About Us
Mission Statement
The Gulf Coast Cruinniú (GCC) is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) project of the School of Irish Music, under the Houston School of Irish Music. The GCC is overseen by a volunteer board whose members share a love for traditional Irish music and dance. Our mission is to grow the interest and knowledge of traditional Irish music, dance, and culture in the Greater Houston area. To that end, GCC conducts an annual weekend of intensive immersion through instruction, workshops, lectures, and concerts led by world-class Irish musicians.
‘Cruinniú’ is the Irish word for ‘Gathering’.
How did the Gulf Coast Cruinniú get started?
A group of musician friends in the Houston area wanted to increase the opportunities for Irish musicians throughout Texas, our neighboring states, and beyond to study with top level performers and teachers of Irish music. After lots of brainstorming, the Gulf Coast Cruinniú was born!
Who is Banjodilly?
Artist Amy Bogard was asked to produce art work for the Cruinniú. One of the pictures she sent back was an armadillo with a banjo slung over its back. The Cruinniú Criú fell in love with it, nicknamed him Banjodilly and he became the mascot for the Gulf Coast Cruinniú.
