Kevin Elam is a multi-instrumentalist and 2019 All-Ireland Champion in Men's Singing. Although he boasts a strong background in classical piano and choral singing, and a degree in jazz keyboard, Kevin is rooted in Irish traditional music. In addition to playing the tin whistle, guitar, bouzouki, mandolin and banjo, Kevin has also honed his skills as a singer and interpreter of Irish traditional song, cultivating a significant repertoire of ballads. This intensive practice and study of the tradition were formally recognized in August of 2019, when he was awarded first place in Men's English Singing at the 2019 Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, held in Drogheda, Ireland, and took home the coveted “Dalaigh Shield”, an award only won by one other American in its 65-year history.
In addition to his title in Men's Singing, Kevin has also won second place medals in accompaniment (2022) and newly composed songs (2023) at the All-Ireland Fleadh. He is a highly decorated competitor back home at the CCE Mid-Atlantic Fleadh, including nine first-place awards (tin whistle, singing, accompaniment, newly composed songs, piano, and miscellaneous instrument). In 2020, Kevin was awarded a grant from George Mason University’s Young Artist Commissioning Project, and consequently recorded his debut album of traditional ballads, If I Were A Small Bird, released in September 2021. Most recently Kevin was honored to be selected as one of six Artists in Residence at Strathmore Music Hall in Bethesda, MD for the 2023 season.
He has performed at AMP by Strathmore, Hylton Performing Arts Center, the Music Center at Strathmore, the Kennedy Center, the National Gallery of Art, and many more. Kevin has also toured extensively with Scottish National Fiddle Champion Sean Heely, performing throughout the country at Highland games, Celtic festivals, concert halls and much more.
Kevin stays quite busy with other musical pursuits outside of the Irish traditional music scene. Holding a BM in Jazz Studies from George Mason University, Kevin performs on occasion as a pianist in jazz and popular styles in the DC area. He has also developed a reputation as a skilled chamber singer, and enjoys singing Renaissance polyphony (as well as other choral works) with several professional choirs, as well as directing his own a cappella chamber group, Ars Gratia Populi.
