David Ingerson
David entertains in the old-fashioned way on a personal, individual level, with warmth and wit, as if he were sitting with the audience around the turf fire in an Irish cottage long ago. Intimate and engaging, he transports his audience with songs and stories, by turns dramatic and humourous, poignant and revealing. David has been singing old-style (solo and unaccompanied) Irish songs for over 40 years and is deeply invested in collecting, researching, and performing them authentically and entertainingly.
Gordon Bok says, "[David's concert was] just delightful."
"[A]s fine a concert as I have witnessed in a long time." Joe Hickerson, Head Emeritus, Archive of Folk Song/Culture, Library of Congress
“Well done David and thanks for carrying the song[s] onwards with such warmth and grace.” Tommy Sands
"...Great singing...very assured in style and realisation." Lillis Ó Laoire, winner of the Corn Uí Riada and professor of Irish studies, NUIG.
"...masterly rendition....[David] would be well in the running for distinction among some of Ireland's finest sean-nós singers." Micheál Ó Cuaig, founder and main organizer for the Joe Heaney Festival for many years.
David also writes about the field research he does on the backgrounds of Irish songs. See his blog here.
David in the Portland FolkMusic Society
David has been a member of PFS for about 40 years and was instrumental in starting several of PFS' signature events. He hosted the first several years of what was (until Covid) our second Saturday song circle and founded Singtime Frolics, organizing it for two years (with Moggy Vanderkin's help the second year) before PFS took it over. He was the president from 2010 to 2018 and has remained on the Board of Directors since then.