Humankind Series presents Conversations in Irish Folk Music

The West Shore Community College Humankind Series and Performing Arts Series will present a virtual evening of Irish folk music entitled, “Crossing the Divide: Conversations in Irish Folk Music,” on March 17, at 7 p.m. The event will be streamed on the Facebook pages of both the Humankind and the Performing Arts Series.

In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, “Crossing the Divide” is a musical presentation and lecture by WSCC Professor of English and Education Seán Henne. Drawing on the strength of his family’s Irish musical tradition and his own experiences as an Irish studies scholar, Henne traces themes of loss and reconciliation across several Irish folksongs.

“Both the history of Ireland and the experiences of immigrant families like mine are full of hardship and alienation,” says Henne.  “But they are also full of hope and efforts at making real, positive, human connections despite the challenges, and that is the theme of the evening.”

“We’re very excited to have Seán joining us for this unique evening of traditional Irish folk music and stories,” said WSCC Professor of Philosophy Dr. Matt Sanderson, who chairs the college’s Humankind planning team. “Seán will interweave Irish folk music with stories and information from his background as an Irish studies scholar, creating a wonderful learning opportunity for those interested in the culture and history of Ireland.”

Henne teaches courses in English composition, education, literature, and the First Year Seminar. He is also the chair of the college’s Student Success Team and president of the WSCC Faculty Association. He holds a BA in English and history from Lawrence University in Wisconsin, and an MA in Irish studies from Boston College.

Henne grew up playing traditional Irish folk music as part of a large, multi-generational Irish family in Charlevoix, Michigan. He has previously performed Irish folk music with his brothers on WSCC’s Center Stage Theater.

This event is part of the college’s humankind series which this year is focused on the British Isles countries of Ireland, England, Scotland, and Wales.

For more information about the humankind series, visit humankindwscc.org, facebook.com/humankindwscc, or contact humankind@westshore.edu.

Information about the college’s Performing Arts Series is available at https://www.westshore.edu/community/performing-arts/ and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/wsccperformingarts/, or by emailing tdmalt@westshore.edu.