Kara Shea O’Brien is a Colorado native, living and working in Ireland. She is a traditional singer, a scholar of song and history, and a writer who strives to make sense of the world and her place in it. Kara is now the C.E.O. of Pathfinder Artist Development, and lives in Kilkenny, Ireland.

Singer.

I am a traditional singer with roots in Irish and American traditions. I co-host the Limerick Singing Session, and sing regularly in sessions around Ireland and elsewhere. In addition, I have a background in the music industry, and have a passion for helping musicians succeed in building sustainable careers.

Scholar.

I recently completed my doctoral dissertation exploring history and meaning in traditional Irish hunting songs, and I have published and presented on singing and health and various aspects of traditional song and culture. See the ‘Publications’ page for a complete list. In addition, I am a life-song learner with broad interests in folklore, history, literature, economics, politics, literature, and whatever else I happen to get caught up in.

Writer.

At heart, I am a thinker and a doer. I strive to understand the world better every day, and make meaningful choices that impact myself, my community, and my world in positive and thoughtful ways.