Susan Young - ProfilesArchive

About Me

I am a musician and artist of many crafts. I have been singing since I was a very young girl. Church choirs, school groups and the like. I had my first public performance when I was in 6th grade. It was so much fun. My musical background is varied. I was very fortunate to be surrounded by music from an early age. I grew up listening to a lot of Motown and Do-wop, classical music and opera, Jazz and blues, and my most favorite, my Uncle Bill's big piano accordian while he was singing all of these French-Canadian songs. In my 20's I started to get involved with local historical re-enactment groups (because I am a history geek) and through that listened a great deal to folk music. Steeleye Span, Tannahill Weavers, etc... It was then I was introduced to Silly Wizard and The Chieftains. I've been hooked ever since. I have been seriously studying Irish song (in english and irish) for the last 12 yrs and picked up the Bodhran about 9 yrs ago. I have since picked up tunes on the whistle and had some harp & fiddle lessons.I play regularly at sessions in Manchester, Concord and Portsmouth, NH and in Portland, ME. From time to time, I also play with a few local bands from Concord, NH (www.reaganta.com) and Portland, ME (www.boghat.com).Please feel free to check out my website: www.irishsinger.net

My Interests

I have many interests. Irish music & song. Amtgard (an international, non-profit, medieval re-enactment organization - www.amtgardinc.com ). I am also an eternal hobbyist. I sew, do a lot of embroidery, create & paint illuminated scrolls for my amtgard chapter, design and make jewelry, photography and leather work. There hasn't been a hobby that I've tried that I don't like.

Music:

I like all different types of music. My influences (in particular order) have been soprano Maria Calis, Neal Peart, John Doyle, David Surrette, Roisin White, Aoife Clancy, Ian Anderson, Solas, Planxty, Gershwin, Marvin Gaye, and my Uncle Bill. Mostly I listen to Irish music. Dance tunes and songs that are heard in sessions. I also love haunting airs and laments. To me, irish music is almost sentient. It has a life of it's own. It can inspire you, sympathize with you, heal you, and of course it can cheer you.

Movies:

I'm a history buff, so most of the movies I like fall into that genre. 300, Henry V, Gladiator, 13th Warrior, LoTR series. Some of my favorites from other Genres are: Oceans 11 (original and Clooney verions) Batman Begins, Anchorman, Die Hard, The Secret of Roan Inish, Harvey, Mr Smith Goes to Washington and The Postman Never Rings Twice.

Television:

Specials on the History Channel and the International History Channel. Guilty pleasure.... CSI

Heroes:

I have a few hero's. My mom & dad. They are both very courageous people and taught me to stand up for my self and for what I believe in. They also taught me to be open minded and to not judge others.Even though I have never met them, I am deeply moved by my mother's grandparents. They had the strength and courage to leave everything they knew, for a new country and new language and new people. Just so that they could give their family a better life.My high school music teacher, Miss Giannini. She taught me that great music comes from the soul.