New Public Television Special Chronicles Irish Music’s Global Impact

Premieres nationwide on public television August and Fall 2010 (check local listings)

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Extraordinary music special features new interviews and rare footage of artists such as Black 47, The Corrs, The Cranberries, Damien Dempsey, Glen Hansard, Sinéad O’Connor, U2, Damien Rice, and The Script

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Music of Ireland — Welcome to America continues the definitive story of contemporary Irish music, focusing on the latest and greatest musical exports from the Emerald Isle.  Picking up where Music of Ireland — Welcome Home left off, this extraordinary look at the most renowned Irish musical artists, takes the viewer on a trans-Atlantic journey – from Ireland’s West Coast to the heartland of America. In Welcome Home, Liam Clancy, who was interviewed right before his death, talked about how valuable each moment of his life is. The Irish Voice heralded it as “one priceless moment in a priceless documentary.” On each stop, Music of Ireland — Welcome to America gives audiences an intimate look at who has contributed to the continuation of this glorious relationship between country and music.

Once again hosted by Clannad’s Grammy Award-winning Moya Brennan, the performance-laden documentary features six Grammy Award winners, Academy Award and Golden Globe winners, and three Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees. Produced by the Elevation Group’s Denny Young – an American music and television production veteran who has produced special concert events for Duran Duran, Seal, LeAnn Rimes, Counting Crows, and many others, Music of Ireland — Welcome to America premieres nationwide on public television beginning in August and will air throughout the fall (check local listings). The program is distributed nationally by WLIW21 in association with WNET.ORG and sponsored in part by Barnes & Noble and Tourism Ireland.

Music of Ireland – Welcome to America picks up the story with the emergence of U2 and their development into the greatest, live touring act today. The performance documentary continues with a detailed look at today’s very impressive singer/songwriter scene in Dublin (featuring Academy Award-winner Glen Hansard of The Swell Season and The Frames, Damien Rice and Damien Dempsey) and an intimate piece on Sinéad O’Connor, her incredible music and the now well-documented papal controversy that ultimately proved O’Connor correct. Other highlights include the PBS phenom programs Lord of the Dance and Celtic Woman as well as the great Irish rock/pop acts: The Cranberries, The Corrs, Black 47 and The Script. One of the most interesting moments in the show explores how Irish music has influenced America and American culture – as showcased by performers at the Dublin Irish Festival in Dublin, Ohio.

Brennan, Enya’s eldest sister, goes to great lengths in her interviews to get the closest look yet into what makes these great artists tick, how their musical lives have been influenced and each artist’s special relationships with both Ireland and America. Never-before-seen performances, rare clips and archival photographs highlight each segment of the show. Music of Ireland — Welcome to America is directed by four-time Emmy Award-winner Philip Marshall, a former senior producer and director at THIRTEEN/WNET and current executive producer of national productions for Maryland Public Television.

“I marvel at how this tiny country has produced so much great music,” stated Executive Producer Denny Young. “I am in awe of each one of these artists and yet it is truly amazing how down to earth they all really are. The Irish spirit shines brightly and that is something we hope the viewer takes away from the experience.”

“This has been an amazing journey so far,” commented Moya Brennan. “Never in my 40 years of working in the Irish music community had I totally recognized the impact we have all had on the world generally and in America specifically. And I must say, it has been a real treat to be on the other side of the camera talking to Glen, Damien, Paddy, Sinéad, Bono, Adam, and so many others.”

“Public television viewers have consistently supported Irish music and performers. They want to learn more of their stories,” said Gillian Rose, Head of Distribution for WNET.ORG. “Welcome to America” spotlights artists from the last 30 years, tracing the beginnings of rock sensations like The Cranberries and U2, while introducing viewers to stars on the rise like The Script.”

The Music of Ireland — Welcome to America DVD featuring bonus material and the Music of Ireland – Welcome Home CD and DVD will be available to viewers who make a donation in support of their local public television station during the broadcasts. For more information, visit musicofireland.com.

A production of the Elevation Group. Executive Producer: Denny Young. Director: Philip Marshall. A presentation of WLIW21 in association with WNET.ORG. Funded in part by Barnes & Noble and Tourism Ireland.