In the early years of the CUNY Institute for Irish-American Studies, a number of traditional Irish-American music concerts and smaller performances were organized. Some of these concerts have also served as benefits for the Institute.

In 2004, CUNY Graduate Center student Margaret Farrell organized a sold-out CUNYIIAS co-sponsored Musical Meeting of Irish Traditional and Klezmer music with Isaac Anderson, Greg Anderson, Matt Darriau, Lisa Gutkin, Patrick Ourceau, John Redmond, and Lorin Sklamberg.

In 2005, Earle Hitchner (Irish Echo "Ceol" Columnist) coordinated a CUNYIIAS benefit concert entitled "Ireland & NYC: A vibrant musical connection" featuring Cathie Ryan, Greg Anderson, Brian Conway, Brendan Dolan, and Joe Dwyer.

In 2006, we had Bernadette Fee, Mary Courtney, & John Redmond of Morning Star and The Washington Square Harp and Shamrock Orchestra under the direction of Prof. Mick Moloney perform at our benefit at Rory Dolan's.

In 2007, we hosted the American Conference for Irish Studies national meeting at our CUNY Graduate Center. The CUNY Ethnomusicology Ph.D. Program organized a concert during our conference entitled, "Passing it On: Teachers and Students of Irish Traditional Music."

Our more recent activities with traditional Irish music and be found at our blog at https://cuny-iias.org/ .