History

The Celtic Music Association originated as a dinner topic in the spring of 1992 between Jerry Freeman and Tom Crowley. Jerry had moved to Des Moines from Dallas and missed the Celtic music scene there. Tom liked Irish music and sang a great Irish ballad. In September of 1992, they gathered some Irish music lovers together at Cooney’s Tavern in Beaverdale to discuss the idea. Deciding it was worth a try, approximately 15 dedicated people became concert promoters that day. One month later, on October 17, the Dublin City Ramblers played to an enthusiastic sold-out crowd at Holy Trinity Parish Hall. The positive feedback convinced the group there was a market in Des Moines for this music. Since then, the Celtic Music Association has sponsored three to four concerts a year. It continues to be governed by a volunteer board who organize all aspects of the concerts. The goal of the association is to provide quality Celtic music to a loyal audience in a fun, friendly environment.