The Trad Tourist

02/17/2025

I’m home sick today - but a cup of tea, my instrument and binge watching Liz Carroll is its own kind of tourism! ☕️ 🎻 📺

Between August of '21 and October of '24, Liz shared ideas about creativity in learning, playing, and composing Irish music with a marvelous group of interes...

02/09/2025

🎶 Haven’t Read the Blog Yet? 🎶

Don’t miss out on the wild adventure of a Wednesday night session at Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro! From the legendary tunes of Larry Nugent and Frank Quinn to the cozy charm of one of Chicago’s most beloved pubs, this is a story you won’t want to miss.

✨ Dive into the music, the memories, and the magic that make these sessions so unforgettable.

👉 Read the full blog here: https://the-trad-tourist.ghost.io/p/6864c61a-ade9-4298-8fb2-021ea0150604/

📖 Whether you’re a seasoned session player or just love the sound of Irish Trad, this blog is your backstage pass to one of Chicago’s finest traditions.

"It's a smaller, comfortable session... welcoming to all." Dive into the intimate world of Chicago's Irish music scene at Mrs. Murphy's & Sons Irish Bistro. Hosted by the legends Larry Nugent and Frank Quinn, each Wednesday night is a journey through playful improvisations, timeless tunes, and heart...

02/07/2025

🎶 A Longing for Peace 🎶

There’s something about Larry Nugent’s playing that deeply touches the soul, especially when it comes to slow airs. In this beautiful performance of A Longing for Peace from the Gaelic Roots Series at Boston College, you can feel every note carrying the weight of longing, reflection, and hope.

In our blog, we wrote about this very quality in Larry’s music—a blend of his Irish roots, his immigrant experience, and the deep emotion he pours into every tune. Whether it’s a session at Mrs. Murphy’s or a stage in Boston, Larry’s music reminds us of the timeless connection between melody and memory.

✨ Take a moment to listen, and let us know: What tune makes you feel this kind of longing? 💚

📖 Explore more about Larry Nugent and his sessions in our blog: https://the-trad-tourist.ghost.io/p/6864c61a-ade9-4298-8fb2-021ea0150604/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRHYLtuGkKs

Gaelic Roots Series: April 12, 2011, Concert by Larry Nugent (flute, whistle) and Ted Davis (guitar). Connolly House, Boston College.Part of the Gaelic Root...

02/05/2025

🎶 A Night to Remember at Mrs. Murphy’s 🎶

One of my favorite memories from Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro was the night I nervously took my seat next to my friend Ben Pierro, a bouzouki and mandolin player. The session was intimate, with only 4-5 musicians that evening, but the atmosphere was cozy and welcoming, as always.

Here’s how Ben described it: “It’s a smaller, comfortable session. The bar is well-lit, and there’s ample space for the musicians. It’s very welcoming. Even if you only know a few tunes, the session hosts love hearing you play them.”

That’s the magic of Mrs. Murphy’s—a place where every musician feels at home, whether they’re seasoned players or just getting started.

✨ Want to read more about these special sessions and the incredible musicians who lead them? Click here: https://the-trad-tourist.ghost.io/p/6864c61a-ade9-4298-8fb2-021ea0150604/

💚 Have you been to this session? Share your favorite session memories in the comments—we’d love to hear them!

"It's a smaller, comfortable session... welcoming to all." Dive into the intimate world of Chicago's Irish music scene at Mrs. Murphy's & Sons Irish Bistro. Hosted by the legends Larry Nugent and Frank Quinn, each Wednesday night is a journey through playful improvisations, timeless tunes, and heart...

02/04/2025

🎶 Experience the Magic of a Chicago Session—From Home! 🎶
Step into the world of Traditional Irish music at Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro, where legendary musicians like Larry Nugent and Frank Quinn lead unforgettable sessions.

✨ In this month's blog, you’ll find:
• Inspiring stories from Chicago’s Irish music community.
• The tunes that bring these sessions to life, including those led by Larry and Frank.
• A glimpse into the cozy, welcoming atmosphere of Mrs. Murphy’s.

📖 Click here to read the full story and bring the magic of a Wednesday session to your own home: https://the-trad-tourist.ghost.io/p/6864c61a-ade9-4298-8fb2-021ea0150604/

Whether you’re a player or a listener, this is your backstage pass to one of Chicago’s most cherished Irish Trad sessions. 💚

"It's a smaller, comfortable session... welcoming to all." Dive into the intimate world of Chicago's Irish music scene at Mrs. Murphy's & Sons Irish Bistro. Hosted by the legends Larry Nugent and Frank Quinn, each Wednesday night is a journey through playful improvisations, timeless tunes, and heart...

02/02/2025

🎶 ROLL CALL! 🎶

If you could sit down with any Irish musician, past or present, and learn just one tune from them, who would it be—and why?

✨ Whether it’s a legendary All-Ireland Champion, a local hero, or a personal mentor, we’d love to hear your dream session and the tune you’d choose. Share your thoughts in the comments, and let’s inspire each other with our musical aspirations! 💚