IAHM's 2026 Trad/Folk Performance Series: RICHARD HEARN AND KATE KNUDSVIG

Join the Irish American Heritage Museum this November 16, 2026 at 7:00 PM for an evening of lively tunes from Richard Hearn and Kate Knudsvig, two renowned traditional performers. IAHM's Flanagan Theater is the perfect spot to hear Richard and Kate - Albany's most intimate venue - and recently nominated for the 2026 Thomas Edison Music and Hall of Fame's "Best Alternative Venue" award!

Richard Hearn (trichordo bouzouki/guitar) is a renowned accompanist based in Baltimore, Maryland. Richard got his start with Irish traditional music while living in Europe, and toured internationally with several Irish and Scottish music projects before returning to the United States. Richard regularly tours with his trio, the East Coasters, who have performed to a sold-out house at the IAHM's Flanagan Theater in 2025. Richard has toured and performed as an accompanist on the trichordo bouzouki and guitar with several internationally acclaimed musicians, including Billy and Sean McComiskey, Steph Geremia, Sarah Collins, and Kate Knudsvig. Most recently, Richard brilliantly accompanied some of the world's best tenor banjo performers at the 2026 Catskills Irish Arts Week special tribute concert honoring Michael J. Flanagan and the Famouse Flanagan Brothers.

Kate Knudsvig (fiddle) is both a classical violinist and Irish fiddler - was born in Hof, Germany, and currently resides in Boston, Massachusetts. While studying at Eastman with Federico Agostini and later with Juliana Athayde, Kate's artistic trajectory took an unexpected turn as she found herself drawn to styles of music apart from classical. Kate fell in love with Irish traditional music while attending the New England Conservatory, where she obtained a Master’s degree in Contemporary Musical Arts under the guidance of renowned Irish fiddler and educator, Liz Knowles (and IAHM friend!). A touring musician, Kate is the fiddle player in the PBS supergroup Celtic Thunder, and also regularly performs with one of their lead singers, world-renowned Irish tenor Emmet Cahill, as well as her all-female traditional music and vocal ensemble, Forsyth.

IAHM is grateful to sponsors of this event: Michael Flanagan Irish Music Heritage, Inc., Metroland Now, Common Roots Brewing Company, and ParkAlbany.

Show your ticket the day of the show at Common Roots Brewing Company and get the Common Roots’ special “IAHM Buy One / Get One” beverage deal!!!