This paper describes ongoing work in programming a live performance system for interpreting melodies in ways that mimic Irish traditional dance music practice, and thatallows plug and play human interaction. Existing performance systemsare almost exclusively aimed at piano performance and classical music, and noneare aimed specifically at traditional music.We develop a rule-based approach using expert knowledgethat converts a melody into control parametersto synthesize an expressive MIDI performance,focusing on ornamentation, dynamics and subtle time deviation.Furthermore, we make the system controllable (e.g., via knobs or expression pedals) such that it can be controlled in real time by a musician.Our preliminary evaluations show the systemcan render expressive performances mimicking traditional practice, and allows for engaging withIrish traditional dance music in new ways. We provide several examples online.