Gradam Ceoil TG4

Citation

Angelina Carberry is a banjo player, born and raised in Manchester, England. The Carberry family, originally of County Longford, are renowned for their music. Angelina began playing tin whistle when she was very young, but it wasn’t long before she gravitated towards the banjo, the instrument on which she has garnered acclaim. The Carberry family’s musical heritage stretches back for generations. Her great-grandfather Peter played the melodeon and her great-grandmother would lilt traditional tunes to her grandchildren in “The Holla” near Keenagh, Co. Longford. Her grandfather Kevin played the banjo for céilis in Co. Longford and at house dances with his brother Peter, who played the uilleann pipes. Her father Peter plays the button accordion and the banjo as well and he founded various traditional music groups in Manchester – Toss The Feathers, Skidoo & Good Tradition.

Angelina formerly played with the group “The Bumblebees” and recorded two CDs with them. In 1998, Angelina moved to Galway, and it wasn’t long before she was immersed in the music scene there. She recorded an album with her father Peter titled “Memories of the Holla” which was released to great acclaim. She has also recorded with accordion players Martin Quinn and Dan Brouder, as well as two solo albums, “An Traidisiún Beo” & “Pluckin’ Good”. Angelina’s banjo playing has a very distinctive style. Her music is highly rhythmic and every note is clear and heartfelt. Angelina has been chosen for the TG4 Gradam in recognition of all that she has achieved and all she has done for the promotion of Irish music in her home city of Manchester, as well as for the important role she has played in the promotion of the banjo in traditional Irish music, and in helping to bring female musicians to the fore. Long may she continue!