Irish harpers known to have come to the American
colonies prior to the war for Independence. Keane
was the household harper to Arthur Dobbs, Royal
Governor of North Carolina. He arrived in October
of 1754.
Despite his gift for music and storytelling, Michaels
fortunes shifted and he found himself in the regiment
of the Governor's son, Edward Brice Dobbs. Little is
known of Keane's exploits during the French & Indian
War, so Robert is given a wide range of possibilites upon which to draw. In addition to this performance which introduces Michael Keane, Robert has developed other performances suited to different seasons and holidays.These offerings have been acclaimed from Colonial Willliamsburg to Carpenter's Hall and the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. Different instruments are used in every program, and stories are featured along with songs and tunes.
