Tradition and Tomorrow: The Living Story of Irish Music

Welcome to the Savannah Irish Podcast brought to you by The Savannah Irish Festival!

In this episode of the Savannah Irish podcast, host Tara Reese welcomes Irish musicians Tom O’Carroll and Michael Corbett to discuss the rich traditions and living story of Irish music.

The Savannah Irish Podcast is proudly supported by The Irish Pub Company - the ‘Official Partner of the Guinness Irish Pub Concept’ which means that they are rated as the best in the world at creating the most profitable and authentic Irish Hospitality Concepts. They design, manufacture and fit out your venue from start to finish.

The podcast delves into the influence of Irish music in America, how tradition is kept alive in Ireland, and the impact of sessions, festivals, and mentorships. Both musicians share their personal journeys, favorite songs, and the role of modern technology in promoting Irish music.

They also touch on the challenges and joys of maintaining musical traditions in a changing world. The episode closes with a lively discussion on the future of Irish music and the social role it plays in different cultures.

Learn more about the VOICES in this episode AND tap the links to support the Savannah Irish Festival:

Learn all about the Savannah Irish Festival at the Alee Temple on Saturday, February 7, and Sunday, February 8, 2026

MEET our SHOW SPONSOR - The Irish Pub Company

MEET our PRODUCTION CREW: Proudly produced by Dee Daniels Media

FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:32 Meet the Musicians: Michael Corbett and Tom O’Carroll

01:12 The Influence of Irish Music in America

02:55 Personal Journeys into Irish Music

07:40 The Evolution of Irish Music

13:33 The Importance of Oral Tradition and Sessions

19:09 Irish Festivals and Their Role in Sustaining Music

24:02 Savannah's Vibrant Irish Festival

24:46 Attracting Younger Generations

25:39 Challenges of Modernizing Traditional Music

27:18 Influence of Irish Music on Other Genres

29:40 The Role of Social Media in Promoting Music

33:02 Blending Tradition with Modern Styles

39:02 Irish Music's Global Reach

42:46 Favorite and Least Favorite Songs

45:52 A Song About Tara