“Ed, Mary, and Cathy play music beautifully. That is why their performance at All Saints Church in Pontiac has become an annual event. Invite them to play for you. You’ll be glad you did. ” - Fred Liddle, Senior Warden
— All Saints Chuch
“The Irish in America program was a highlight of our summer season! The program was interesting, informative, upbeat, and most of all, fun!” - Jennifer Shaker, Library Director, Willett Free Library
Ed Sweeney & Mary King & Cathy Clasper-Torch
Mary King is the recipient of a 2018–2019 and 2019 - 2020 grant from the Southern New England Apprentice Program as a Master Celtic Harpist. As Mary has said,“I love every moment I play; the harp is a wonder – sweet, soulful yet also bursting in excitement with great rhythms and gorgeous melodies. I feel blessed to play at so many memorable times in peoples lives.” Mary King’s parents came from Ireland which gave her a real love of Celtic music. That love of music has been her pathway to other genres of music.
Cathy Clasper-Torch started performing with Mary King and Ed Sweeney in 2021 . Cathy Clasper-Torch is one of the best known multi-instrumentalists and singers in Southern New England. Cathy is adept with various musical styles including classical, jazz and folk. Cathy’s is in constant demand to perform onstage with various ensembles playing fiddle/violin, cello, piano and ehru. Cathy combines her love of all genres of music in her playing and improvising.
Ed Sweeney, Mary King and Cathy Clasper-Torch are currently performing songs and instrumentals focusing on Stephen Foster to Mark Twain and The Irish In America to libraries, community centers and other venues throughout New England.
Booking Information
Mary King at (401) 500-0234 or email:marykingharp@gmail.com
or
Ed Sweeney call/text (401) 497-4675 or email: sweeneymusic@gmail.com
“They captured the hearts of the audience with a mix of Irish jigs, ballads, folk songs, story telling, and jokes. Everyone enjoyed the beautiful Celtic harp, dulcimer, fiddle, banjo, and assorted percussion instruments. Mary, Cathy, and Ed are very friendly, professional, and easy to work with, too. I highly recommend them! ” - Heather Savage
— Willett Fee Library
“The Irish in America Concert on the patio at Rochambeau Library was amazing! The audience was delighted with the stories and music shared by Mary, Cathy and Ed. This group knows how to create an easy and warm atmosphere that is both engaging and fun! ” - Aimee Fontaine
— Rochambeau Library
“It was a pleasure having you both here and the program was just wonderful. We had quite a wide range of ages, and they all seemed to enjoy it as much as I did. The music you performed was just the right scale for a library concert, and I loved that you had people sing along, which, as you explained, was how the songs were meant to be experienced. ” - Jessica Wilson
— South Kingstown Public Library/Peace Dale
“An Evening of Foster and Twain is wonderful show. Mary King and Ed Sweeney bring genuine enjoyment and deep affection to the words and music of 19th century masters Stephen Foster and Mark Twain. Through Mary and Ed, they come alive and reveal the passions, riddles, and confidences of a time and place that’s both familiar and unlike anything we know today.” - Wil Gregersen
— Community Services Librarian Warwick Public Library
