Susan Gillespie

"The Sweetheart of Mayo"

Susan Gillespie

Singer, Song Writer, Performer

Susan hails from Killala, Co. Mayo in the northwest of Ireland, and is affectionately known by her American audience as the "Sweetheart of Mayo"

Susan began singing at a very early age when her parents and teachers entered her in various singing competitions in Ireland.

Competitions:

1st prize--Cannaught championship, solo singing Gaelic language song, Crossmolina Feis, Co. Mayo 1976

1st prize--Scor Na Nog, Mayo Championship, solo singing Irish Classical song, Ballycastle, Co. Mayo, 1985

1st prize--Moore's Melodies, classical Irish song in which she received the "O'Reilly Cup" for her soprano interpretation of Moore's "Last Rose Of Summer" and "The Minstrel Boy", 1986

1st prize--Pub Talent competition, modern contemporary song, Ballina, Co. Mayo, 1986

1986- Susan traveled to England where she joined up with an Irish Show Band. They performed throughout England in various Irish clubs and pubs.

1987- Susan crossed the Atlantic and made her way to the United States, where she began singing in different pubs in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. She also traveled to Chicago to perform in the Irish Festival on the Navy Pier.

1993- Susan starts her own band "The Susan Gillespie Band" and begins performing throughout the Metropolitan Area. Performances include pubs, clubs, restaurants, festivals, dances, concerts and private parties.

1996 & 1997- Susan is asked to adjudicate the finals of the "Fleadh Ceoil" held in New York. Here she judged male and female singers of all ages in Gaelic and English songs. The winners went on to compete in the "All Ireland Fleadh Ceoil" held in Ireland in August of 1996 & 1997.

1998- Susan begins recording a solo CD which will include songs that Susan has written herself.

1999- Susan joins forces with Gerard Corbett and the ever popular "2nd Generation Band"

1999 & 2000- Susan is "Mistress of Ceremonies" for the Coney Island Great Irish Fair.

Susan is a member of the "American Irish Musicians Society" (A.I.M.S.), where she has held the positions of Sergeant at Arms and Vice President.

She also makes guest appearances with such well known acts as Glen Curtain and "Mac & O". She includes a little comedy banter into her unique act. Anyone who knows Susan knows she has a quick wit and loves to make people laugh! Sha attended the "Gotham City Improv" in NYC, where she learned the fine art of comedy improvisation on the stage.

As well as Tri-State area performances, Susan has performed in Pennsylvania, Florida, and Nashville, Tennessee.

"Susan and Gerard" have also performed with Andy Cooney on the "Andy Cooney Cruise Of The Irish Stars"