Music of the Mountains: Where to be and what to see -- (Beth) Gadbaw and (Margot) Krimmel

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Beth Gadbaw found herself drawn to Irish music because of her heritage. Her mother’s family emigrated to the United States during Ireland’s Great Famine (1845-1852), settling in upstate New York. From a young age, Gadbaw found herself inspired by that history and culture, particularly once she discovered their musical traditions. From a young age, she’s been singing Irish folk songs, writing limericks, learning the tradition of Irish pub songs, and harmonizing with her triplet sisters. Once she started singing, she never stopped. While she does explore various musical styles, most of her writing and musical performances have roots in Irish music.

Gadbaw especially loves collaborating with others musically, citing the intimacy that develops between artists as a primary reason. Margot Krimmel is one of her longest collaborators, as they’ve been performing for almost three decades. After returning from Ireland in 1998, realizing she missed the sound of her roommate’s Celtic harp, she decided she wanted to learn it herself. David Kolacny, a Denver harpist who co-owns the music store founded by his grandfather, Kolacny Music, recommended Krimmel to Gadbaw. Krimmel’s daughter soon took voice lessons with Gadbaw, and the two teachers quickly embraced their shared passion for traditional music and played it together.

Krimmel likes to say she started her music career at three years old when she started singing whatever came into her head. Playing music, listening to it and dancing along, singing in choirs, playing guitar, exploring various styles, and being a musician in general have always been important parts of her life. Early in her career, she played acoustic bass in a swing band, sang and provided guitar for a country-western band, and dabbled in piano and flute. However, once she started playing the harp, she completely fell in love and embraced it as her primary instrument. 

Our theme song is courtesy of singer-songwriter Brittney Wagner. Stream her record Better off Dead here.

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