6-15-12: Maryland Traditions

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The Maryland Traditions program keeps folk traditions from across the state alive through apprenticeships and public performances. What kind of traditions? All kinds, from bluegrass in Cecil County to layer cake on Smith Island to African-American "singing and praying bands" that got their start in Methodist prayer meetings.

Our two guests this morning represent Baltimore's rich Irish traditional music community. Flautist Laura Byrne trained at the Peabody Conservatory and has released two solo recordings; she was a Maryland Traditions apprentice in 2008. Billy McComiskey is an award-winning accordionist; he's been recording and performing for over three decades. Today, they play a couple tunes and tell Tom Hall their approaches to upholding their tradition.

Byrne and McComiskey will be joined by pianist Donna Long for "The Baltimore Salute" tomorrow at the Maryland Traditions Festival. The Festival is free and runs from 11am to 7pm at the Creative Alliance in southeast Baltimore.