The 2025 Tionól will be centered around the Claddagh Cottage Irish Pub in Orlando, FL. Classes will be at the pub or the nearby Grace Covenant Church, and you are welcome to book an accommodation on your own. (see Schedule page for a list of nearby hotels)
Thanks to Vicki and Scott for all they do for Irish Trad!
2025 marks the 23rd year of the South East Tionól. A tionól is a music gathering whose focus is to allow students of Irish pipes and fiddle the opportunity to meet in person, take lessons from masters of the instrument, participate (or listen) to sessions, and attend a concert of the instructors. Beginners of the uilleann pipes are always welcome. For fiddle, it is expected that the attendee has some basic level proficiency with the instrument (but it does not have to be Irish music).
Instructors
Colleen Shanks
Colleen Shanks is an uilleann piper based in Co. Clare, Ireland. Originally from Michigan, she first found herself captivated by the sound of traditional Irish music when she heard a recording of The Chieftains at age 10.
With an avid desire to learn and play what she heard, she acquired a tin whistle and began teaching herself the tunes from the cassette. She soon found herself immersed in Detroit's vibrant Irish music community.
In Ireland, Colleen attended the University of Limerick's Irish World Academy, where she earned a Master's degree in Irish Traditional Music Performance. Her area of study was uilleann piping, and during the course, she learned from some of the top exponents of the uilleann pipes, including Michael 'Blackie' O'Connell and Mickey Dunne.
Currently, Colleen teaches and performs at piping events on both sides of the Atlantic, and makes hand-stitched pipe bags at home in Co. Clare.
Michael Stribling
Michael Stribling is an uilleann piper living in Tallahassee, Florida and grew up in a family filled with Irish music influences. His teachers included Jerry O’Sullivan and Mickey Dunne.
Michael quickly rose to be a fine uilleann piper and relates closely to the old style piping of Patsy Tuoey. Michael placed 1st in the 2010 All Ireland Uilleann Piping competition in Cavan.
When not competing in Iron Man triathlons, he can be seen and heard playing with his siblings in the band, Killavil, as well as with the group Full Set as they tour the United States.
Michael can be heard on the album “The Rolling Wave, A New generation of Uilleann Pipers”, produced by NPU. He will be a returning teacher to the South East Tionól!
Willie Kelly
Willie Kelly was born and raised in the vibrant Irish music community centered in the Bronx, New York, which was widely known for its abundance of legendary traditional music players. He was originally inspired to play by his Roscommon-born father, and both grandfathers (Roscommon and East Galway), all of whom played fiddle. Willie and his brother Joe studied with great West-Limerick fiddler and teacher Martin Mulvihill. They played a highly acclaimed duo known as “The Kelly Brothers” in concert and festival venues, and on radio in New York.
Willie, who also plays flute and uilleann pipes, collaborated with East Galway musicians Jack and Charlie Coen, Joe Madden and Mike Rafferty among others. He has performed with the Coens for The Smithsonian and appeared in a documentary film which aired on PBS Great Performances. He recorded albums with Mike Rafferty and Donal Clancy (The New Broom, 2009) and David Power (Apples in Winter, 2016). He has also made guest appearances on recording by Mike and Mary Rafferty and Clare concertina player Dymphna O’Sullivan.
Willie is married to East Clare flute-player Siobhán Kelly, who introduced him to legendary Clare fiddlers Martin Rochford, Paddy Canny, and PJ Hayes. Willie and Siobhan both teach and play music in New Jersey where they live, and in the greater New York area. They also enjoy spending time and playing music in East Clare with family and friends. Both Willie and Siobhan are passionate about handing down the tradition. Recent performances at the Catskills Irish Arts Week and the Blarney Star Concert Series in Queens featured sons, daughters, nieces and nephews who are all highly accomplished musicians.
Kathleen Cavanagh
Kathleen Dugan Cavanagh is an uilleann piper and tin whistle player currently living in Orlando, Florida. She first was drawn to the pipes after hearing Kieran O’Hare play with Mick Moloney’s “Green Fields of America” tour. And that was it. As an adult learner, she’s been pursuing piping ever since.
Kathleen teaches lessons in piping virtually and in person and plays with the group Murphy’s Slaw at the Claddagh Cottage Irish Pub. She’s been a performer in the Central Florida area for years and In July of 2024 she was one of the performers at the Willie Clancy Summer School Piping Recital.
Kathleen’s piping has mostly been influenced by the thoughts and playing of Benedict Koehler, Brian McNamara, Seán McKiernan and Tommy Reck. Kathleen will be teaching beginning piping classes at the 2025 South East Tionól.
Stacia Lewis
Stacia Lewis, an uilleann piper living in Orlando, Florida, has dedicated over two decades to the instrument. She has been a reed maker/adjuster and pipes maintenancer for just as long. From harvesting cane for reeds in Florida to helping people get just the “right” blowpipe fit , she’ll find that elusive leak that’s been buggin’ you and direct you how to take care of it.
A great problem-solver, she is an invaluable asset to the southeast piping community and will be helping folks over the Tionól weekend. Her main piping influences include such players as Eamonn Dillon, Seán Potts, and Seán McKiernan.
Gary White
Gary has been playing the whistle and pipes for 20+ years, ever since first hearing pipes in a pub after an Irish Dance competition. A long time Feis Dad, he's also been making reeds almost as long as playing the pipes.
Gary's piping has been influenced by the teaching and playing of Kieran O'Hare, Cillian Vallely, Brian McNamara, Mick O’Brien, Michael Cooney, and David Power. Gary will be helping with pipes maintenance and beginning piping classes at the 2025 South East Tionól.