PLIGHT OF THE BUMBLE BEE by Brenda Castles

Join us for an inspiring documentary exploring the importance of bees and their cultural ties to Ireland, accompanied by live Irish music.

The Irish American Heritage Museum proudly welcomes Plight of the Bumble Bee, featuring Brenda Castles, David McKindley-Ward, and Eimear Arkins, to the Flanagan Theater.

Plight of the Bumble Bee is a captivating short film that takes you deep into the world of bees and their profound connection to Irish religion, folklore, and biodiversity. The documentary explores the vital role bees play in ecosystems, the challenges they face, and how we can help ensure their survival. With moments of sadness, humour and ultimately hope, the film weaves a narrative that highlights the urgent need to protect biodiversity. It debunks common myths about bees and biodiversity, offering fresh insights and inspiring viewers to take action.

The film features heartfelt interviews, including Kilkenny native Peter Walsh, age 81, who has been counting bees in the same spot in Kilkenny since 1959; environmental psychologist Christine Mullan-Jensen; and Skerries locals Charlie and Marion Heasman, who have created a 5km-long biodiversity corridor. The stories of the Irish saints associated with our bees are colourfully animated by Ruth Clinton and Clare Henderson.

Accompanied by a unique live soundtrack of traditional Irish music composed by Brenda Castles and performed by:
- Brenda Castles — concertina
- David McKindley-Ward — guitar
- Eimear Arkins — violin

Plight of the Bumble Bee is a celebration of nature, community, and resilience. Prepare to be inspired. Prepare to act. This is a story not just about bees, it’s about us all.

About the artists:

Brenda Castles hails from Co. Meath and studied concertina with Rena Traynor and Mícheál Ó'Raghallaigh. She released two solo albums of concertina music in 2016 and 2021. Brenda has performed with Mick Moloney's Green Fields of America and created and produced the short film Plight of the Bumble Bee, with a traditionally inspired soundtrack of her own composition. She received the Brian O’Donovan Award in January 2025. The film was shortlisted for the 2025 Powerscourt Nature Media award.

Eimear Arkins is an award-winning artist from County Clare who has toured extensively with various bands and projects. She is a qualified Irish music and dance instructor and has taught at festivals worldwide. In 2018 she released her debut album, What’s Next?, and was awarded “Best Newcomer” from LiveIreland. Eimear released Here & There in 2024 and was awarded ‘Female Vocalist of the Year’ from Ireland Tonight. In 2025 she was named one of The Irish Echo’s top 40 under 40 honorees and released The Belles of St. Louis with Eileen Gannon.

David McKindley-Ward is an award-winning musician and performing artist who grew up in the DC area steeped in folk, traditional, and protest music. His style and repertoire have been influenced by folk and Irish traditional singers. David collaborates with many Irish singers and instrumentalists and has recorded three albums with singer-songwriter Letitia VanSant; their latest release “Eye of the Storm” will be released this year. He has toured across the US, Ireland, and the UK and is a regular performer and instructor at many festivals.

IAHM is grateful to sponsors of this event: Metroland Now, Common Roots Brewing Company, ParkAlbany, and the Flanagan family.

Show your ticket the day of the show at Common Roots Brewing Company and get the Common Roots’ special “IAHM Buy One / Get One” beverage deal!!!