden.
- Side Lawn Admission ($10/person): Bring a lawn chair or picnic blanket. This area does not have a direct view of the band! Best for guests who want plenty of room to socialize, drink and dance. Side Lawn attendees can still hear the music and the lawn has easy access to our Tasting Room & Food Truck. (Picnic blankets available in Tasting Room, boho tables on side lawn are available on an unreserved basis.)
DRINKS: Wine, Fresh Sangria, Beer, and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase.
FOOD: Maho’s Bistro ( will be our food truck for the evening!
EVENT POLICIES –
- Please follow best-practice protocols for keeping yourself and our community safe from any communicable disease. Please refrain from visiting us when you are sick.
- No Pets
- No Outside Alcohol (because that is prohibited by law) or Outside Food (please support the Food Truck)
- No Coolers (complimentary beverage chillers available at bar)
- No Smoking (includes vaping)
- No Littering our parking lot or property
Concert tickets are non-refundable but are transferable.
