Joan McGovern translates Irish folk tales into delightful original songs for the young and old. Whether she is strumming the guitar, beating the bodhran, or using puppets, Joan gets her audience involved with movement or singing along. Joan sings her songs at festivals, schools, libraries, nursing homes-wherever there are people who are young at heart.
Mad Celt Fest 2010
Milwaukee Irish Fest 2010
ABOUT JOAN
Joan received awards for Irish singing and for Irish poetry. Joan studied Gaelic singing with Meati Jo Sheamuis, Irish singing with Daryl Simpson and Kell Chole, and Irish guitar with John Doyle, Dave Curley, and John Nicholson.
Joan with Seamus Kennedy at Oshkosh Irish Fest 2010
PERFORMANCES
2012
Reclaiming Our Heritage
Sat. June 2: Milwaukee Veterans' Medical Center
St. Patrick's Day Celebration
Fri. March. 16: Mary Queen of Saints, West Allis
2011
Wisconsin Highland Games, Waukesha Expo Center
Sat. Sept. 3: Tea Room (1:00, 4:00)
Sun. Sept. 4: Tea Room (1:00, 4:00)
Settlers Weekend, 84th and National, West Allis
Sat. Aug. 27: Children's Area (1:00)
Sun. Aug. 28: Children's Area (1:00)
Irish Fest, Milwaukee
Sun. Aug. 12: Cultural Village (11:00-3:00)
2010
MadCelt Fest, Madison
Sat. Sept. 18: Children's Area (12:30)
Half Saint Paddy's Day Celebration with Derek Byrne and the Kinsella Irish Dancers
Fri. Sept. 17: Mary Queen of Saints, West Allis (6:00-9:00)
Irish Fest, Milwaukee
Sat. Aug. 21: Children's Area (2 performances)
Sun. Aug. 22: Children's Stage (4:30)
Irish Fest, Oshkosh
Sat. June 12: Cultural Tent (12:30)
April 23, 2010-Mary Queen of Saints, West Allis-3 performances (High Interest Day)
March 17, 2010-Mary Queen of Saints, West Allis-2 performances (St. Patrick's Day)
- "Joan's performance was well liked by those in attendance. Joan was very accomodating and easy to work with. I hope she is able to participate in our festival in future years and I have no hesitation recommending her for any other event." Jeff Propson, Oshkosh Irish Fest Cultural Activities Chairman
- "(Joan McGovern's) music told stories about the hardships in Ireland and its history. Joan would be a wonderful asset for mature and young audiences alike." Renee Hicks, 3K teacher
- "I enjoyed your CD very much. You have a very 'distinct' style voice." John Cullinane, Cobh, Ireland
- "We love your CD." David and June Mills, Belfast, Northern Ireland
- "Your songs are really beautiful. 'River Lee' is a truly unique song." John Harling, Irish Music Adjudicator
- "The kids talked about the Irish songs after the performance, and they said they'd like to hear them again." Kristin Rindt, 1st grade teacher
- "Even though many of my students were tired, Joan kept their attention with her upbeat songs and the use of her guitar and Bodhran. My students really enjoyed listening to her music and so did I! I would highly recommend her to perform to others-children or adults!" Colleen Schwarz, 4K teacher
- "I like 'In Again Finnegan'!" 6th grade boy
- "You are a great singer!" 5th grade girl
PLAY LIST:
In Again Finnegan
Giants’ Causeway
The Giant Potato
Colin’s Cradle
McNamara’s Band
The White Trout
Clever Tom and the Leprechaun
Fhear A'Bhata
River Lee
To a Mousie
Captain Coulston
The Unicorn Song
Irish Blessing
CLICK ON "MORE MUSIC":
- FOR JOAN'S CHILDREN'S SONGS, FROM THE SILLY "BANANA IN MY POCKET" TO THE WISTFUL "WISHIN' GONE FISHIN'"
- TO DISCOVER HER HUMOROUS "TAKE" ON RAISING CHILDREN, WHICH SHE SINGS ABOUT AT BABY SHOWERS
- FOR INFORMATION ABOUT JOAN'S SONGWRITING WORKSHOPS
- TO BOOK A PERFORMANCE
"Land of Heart's Desire...where joy is wisdom, time an endless song." William Butler Yeats
