We’re pleased to announce a new addition to the PIMW Family, as Johnny B Connolly has agreed to teach button accordion!
Johnny B. Connolly was born and raised in Dublin, and has been immersed in Irish traditional music since he was eight years old. By the age of 15 he was a regular feature around his hometown, performing with musicians sometimes twice his age. Johnny’s dexterity on the accordion earned him a slot with established Celtic ensemble Anam at the age of 17. For the next two years, he continued to build his reputation back home in Dublin’s trad music scene and abroad with Anam, touring festivals throughout Europe and Ireland.
In 1996, Johnny moved to the U.S., eventually finding himself Portland, Oregon. A friendship with Kevin Burke, legendary Irish fiddler and fellow Portland resident, led to Johnny’s signing with Green Linnet Records in 2001. His CD Bridgetown was released to universally glowing reviews. A collection of traditional Irish and French tunes, the album features guest appearances by Burke and production by guitarist Ged Foley. In 2014 Johnny joined the internationally acclaimed Irish band Solas and is featured on their latest CD All These Years.
Johnny has also toured with such artists as Eammon McElholm, Kevin Burke, Nuala Kennedy, Tony Furtado, Aidan Brennan, and Casey Neill. He currently calls Colorado home, and performs regularly with Portal co-founder, Pete Strickler.