Mercier, Mel (1959-)
Dates
- Existence: 1959-
Biographical Note
Mel Mercier was born in 1959 in Dublin, Ireland. He studied in the University College Cork Music Department, and he was a Fulbright Scholar in the California Institute of the Arts studying ethnic percussion techniques from around the world. Mercier became a bodhrán and bones player and composer. He was a founding member of the Rhythm Bones Society and recorded and performed traditional Irish music throughout Europe and the U.S. He directed the School of Music and Theatre at University College Cork before his tenure at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance at the University of Limerick. His contributions at UL included founding the Irish Gamelan Orchestra and serving as chair of performing arts.
Sources:
"Mel Mercier". Heresy Records website "Artists" page. Accessed on July 24, 2025.
"Mel Mercier". Rhythm Bones Society wesite "Player Profiles" page. Accessed on July 24, 2025.
Social Networks and Archival Context (SNAC) Identifier
Found in 5 Collections and/or Records:
Concert, 1990 March 25
Performances by invited fiddle players Kevin Burke, Liz Carroll, Seamus Connolly, Brian Conway, Johnny Cronin, Paddy Cronin, Tony De Marco, Martin Hayes, Eileen Ivers, James Kelly, Andy McGann, Johnny McGreevy, Brendan Mulvihill, Paddy Reynolds, Dale Russ, Martin Wynne, with Mel Mercier on bodhran and bones. Held in Boston College's Gasson Hall.
These recordings have been digitally copied; all original media were retained, but may not be played due to format. Digital use copies can only be accessed in the Burns Library Reading Room.
Farewell Concert, 2002 June 22
Includes video recordings from two cameras in different locations (A and B). The audio quality for the first 25 minutes of the camera A video recording is poor, however the camera B and audio-only recordings are good.
The audio recordings on DTRS cannot be reformatted by Burns Library at this time and are not available for playback due to format impermanence. All audio and video recordings on DAT and mini-DV have been digitally copied and are accessible.
Friday Cuirmeacha Ceoil (Mini-Concert), 2002 June 21
One performer identified on the original media label who is not in the program is Ted Davis. Includes video recordings from two cameras in different locations (A and B).
Masters Concert, 2002 June 20
Performers identified on the original media label who are not in the program include Randal Bays, Dana Lyn, Martin Mulhaire, Carmel O'Dea, and John Whelan. Includes video recordings from two cameras in different locations (A and B).
The audio recordings on DTRS cannot be reformatted by Burns Library at this time and are not available for playback due to format impermanence. All audio and video recordings on DAT and mini-DV have been digitally copied and are accessible.
Tuesday Cuirmeacha Ceoil (Mini-Concert), 2002 June 18
Performers identified on the original media differ from those in the program and include Randal Bays, Kathleen Conneely, Ged Foley, Alan Kelly, Dana Lyn, John McCusker, Catherine McEvoy, Antoinette McKenna, Joe McKenna, Mel Mercier, and Mick Moloney. Includes video recordings from two cameras in different locations (A and B).