From Riverdance to PBS:
Reinventing an Irish Brand
With Guest Speaker Michael Londra
Producer & Host of IRELAND WITH MICHAEL,
the Longest-Running & Most-Aired Irish Series on PBS®
When the COVID-19 pandemic brought live performance to a sudden halt, Emmy®-nominated Irish singer and former Riverdance lead tenor Michael Londra found himself, like so many others, facing an uncertain future. After years touring internationally as a performer and leading fan tours to Ireland, he recognized something important: Americans were not only fascinated by Irish music, but also deeply emotionally connected to Ireland itself. That realization led to the creation of Ireland with Michael, a PBS travel and music series that blended breathtaking scenery, authentic storytelling, local culture, and most importantly Irish artists into a uniquely Irish American viewing experience.
What began as a pivot during one of the most difficult periods for the entertainment industry has since grown into the most successful Irish travel series on PBS, airing more than 92,000 times across 182 markets in 49 States in the U.S. Along the way, Michael evolved from performer to producer, entrepreneur, fundraiser and brand-builder, creating a national television platform that now helps promote Ireland’s tourism, culture and businesses, and brings Ireland into the homes of millions of American and Canadian viewers.
ABOUT MICHAEL LONDRA
Michael Londra is an Emmy®-nominated Irish singer, producer, theatrical creator, and television host from Wexford, Ireland. Over a career spanning more than three decades, he has become one of Ireland’s leading cultural ambassadors, sharing Irish music, storytelling, travel, and performance with audiences worldwide. Michael first gained international recognition as the lead tenor in Riverdance, performing on Broadway and across the United States. He later launched a successful solo career with his debut album Celt, produced by Steve Skinner, and earned two Emmy® nominations for his PBS special Beyond Celtic.
Michael is best known as the creator and host of Ireland with Michael, the acclaimed public television series showcasing Ireland’s landscapes, culture, music, food, history, and people. Supported by Tourism Ireland and CIE Tours, the series has aired nearly 100,000 times across public television and reaches 97% of U.S. households. Michael also hosts curated tours of Ireland and tours the United States with Ireland with Michael LIVE. In addition to television and music, he co-founded VenuWorks Theatricals and remains active in charitable work, including as an ambassador for Concern Worldwide.
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