This article by Tara McGovern was originally published in Little Village issue 297. I’m tearing my house apart looking for a piece of paper. The hunt delays the grief. That paper led me to take all of Ira “John” Rapson’s classes and to gratefully leap when he called me back into his ensembles years after… Read More In memoriam: Ira John Rapson, 1953-2021
Nielo Gaglione and I are thrilled to announce that our new collaboration KERAK sprang to life on July 29, 2021 at Wild Culture Kombucha in Iowa City. Please enjoy this short medley of excerpts from our concert with special thanks to Nielo for his editing wizardry. Where would you like Kerak to play next?
We Return concert by The Soft and Low July 23, 2021. Photo by Bethany Niciu Thank you so much for being with us and for sharing this magical shot, Bethany! Image Description: Fiddler and guitarist in shadow standing in front of a house illuminated by fairy lights and a lawn full of friends and neighbors.
Do you like free food*? Music? Local leaders who care about and work tirelessly for our most vulnerable neighbors? *vegan option available* Come to the Hai for Coralville Campaign Kickoff TONIGHT at Coralville Central Park anytime between 5:30-7! I’ll be the one with the 🎻 Come say hi!
Nielo and I are over the moon with delight to be joined for our Kerak performance on Thursday, July 29 7 pm at Wild Culture Kombucha by singer-songwriter John William Watkins. John is a singer songwriter who has garnered a following for his daring, whimsy and candid story telling. Please join us in welcoming him!
Today, 11 Iowa musicians begin recording “Esteban and the Children of the Sun”, a true story with modern context. Music by John Rapson, Nielo Gaglione, Kevin Burt and Miguel Espinoza. Our governor fears history but we don’t. Stay tuned for our concert at the Englert October 3, 2021 which will also feature the work of… Read More Esteban and the Children of the Sun
In my profession, watching video of my past performance is instrumental in providing insight into what may or may not be working in my favor. If you watch the video of yesterday’s meeting, you will have many opportunities to witness the ways in which communication may or may not be working between the board of… Read More My public statement for the June 17, 2021 Johnson County Board of Supervisors meeting
Tara McGovern (fiddle, vocals) and Nielo Gaglione (mandole algérois, vocals) are KERAK, a global collision of love and unity through strings and song.
Tara McGovern (fiddle) and Keith Reins (guitar) are life-long musicians who have performed together as a duo and in several Irish bands for over 15 years. At an O’Keith & McFiddle performance, you’ll be treated to an eclectic mix of lively jigs, reels and hornpipes; compelling arrangements of Irish, Scottish, English and American traditional songs… Read More O’Keith & McFiddle
Huge congratulations to my precious friend Nielo Gaglione on the May 21, 2021 release of Gulf of Lion by Nielo & Rastyron! I’m so honored to add some of my fiddle and voice to this beautiful album.
Tara McGovern 