Matt Molloys are proud to present one of Ireland’s greatest songwriters, Mick Hanly on Thursday 20th April 2023. Doors open 8p.m. Cover charge applies.
Mick is one of the truly great Irish songwriters to emerge in recent years….”his songs are real, they mean something. He is one of the best songwriters around at the moment” - Garth Brooks
Join The Dublin Trio this April in Matt Molloy’s Yard Bar. The Dublin Trio are Kevin Coneff, Joe McKenna and Tony Byrne. Doors will open at 8pm and tickets will be available on the door on the night.
Kevin Conneff is probably best known as the bodhrán player and vocalist with The Chieftains since 1976. A Dubliner, he first became interested in traditional Irish music in the 1960’s, when he and some workmates hitched to fleadhanna ceoil all over Ireland, sleeping in haybarns and eating tins of Denny’s stew! In Dublin, he frequented O’Donoghue’s, The Pipers Club, The Clareman’s Association and the weekly session in Church Street. For many years, he and friends ran the prestigious Tradition Club in Slattery’s of Capel Street, where singers and musicians from all over Ireland and the U.K. performed. These included Willie Clancy, Séamus Ennis, Joe Heaney, Treasa Ní Mhiolláin, Ewan MacColl, Peggy Seeger and Anne Briggs. Apart from touring and recording with The Chieftains, he has performed with Mary Bergin, Tim Edey, Redmond O’Toole, and from Nashville, Jeff White, Laura Cash and Deanie Richardson.
Joe Mc Kenna from the Liberties in Dublin studied the pipes in the famous Pipers Club in Thomas St,where he learned from,and was influenced by the great Leo Rowesome,other influences were Patsy Toughy, Johnny Doran and Willie Clancy. Over the years he absorbed and extended the art of piping ,creating his own individual style and technique,and also designed and made he own pipes.He is now one of Ireland's most respected pipers,an accomplished low whistle and button box player. Joe was most known early on as the harp and pipe duo, playing with his now deceased wife Antoinette Mc Kenna They recorded their first LP in the early days of Shanachie Records then later were joined by Antoinette’s sister Mary Bergin, then being part of other groups, such as Slua Nua & De Dannan
Tony Byrne, Dublin guitarist, has been involved in music from a young age. Starting out playing in rock bands as a drummer at age 11, Tony began performing around Dublin city centre venues at age 12. Following family holidays in West Kerry, Tony developed an Interest in Irish traditional music and has been involved in the performance, recording and teaching of it since leaving college in 1999. Past performances include concerts with acts such as Danu, Sharon Shannon, Michael mc Goldrick, Gerry o Connor, David Munnelly Band, Matt Molloy, Paul Brady, Julie Fowlis, Lunasa and many more.
Pop into us this St. Patrick’s Day for lots of music and craic. Here’s the line up for the day:
▪Session with John Kilkenny & friends 2-5pm
▪Session with Dan Delaney & friends 6-9pm
▪Session with Richie Hickey & friends 9.30pm
▪The After 8’s , Matt Molloy's Yard Bar 9pm
An inherently musical trio, Maurice Lennon, Ciara Brennan and Chris Dawson combine their musical and performance experience resulting in a very dynamic and diverse repertoire of traditional and newly composed music.
Maurice, of course, needs no introduction as, a founding member of Stockton's Wing, one of Ireland's leading fiddle players and the creator of innumerable, well-known compositions.
Ciara and Chris, having performed, composed and recorded intensely together over recent years, had already become well acquainted and connected as a duet. "truly creative whilst retaining an enormous respect and understanding of the Irish tradition". Folk Roots Magazine
Having played together for Maurice’s Brian Boru suite, Maurice and Ciara have also recently reconnected after many years. Two very different violin players with different styles and backgrounds have found a deep understanding and expression of the tradition between them that creates a natural “oneness” when they play together. This along with Chris, originally from the Manchester area, traditional music scene, meant it became a natural progression for them to combine their forces. This project features compositions from Maurice as well as compositions from Ciara and Chris, along with music from the Irish, Swedish and the Northern English folk traditions. With a profound respect for each other, their musical intimacy and connection can be seen and felt by all who see and hear them perform together.
Ciara Brennan
Ciara hails from the Irish capital of Dublin. A musician and singer songwriter of notable gift Ciara has been surrounded by music all her life. As soon as she could hold an instrument she was playing, she began on the fiddle and went on to become a highly accomplished musician playing violin, singing and playing some mandolin, concertina and piano along the way. As a musician descended from the great musical heritage of the Rowsome and Brennan families, Ciara has won all Ireland titles on violin, solo singing and in the not so common art of Lilting. From an early age Ciara was part of several of the Comhaltas Ceolteori hEireann (CCE) tours, such as the British tour and the tour of North America and Canada and she has played in countries such as, Belgium, Hungary, Austria and France to name a few, playing for delighted audiences at concerts, events and sessions. She also anchored the summer show, Sessiun, in the CCE headquarters in Dublin for many years.
As a testament to her ability, a young Ciara was invited to play as second violinist to Stockton’s Wing’s Maurice Lennon’s solo violin for the “Brian Boru The High King of Tara” suite. A Musical Portrait by Maurice Lennon himself.
In more recent years, Ciara has also performed on stage with Michael McGoldrick, John Doyle and John McCusker. With her roots in Irish traditional music, Ciara is also an established singer and a keen songwriter venturing into other genres, such as alternative rock band, Kid Coy, who recently released their debut album, Resolute.
“Ciara Brennan is an all-Ireland champion fiddler and singer and her performance here shows clearly why she deserves both these titles.” fROOTS Magazine
Chris Dawson
Multi-instrumentist - playing principally traditional flutes/whistles, and cittern/bouzouki, but also other instruments including bodhran, mandolin and didgeridoo. Having grown up amongst the musical diversity in north-west UK, he likes to keep an open mind and attitude towards other musical styles and influences while at the same time staying close to his trad musical roots.
Beside the traditional music his early professional experiences also saw him working regularly in a soul/funk band touring all over UK and Europe and also working in diverse studios with a top recording artist (music chart top ten hits) in other musical styles and proved to be a great learning curve in both musical and technical aspects, with the traditional music taking on a professional level in the early 90's.
Chris is also one of the rare flute players who can play the flute using circular breathing, a technique which allows to play indefinitley without a break in the notes...Has worked alongside some notable musicians such as Sylvain Barou (Triad, Guidewires), Dan Ar Braz, Michael McGoldrick, Annie Ebrel, Alain Genty (Barzaz). Also worth to note, completely self taught, Chris has also for over twenty years been making and playing his own professional quality bamboo flutes. Michael McGoldrick was the first person to realise their potential and play them in the early 90's and has continued to play them to this day, along with Sylvain Barou (Guidewires), Jean-Michel Veillon, Eric Cunningham (Frankie Gavin & De Dannan), and many others.
Maurice Lennon
Maurice Lennon is a name recognised by many people in the now vast world that is Irish Music. Maurice began playing traditional music at the age of thirteen. At the age of nineteen he won the Senior All Ireland Fiddle Championship, following in the footsteps of such great players as Seamus Connolly, Brendan McGlinchy and Liz Carroll. He was later followed by players such as of Desi Donnelly, Eileen Ivers, and Martin Hayes.
The Lennon family is well-known amongst lovers of Irish music. Maurice's father, Ben Lennon, is well-known as a master of the Leitrim style of traditional fiddle, and his uncle, Charlie Lennon is renowned as a composer, piano accompanist and fiddler. Maurice showed that this musical legacy had been passed on to him when, at age nineteen, he became the youngest person to win the Senior Fiddle Championship at the All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil, held in Ennis in 1977. The 1980’s were to prove an exciting time for Maurice, he was a founding member of 'Stockton's Wing', with whom he composed, recorded and performed for the next twenty-seven years. 'Stockton's Wing' went on to attain almost super-group status. While playing with ‘The Wing’, Maurice had the great pleasure of sharing the same stage with a host of world renowned artists including, Frank Sinatra, Liza Minnelli, Sammy Davis Jr., Stephan Grapelli, Michael Jackson, as well as performing and appearing in the superb Irish film, "The Field", which featured Richard Harris, Sean Bean, John Hurt, and Tom Berringer amongst others.
Since ending his long time love affair with "The Wing" Maurice continued playing as a solo musician as well as performing and touring with Finbar Furey and Sean Keane. He has also been concentrating on his first real love of composing music and writing lyrics. His compositions have featured on Daniel O'Donnell's Greatest Hits album, and have been performed by the 'Nova Scotia Symphony Orchestra, and the University of Louisiana choir. His composition 'If Ever You Were Mine' has been recorded by ‘Cherish the Ladies’ and ‘Natalie McMaster’.
Other artists to record his compositions include the following...Lunasa, Four Men and a Dog, Capercaille, Sythian (U.S.A.)The Kilfenora Ceili Band, Blazin Fiddles, Noel Hill, Brian Rooney, Karen Tweed, The Pride of New York, Liam O'Brien, Jerry O'Sullivan, Cathy Vard and Liam Lawton,The London Lassies, Ashley McIsachs, Michael Mc Goldrick, John Mc Cusker, and John Mc Sherry and many more.
Working with such diverse producers as Bill Whelan, John Ryan, Shaun Davey, P.J.Curtis, Steve Cooney and Donal Lunny, Maurice now also works as a producer in his own right. The man with music in his veins, Maurice Lennon’s meticulous scholarship and creative energy are what define all of what he has done and will continue to do and he has never been a musician to shy away from any challenge.
Performance is still a very integral part of Maurice's music and the next few years will see Maurice open more new doors, continue to entertain, and above all, touch people with what surely is "a gift".
"As folk musicians and rockers, the band (Stockton's Wing) has virtuosity to spare - particularly the fiddler Maurice Lennon"....New York Times..
"Maurice Lennon makes literal the cliché about making a fiddle talk"
Sandra Flavin The Sunday Tribune
Catch this trio in Matt Molloy’s Yard Bar on 6th February 2020. Doors open at 8PM and tickets are available on the door on the night.
Moya Brennan and Cormac De Barra both come from large musical families in Ireland and their mutual admiration for each other naturally developed into a stimulating musical relationship.
Their collection of Voices & Harps albums are the culmination of their friendship and creative synergy over the fifteen years. They combine the simplicity, depth and beauty of the extraordinary skills which make them unique in their own field.
Timeless unveils a new chapter in their partnership.
Grammy award winner, Moya Brennan is the singer of Clannad as well as having a successful solo career. She has sung on most of the world’s great stages and has collaborated with many notable artists including The Chieftains, Paul Brady and Bono. She is also part of the female traditional group, T with the Maggies.
Cormac De Barra is renowned internationally as a versatile harp virtuoso. He continually pushes the boundaries of the Irish harp through his work with a wide array of artists, including Hazel O’Connor, Julie Feeney and Ashley Davis. Cormac also tours and records with his brothers Fionán and Éamonn in the family group, Barcó. Besides his busy performing schedule he regularly gives workshops and masterclasses around the world.
Catch Moya and Cormac when they play Matt Molloy’s Yard Bar on Thursday, 28th November. Tickets available on the door on the nights. Cover charge applies.
Dermot, Éamonn and John have recently completed a soon to be released album (28/06/19) of lesser known local traditional music and song from or inspired by South West Donegal, relating how meeting there in the late 80’s at small village festivals has been a cornerstone of their disparate journeys towards their musical careers.
This music remains a basis of their musical journeys from first playing together at small village festivals in Carrick, Kilcar and Glencolmcille, to their present careers as professional musicians living in Ireland, Scotland and America respectively but working worldwide. The music and song is that which is known in the area but with special emphasis on less common repertoire. The album showcases the special connection they have with the area and its music and how it remains a source of inspiration.
Dermot Byrne (button accordion and melodeon) was born into the heart of the music of South West Donegal as his father is from Teileann, outside Carrick. He played from a very young age and consequently has an in-depth knowledge of the music of the area and Donegal music in general as he is from Burnfoot, Inishowen. He now lives in Co. Clare.
Éamonn Coyne (banjo, tenor guitar) originally from Roscommon but brought up in Dublin, and now living in Edinburgh for 22 years, spent many summer holidays in Mucross, just outside Kilcar. This was before he ever played the banjo. Being invited back to play at festivals in the area made him aware of a musical heritage he never knew existed – for example the owner of the seaside campsite he stayed at was a celebrated fiddle player, which was unknown to many of his visitors.
John Doyle (guitar, bouzouki, vocals) – originally from Dublin but now living in Ashville, North Carolina, USA – because of his late uncle, Donal Ward, a keen music enthusiast from the Carrick area, spent many holidays there. This led to a keen interest in the music and song of South West Donegal and on to him playing at the Carrick Fleadh. This was where the three musicians first played together: a pub session at this then annual autumn festival organised by the people of the town put the three together with the late great Con Cassidy.
To say that the music they heard, learnt, played, and subsequently recorded in many different line-ups, came partly from those youthful sessions wouldn’t be a great exaggeration. Year-on-year attendance at different festivals in the area cemented their friendship and the music and song of the area is never very far from their minds even though they are now more likely to meet at much ‘bigger’ festivals all over the world.
Although the local music of South West Donegal is at the heart of this work it is not solely about the music. It is also about the artistic and personal development of the musicians involved who haven’t forgotten one of their great past influences. It underlies much of the music they have made and continue to make since, be they playing with bluegrass royalty Tim O’Brien and Jerry Douglas in Nashville or the Albert Hall, Scottish International band ‘Salsa Celtica’ in Columbia or ‘Altan’ in the White House or indeed all of the above in various concert halls and venues around Ireland.
Neither is the project solely about the music of South West Donegal as a lot of the music played while spending time at such festivals came from far and wide being heavily influenced by Scottish, Shetland and Cape Breton tunes as well as those from all over Ireland. The trio have re-explored this music and endeavoured to record tunes and songs which are not the most popular and often recorded. This is foremost in their minds and is ultimately possible because of the backgrounds of the three involved, their access to personal and public archive material, and the skill and experience they have garnered separately from many years playing and recording. The recording also provides an insight into the music that was being played by the many musical visitors to this area at that time and the great influence the music of the area had on the wider traditional music scene of the time.
Catch this trio in Matt Molloy’s on Thursday, 14th November. Tickets available on the door on the night.
Four Men & a Dog made a name for themselves with their eclectic and vivacious blend of traditional Irish music with a wide spectrum of other genres, including rap, Southern rock, jazz, blues, bluegrass, polka, country swing, and even salsa.
Four Men and a Dog made their debut performance as a band in 'Murphy's Bar', Dungiven, County Derry, in 1991 before going on to steal the show at the Belfast Folk Festival later that year, with a high-energy approach that combines furious traditional dance tunes with irreverent new music and inimitable covers.
Barking Mad, their debut album from Cross Border Media, swooped an award for Album of the Year from Folk Roots magazine in 1991, marking the first time that an Irish group had ever won the prize. Four Men & a Dog's music is enthusiastic and infectious. The band have headlined some of the largest music festivals around the globe!
Four Men and a Dog have recorded 7 albums to date, their recent album entitled “And the band played on” was launched in May 2016 to celebrate 25 years touring around the world!
Discography
· Barking Mad (1991)
· Shifting Gravel (1993)
· Doctor A's Secret Remedies (1995)
· Long Roads (1996)
· Maybe Tonight (2003)
· Wallop the Spot (2007)
· And the Band played on (2016)
Cathal Hayden –
From Pomeroy in Co. Tyrone, Cathal’s eponymously titled solo album, released in 1999 is, according to Irish Music Magazine, ‘spiced by generous touches of blues from Hayden and (guest musician and honorary ‘Dog’) McGlynn, taking just enough from their folk-funk experiences to turn an outstanding traditional fiddle album into a toe-tapping, hand-clapping, knee-wobbling tour de force’. Cathal is also a member of the Mairtin O Connor band and have released two hugely successful albums.
Stephen Hayden –
Stephen, the most recent member of the band, is a younger brother of Cathal’s and comes from a family steeped in traditional fiddle music in Co Tyrone. His style is vibrant and very dynamic which is the hallmark of the Four Men and a Dog sound. His duet fiddles along with Cathal, creates a powerhouse sound which encaptulates the audience. He has recorded with Cathal on his solo projects. He also runs “Haydens Bar” in Co Tyrone which is well renowned for the all night music sessions usually steered by Stephen himself.
Kevin Doherty –
From Buncrana in Co. Donegal, Kevin’s debut album ‘Strange Weather’ was acclaimed as ‘nothing short of a revelation’ by Country Music International whilst his classic offering ‘Sweet Water’ has become popularised as the soundtrack to the hit TV series Watermelon - starring Anna Friel, Brenda Fricker and Sean McGinley. With ‘a finely tuned ear for the modern beat poetry of isolation’ - The Sunday Times - Kevin’s lyrical creativity has long been central to the success of Four Men and a dog, an irresistible synergy of Irish Trad and bluegrass.
Gino Lupari –
From Magherafelt in Co. Derry, with numerous guest album and concert appearances with performers such as Kate Rusby, Ron Kavana and Liz Doherty amongst others, Gino has yet to produce a solo CD but rumours of a private members only Fitness Video still abound up and down the country. In serious demand as a session musician, Gino’s talent is only limited by the size of his personality - and believe me, that’s not dished out in small portions!
..... and finally,
Dónal Murphy
From Abbeyfeale, Co Limerick, Donal was one of the five founder members of the original Dogs, as glorious photos of the bare faced teenager will attest!
He is also a member of new 3 piece “Breaking Trad” with Niall Murphy (fiddle) & Mike Galvin (guitar/vocals) and released the same titled debut album in May 2015.
He was also a member of Sliabh Notes, alongside Matt Cranitch and Tommy O’Sullivan, they recorded three albums, ‘Sliabh Notes’, ‘Along Blackwaters Banks’ and ‘Gleanntan’ (on which Hot Press’s Siobhan Long reported that Donal’s accordion merited particular mention for its ‘double jointed manoeuvres that somehow sound like they were born and reared in the ether, with neither hide nor hair of human interference.’ ) Donal released the long awaited Solo album “Happy Hour” in 2009.
Donal’s accordion plays a pivotal role in the unique sound that is Four men and a Dog!
Doors Open at 8PM. Tickets will be available on the door on the night. Admission: €15
Handsome piping, bold fiddling.Hurry the Jug is a very satisfying recording of stylish traditional music played by three musicians confident in their craft" Kevin Burke
The origins of the Trio can be traced back to Tubercurry and Bunnanaden, the heartland of the famed South Sligo tradition where both Declan Folan and Shane McGowan grew up playing music together from their early teens. Leonard Barry, from North Kerry first met Declan in London in the early 1990’s where they played music together on the traditional music scene. All three musicians are now based in Sligo.
Between them the Trio have shared the stage and recorded with many of music greats including Zakeer Hussain, Lunasa, Dervish, Sean Keane, Luka Bloom, Lisa O’Neill amongst many others. They have performed throughout the world at many festivals and concert halls.
Their new release “Hurry the Jug” traces the various influences that have shaped their music over the course of many years. The opening track which is also the title of the CD is a tune that Declan and Leonard learned from the great Bobby Casey’s recording Casey in the Cowhouse. Tributes to both Liam O’Flynn and Tommy Peoples’ are included, the hornpipe tracks The Green Island and Rick’s Rambles were both of which were recorded by O’Flynn, while Waiting for a Call was composed by Tommy Peoples and he also recorded Brogan’s Fancy on his iconic “Iron Man” recording.
Other tunes include The Garvogue which was composed by Leitrim fiddle player Joe Liddy and The Humours of Rahey composed by James Kelly of Dublin now resident in America. as well as a new compositions from Sligo fiddle player Philip Duffy entitled Megan’s Reel named after his daughter and a newly composed tune by Declan Folan entitled The Carousel .
Catch this trio when they play Matt Molloy’s Yard Bar this coming October. Doors will open at 8pm and tickets will be available on the door on the night.
“Dave and Mick are master musicians no doubt about it, they have the credentials: the track record, the bands, albums and collaborations, but here you get more than just great musicianship, you get a dialogue, a conversation happening now, not parroted lines from some slickly rehearsed ensemble, that is the real excitement here. Cleary they have practice long and hard, there are gaps and stops and changes of rhythm, which the boys hit spot on, but you’d be forgiven if you thought they’d just walked into the pub and played straight of the cuff.” – Seán Laffey
Doors Open: 8PM
Tickets available on the door on the night
Whether it’s in the studio or on stage, Chris Jones & The Night Drivers are making some of the most distinctively elegant yet driving music to be heard anywhere today, and they’re delivering it with a unique blend of dry wit, emotional authenticity and broad humor that’s won the loyalty of a growing number of fans across the country, from Merlefest in North Carolina to California’s Huck Finn Jubilee, and around the world.
Steve Martin referred to the Night Drivers as “. . . some of the best players in bluegrass! Chris Jones’ voice is there with the great masters.”
The band is led by Chris’ soulful lead-singing, songwriting, and solid rhythm and lead guitar. Chris boasts extensive performance credits as a sideman with artists like Lynn Morris, Vassar Clements, Special Consensus, Dave Evans, Earl Scruggs, and the acclaimed Irish band The Chieftains. Mark Stoffel, who is originally from Munich, Germany, has a mandolin style that perfectly fits the band sound with his beautiful tone, taste, and rhythmic sense. Jon Weisberger, whose playing has made him a sought-after fill-in bass player in Nashville with The Del McCoury Band, the Roland White Band, Larry Cordle, and others, anchors the band’s strong rhythmic foundation. Newest member, Gina Clowes, a driving and innovative banjo player, and another contributor of original material, hails from Front Royal, VA. Mountain Home recently signed her as a solo artist as well, releasing her critically acclaimed album, “True Colors.”
The band is also becoming known as a songwriter’s bluegrass band, with Weisberger and Jones now co-writing many of the band’s current songs, and all four members contributing material. Jon has had over 200 of his songs recorded by various other artists as well, from The Infamous Stringdusters to Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, including numerous #1 songs. Chris and Jon are both IBMA award-winning songwriters, Jon being the 2012 Songwriter of the Year, and Chris taking home the trophy for the 2007 Song of the Year for “Fork in the Road.” Altogether, members of Chris Jones & The Night Drivers have won nine IBMA awards and have recorded ten #1 songs, including two from their latest Mountain Home album “Made to Move.”
The Night Drivers also bring name recognition in related fields, as bluegrass fans are well-familiar with Jones for his award-winning work as a SiriusXM DJ, on both Bluegrass Junction and Willie’s Roadhouse. Meanwhile, Jon Weisberger is heard weekly as co-host and producer of Bluegrass Junction’s “Hand Picked with Del McCoury.”
Track Dogs
On 4th September 2019, The Acoustic Yard hosts its 5th anniversary concert in Matt Molloy's Yard Bar with one of the hottest bands on the scene, all the way from Madrid the wonderful Track Dogs...Latino, Americana, Cuban rhythms and much more.
Track Dogs is a Madrid-based Americana-Folk-Latino outfit with members from Ireland (Dublin & Bray), UK (Sheffield) and USA (Vermilion, OH).
Sun-shiny songs thriving on dark themes behind irresistible rhythms.
Taking their name from the NY subway maintenance teams, this closely-knit group of ex-pats have opted for cajón instead of drums and trumpet in place of electric guitar.Their four-part harmonies steal the show.
Doors open at 19.30
Special guest - Aoidán Coyne - 20.00
Track Dogs - 20.45
Tickets - €15
Caludo are a "swissicana" trio based in Zürich, Switzerland. They perform a mix of original material, both vocal and instrumental, as well as some new takes on old favorites in the bluegrass and old-time realm.
Stefan (vocals, guitar) was raised in northern Germany, where he learned Bluegrass music by listening to a distant FM radio station in Hamburg. He began to play 5-string banjo at the age of 15. No teachers, no internet...just instructional books and records. He finally met like-minded musicians, and trained his musical skills at jams and bluegrass concerts. In the past years, Stefan was touring with the Folk Band “Mala & FyrMoon” in Switzerland, Germany, Netherlands, Sweden, Ireland and the USA. He recently produced a folk album of his own.
Catie Jo (vocals, fiddle) is currently a master's student in Zurich, but she originally comes from Minnesota, where she grew up in a rich Bluegrass community. She has played the fiddle since she was 9, and her playing has been featured across the US at various concerts and festivals, as well as a number of appearances on the popular radio show, A Prairie Home Companion. Known for her energetic and fiery fiddle playing, Catie Jo is thrilled to be starting a new musical adventure in Switzerland.
Vincent (vocals, bass) spent part of his childhood in the french speaking part of Switzerland. He has played bass with various folk, rock, and pop bands. Vincent composes thoughtful and entertaining songs in english, french, and also greek – and he does not give in before a new song is well arranged! Intricate timings like 7/8 are one of his passions. Vincent is one of the rare acoustic bass players who uses the instrument's body for percussion. Together with Stefan, he was involved in Mala & FyrMoon.
Doors open at 8pm. Admission is €10
Veteran Irish songwriter Kieran Goss along with Irish singer/songwriter Annie Kinsella launched their debut duo album; ‘Oh, The Starlings’, earlier this year and have been touring Europe ever since in support of the album. They return home to Ireland in July and we are delighted to announce that they will be making their annual appearance at Matt Molloy’s.
Long considered one of Ireland’s finest songwriters, Kieran Goss, together with Annie Kinsella have enchanted audiences throughout Europe with their intimate live performances, winning rave reviews along the way. Time Out magazine wrote of the duo:
"Individually they are both gifted singers, but when they sing together, magic happens… The harmonies, the chemistry… just sublime."
Recorded in New York in Spring 2018 with eight time Grammy winning engineer Kevin Killen (David Bowie, Peter Gabriel, U2, Elvis Costello) at the helm, 'Oh, The Starlings' hasbeen described by songwriter Rodney Crowell as: "So good, it's heartbreaking… The record itself feels like an old friend."
'Oh, The Starlings' has already won the kinds of reviews that signal their assured elevation onto the international stage. With songs, stories and harmonies that transport thelistener to another world, this is music from the heart, for the heart.This is a show to make you laugh and cry… a show to move you with its honest beauty… a show not to be missed.
Dublin musicians, Aoife O’Connor, Majella O’Beirne and Mary Corcoran draw their inspiration from the pioneering female musicians who with the exceptional quality of their music paved the way for the present generation of female musicians.
Aoife, Majella and Mary have implacable collective musical backgrounds. Their music is of the highest standard and they have impressive successes at All-Ireland level in solo and group categories. They are playing an important role in the continuity of the tradition by showcasing the abilities of female musicians at the highest level.
They have recently recorded a CD which includes some tunes from P.W. Joyce’s collection, which has been recorded commercially for the first time. Overall this CDS represents a proud unbroken and continuous tradition of music in Dublin.
Aoife, Mary and Majella first played together on a tribute concert at Scoil Samhraidh Willie Clancy to honour the wonderful Dublin flute player Mick Hand. Huge interest arose from their vibrant and beautiful playing and subsequently they were asked to perform at many concerts including the Ace and Deuce for the pipers club, Na Píobairí Uilleann. They have recently recorded for TG4.
The Housekeepers Album Launch – Doireann Glackin & Sarah Flynn
Irish traditional musicians Doireann Glackin (fiddle) and Sarah Flynn (concertina) are delighted to announce the launch their debut duet album ‘The Housekeepers’ in Matt Molloy’s Pub on Thursday 27th June at 8.30pm.
Flynn and Glackin are neighbours hailing from the Northside of Dublin and have been playing as a duet for a number of years. ‘The Housekeepers’, supported by the Arts Council of Ireland, is the culmination of a 2-year research project that sets out to illuminate the legacy of five unsung female musicians of our tradition: Ella Mae O’Dwyer, Nora Hurley, Aggie Whyte, Ellen Galvin and Mollie Myers Murphy.
‘The Housekeepers’ comprises 13 tracks featuring tunes sourced exclusively from the five selected musicians. John Francis Flynn provides delicate accompaniment on guitar on selected tracks. A detailed booklet beautifully designed by Black Rogue Designs, containing information from the research conducted, accompanies the CD.
Website: flynn-and-glackin.ie
Facebook: Doireann Glackin and Sarah Flynn Music
Roscommon based traditional group Gatehouse has gone from strength to strength since the release of their critically acclaimed solo album,Tús Nua, in 2016. The album received a rare 5 star review from The Irish Times and it was shortlisted by The Irish Times with three other albums for album of 2016.
Gatehouse are now due to release their much anticipated second album during the Summer of 2019. The album title is Heather Down The Moor. It features some classic English and Scottish folk songs along with some new tune compositions from the band’s fiddler, John McEvoy.
Gatehouse have been very busy touring Ireland,The UK and Norway,along with playing prestigious festivals such as The Trip To Birmingham Festival, Return To Camden Town, Fleadh Cheoil Na hEireann and The Copenhagen Irish Festival amongst others.
The Gatehouse line up is made up of highly regarded young singer,Rachel Garvey, multi instrumentalist Jacinta McEvoy on guitar and concertina, John McEvoy on fiddle and John Wynne on flutes and whistles.
Catch Gatehouse in the intimate venue of Matt Molloy’s Yard Bar. Doors will open at 8pm and a cover charge will apply.
Niall Hanna is a traditional/folk singer and guitarist from County Tyrone. He is a graduate from St Mary's teaching college in Belfast and is a teacher of singing and guitar accompaniment. His main instruments include guitar, bouzouki and bass guitar.
Niall Hanna is a traditional/folk singer and guitarist from County Tyrone. He is a graduate from St Mary's teaching college in Belfast and is a teacher of singing and guitar accompaniment. His main instruments include guitar, bouzouki and bass guitar.
Niall was immersed in traditional singing from a young age. This was a legacy left behind by his grandfather Geordie Hanna and Geordie's sister Sarah Ann O'Neill. He won his first all Ireland title in singing when he was 13 years old.
Niall started to learn music at both Comhaltas and the Armagh Piper's Club. Through this, he gained experience in performing and playing with other musicians. Since then he has gone on to perform and give workshops across Europe and in Australia. In recent years Niall has performed professionally with acts such as Reel It In, The Rapparees, Cathal O'Neill, Buille, Cathal and Stephen Hayden, Dónal O'Connor, Martin Meehan and many more.
Niall is the current recipient of the Young Musician's Platform Award (YMPA) from the Arts Council and has used this prestigious award to kick-start his solo career.
Catch Niall in the intimate venue of Matt Molloy’s Yard Bar. Doors open at 8pm. Tickets are €15 and are available from Westport Folk and Bluegrass Festival’s website.
The Westport Folk and Bluegrass festival present 'The Mystery Gig' in Matt Molloy's Yard Bar. The act that is playing will be kept top secret until they arrive onstage! This gig was packed to the rafters last year and is sure to be the same again this year!
Admission is €5. See you all there!
Originally from Dublin, and a longtime resident of Asheville, NC in the
heart of the Blue Ridge mountains, John Doyle is
a compelling singer and songwriter; producer; multi-Grammy nominee;
and an extraordinary master of the Irish guitar whose singular percussive
style has influenced a generation of players. A founding member of the
acclaimed group Solas, John’s guitar sound took the traditional music
world by storm and has likely forever influenced the role of guitar in Irish
music. John regularly performs solo, in duos, groups and has been the
choice guitarist for the likes of Joan Baez, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Linda
Thompson, Jerry Douglas, The Alt, Usher's Island, Liz Carroll, Eileen Ivers,
Tim O’Brien, Michael McGoldrick and John McCusker, Alison Brown, Mick
Moloney, Kate Rusby and a host of other world class performers in America
and abroad. John’s duo recording, Double Play, with the great Chicago
fiddler and previous National Heritage Fellowship recipient, Liz Carroll,
received a 2009 Grammy Nomination for Best Traditional World Album.
That same year, John and Liz performed for President Obama, Vice-
President Biden and Congress. John has been featured on over 130
recordings of traditional Irish, folk, old time, and bluegrass music, many of
which he produced, including 2016 National Heritage Fellowship recipient
Billy McComiskey’s Outside the Box. He has performed at every major folk,
bluegrass, and Irish festival in the U.S., Canada and Europe, some many
times over as well as NPR’s A Prairie Home Companion, E-Town,
Mountain Stage, and World Cafe.
John is a great lover of traditional song, an encouraging and enthusiastic
teacher, and his nearly non-stop schedule of touring, producing and
recording attests to his high standing in the world of traditional Irish and
American music. From a family of musicians in Dublin and Co. Sligo, and
having been exposed to traditional music as a young teen through his
grandfather, father and uncle, all of whom were musicians, and John’s roots run
deep in collecting songs and tunes. His influences include Arty McGlynn,
Andy Irvine and Paul Brady as well as the great impact of his musical elder
family members. Having been long established as the premier guitarist in
traditional Irish and Irish/American music, John’s 2011 solo cd, Shadow
and Light is a showcase for John’s acclaimed talent as a songwriter in the
traditional genre. He has the rare ability to pen new songs that for all the
world, sound decades or hundreds of years old and are well on their way to
becoming standards in the Irish folk canon. He makes seemingly ancient
subjects such as the Irish experience of deportation, war on the battlefields
of old, ship disasters, and unrequited love seem riveting and relevant.
John’s reputation as a generous, patient and encouraging producer of new
and established artists alike often finds him at the helm of several recording
projects at once. Likewise, he commits himself to several weeks of teaching
yearly in his efforts to encourage young and older players alike and his
classes are consistently sold out.
Though he could no doubt play and record with any of the world’s best
acoustic musicians, and often does, John’s heart is always in the traditional
music of Ireland and its diaspora in America and beyond.
“Mr. Doyle, whose solo artistry draws impressively from heart and hearth.”
Earle Hitchner, Wall Street Journal
“It is not often that a single artist defines a genre, but then there is John
Doyle and Traditional Irish music to consider. “ R.J.Lannan, TradConnect
“John Doyle is as much a story teller as a musician, and he’s masterful at
both.” Neil Mcfadden, Folk and Roots Magazine
“John Doyle can thrill with his crisp dexterity or break your heart with a moving
ballad. ….his songwriting has grown to match his musicianship.” iTunes
This year we will have the 4th Acoustic Yard Festival. There will be two gigs and also a workshop in Matt Molloy’s Yard Bar on Sunday, May 12th.
Sylvain Barou, from Brittany is considered as one of the best flute players. Having played mainly Irish and Breton traditional music, Sylvain has been part of some of the most exciting projects of the genre and played with the foremost bands and musicians such as Donal Lunny, Padraig Rynne, Guidewires, Altan, Guichen, Alain Genty, Denez Prigent, Jacques Pellen-Celtic Procession, Erik Marchand, Smadj, Gildas & JB Boclé, Keyvan Chemirani, Trilok Gurtu, Prabhu Edouard, Vincent Ségal (arranger with Sting) Sandip Chatterjee, Karim Ziad, Adnan Joubran, Dan Ar Braz, Yann-Fanch Kemener, Gilles Le Bigot, Soig Siberil, Yvan Cassar, Liz Carroll, John Doyle, Andy Irvine, Mairtin O'Connor, Paddy Glackin, Seamie O'Dowd, Paddy Keenan, Laoise Kelly, Fred Morrisson... he has been seen playing at some of the major festivals and venues such as Glasgow Celtic Connections, Festival Interceltique de Lorient, Festival de Cornouaille, Festival des Vieilles Charrues, Les Tombées de la Nuit, Transmusicales, Paléo Festival, Ennis Trad Festival, FMM Sines, Théatre de La Ville, Jazz à Vienne, Bercy, Stade de France, Musiques Nomades in Nouakchott, Tanger Festival, Dranouter Folk Fest, etc...
Today, Sylvain travels the world with his own lineup and a new trio with irish legendary musician Donal Lunny and Padraig Rynne, Sylvain is also participating to several projects with breton jazz guitarist Jacques Pellen, including a new exciting collaboration with jazz drummer extraordinaire Trilok Gurtu and a new quartet called Offshore. He also collaborates with musicians from other musical realms such as iranian percussion wizard Keyvan Chemirani, indian musicians Prabhu Edouard (tabla) Sandip Chatterjee (santoor) and Sukdhev Misra (violin) and Cretan genius Stelios Petrakis (lyra, saz, laouto) and multi-instrumentalist wizard Efrén Lopez.
He is still very active in the breton "fest-noz" scene (the famous dance nights of Brittany!) and also experiments regularly with other musical styles that he has been studying (indian classical music, sufi music from Turkey, persian music, greek folk...) and it is also not rare to hear him creating incredible soundscapes in jazz/ambient/experimental projects these days.
Sylvain also plays other instruments such as indian bansuri, armenian duduk, zurna, mey, kabazurna and tulum (turkey) and is also a very accomplished uilleann-pipes player and also biniou kozh (traditional bagpipe of Brittany)
Back West are the full Irish: a four-piece of young exponents, filled to the brim with the music and soul of the west of Ireland. Reared in the heart of Galway city and county, their music celebrates the historically and culturally rich environment in which they were nurtured as children.
Their stage show is a winning combination of traditional, sassy, modern, technically perfect and musically inspiring, delivered with tremendous and rampant energy. The highly regarded musical siblings, Maureen and Brendan Browne, on fiddle/vocals and accordion respectively, join Lord of the Dance Peter Vickers on hand and foot percussion. To add to this powerful mix is lead guitar and vocalist Fabian Joyce.
With an innovative, revolving door, full-of-possibilities policy, this ensemble, this exemplary foresome invite high calibre, virtuosic guest musicians and singers to fill guest slots. Audiences are indulged with an ever-changing stage landscape. They have previously collaborated with far reaching styles of accompaniment in their work with Shane McGowan (Sligo), Seamie O’Dowd (Sligo), Chris Kelly (Galway), Carl Hession (Galway), Johnny Ringo McDonagh (Galway) and various guest singers.
Back West have set new standards with their unique signature style. Deeply rooted in the tradition, they are ‘an innovative, thrilling ensemble of high calibre and vastly experienced musicians,’ (Irish Music Magazine).
Their performances are polished and effortlessly professional, given the depths of their solo and collective musicianship and talents. The tunes are honed from vast individual repertoires, the music and songs absorbed from all regions of Ireland and beyond. Modern tunes sit comfortably with older compositions, the siblings bounce fiddle and accordion off each other with flourish, Peter’s dancing is theatrical, Fabian’s rhythmical, sensitive connection to the music is intricate. The band’s musical narrative, their stories, the arrangements, energetic performances and professionalism are solid. It is that vital combination which is thrilling their ever increasing audiences in Ireland, Europe and north America.
Back West in concert is a showcase of imaginative, modern day Irish cultural expression, an explosion of songs, tunes, and dances that are vital to the world of contemporary Irish and world music.
Mayo based group Céide are due to play their first gig in over 10 years in Matt Molloy’s Yard Bar on Thursday 18th April. This is a night not to be missed by anyone who appreciates Irish music and song played with drive, emotion and understanding.
The group features an impressive list of Mayo musicians; Brian Lennon on flute, whistles and vocals, Tom and Kevin Doherty on accordion and double bass, John McHugh on fiddle, Declan Askin on guitar and vocals along with the main the main vocalist Marianne Knight - who also plays flute and accordion !
Céide released their excellent debut album ‘Like a Wild Thing’ in 2001 and their much-anticipated second album ‘Out of their Shell’ with the addition of new vocalist Marianne Knight in 2006.
Both albums received excellent reviews from Irish and International music press.
‘Céide are a quintet with not just attitude, but finesse by the bucket load.’ Siobhan Long, Irish Times
‘In conclusion, Out of Their Shell is the most striking album to be released by an Irish traditional band for some years and absolutely worth investigation’ Irish Music Review, Geoff Wallis
‘Busy and bold, Céide’s second collection emerges from its west Mayo chrysalis like a butterfly intent on parading her intricate designs’. The Irish Times, Siobhan Long
For many years Ceide performed both nationally and internationally appearing on many well known TV shows until in 2009 they decided in their own words ‘to pull into the lay by’ to concentrate on their young families.
Now, ten years later they have decided to reunite for a concert that will feature music from both their early albums along with new arrangements and songs.
This will be a night of music and song played with energy, drive and emotion not to be missed.
Doors open at 8.00pm and the concert will commence at 8.30pm.
‘This is terrific, traditional music played with gusto and understanding---a rare combination. It got us dancing around the room, and with this arthritis, that ain’t easy! Go Céide!!’ Bill Margeson, The Chicago Irish American News
Mickey 'Joe' Harte has been a mainstay of the Irish roots and popular music scene for more than 15 years. He has multiple Platinum records to his credit including #1's and many Top 20 hits on the Irish charts. Back in 2003 he represented Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest with "We've Got the World" and placed 11th and reached #1 on the Irish Single Chart.
The single releases of 'Come Gather All' & 'Bring it On, Bring it On' exhibit two recent writing collaborations with internationally acclaimed Irish songwriter 'Paul Brady'.
Harte's current album “Forward to Reality” represents some of his best songs yet, offering an amazingly diverse range of themes, sounds, and subjects. The album was recorded in the USA with John Condron and Flipworks Productions. Including the acclaimed songs 'Bordertown' 'Unstoppable Train', and 'Living in our Town'. It also includes the hit radio single 'Practical' featuring Irish folk legend Finbar Furey.
The release of “WISH YOU WELL” has helped to reinforce Mickey’s place in the Irish music scene and was play listed by RTE RADIO 1 along with his summer hit "SOUND OF THE SUMMER"
Mickey is currently recording new material in GERMANY with producer Dieter Kirchenbauer , which consist of mainly original songs including audience favourites ‘For the Broken Hearted', & ‘Fire in my Heart’, and an interpretations of Luka blooms Contemporary Irish folk song "City of Chicago".
Past compositions include theme tunes for RTE TV programmes including "Lords of the Ring" & "Brian and Pippa get Married". He also was featured as a vocalist on the hit dance series 'Let's Dance' 2016 for RTL in Germany.
Mickey also hosts and performs on the 'Writers Series', an 'in the round' concept with two very special guest artists on selected dates at raffs on the corner, Skerries, Co.Dublin. Guests include: Duke special / John Spillane / Eleanor Mc Evoy / the 4 of us / Mick Hanly / Nick kelly / leo Moran(saw doctors) / anto Thistlethwaite (waterboys) , to name a few.
John Spillane is a musician, songwriter, performer, recording artist, storyteller, poet, dreamer – a canvass filled with color and brilliance. His music transports the listener; his live performance captivates the audience. In a world filled with strife and upheaval, a time-out with John Spillane is enough to ease the load a bit on anyone lucky enough to bask in his light. The man and his music are pure magic.
What makes John special is that he is an artist who knows how to deliver all that he has to offer to anyone of any age, male or female, no matter the musical preference. Place him in the genre of folk, acoustic, traditional, world or pop – that’s fine with John. He’s a man who is very comfortable in his skin. Whether performing solo with guitar, with gentle accompaniment or with full band before 10, 10,000 or 100,000, John entertains, charms, and mesmerizes.
John is a native of Cork, the County he lovingly describes as “the centre of the universe”, and it has been a huge creative influence on him. Vocally, he is quite unique with an almost sean nós-like element in his singing and he is said to have a voice “full of honesty, commitment and sensitivity”.
Two-time Meteor award winner, John is one of the most accomplished songwriters in Ireland today. Among those who have covered his songs are Christy Moore, Karan Casey, Pauline Scanlon, Cathy Ryan, Sharon Shannon, Sean Keane, George Murphy, to name a few. He performs to audiences large and small everywhere.
From his heart-warming visit to Senegal to film a “musical visit” for an Irish television series (where he met and played music with, among others, the legendary Baaba Maal), to his 2008 Australian tour where he sang the IrishNational Anthem before 45,000 people attending the Australia v. Ireland Ozzie Rules Football, to singing for the President of Ireland, Mary McAleese (by invitation), and so on ad infinitum …
John’s performances shimmer with the magic realism that permeates many of his songs as he effortlessly flits between beautiful poetry tinged with melancholy to roguish, irreverent Cork humour. If you are looking for a night of good ‘craic’, a John Spillane show should not be missed.
‘Above and Below the Tide’ was formed in Sligo in 2014 to play some original compositions on an album of the same name. The group played some well received gigs promoting the album and developing a unique sound blending many influences including folk, trad, classical, world music and rock. All the members bring years of experience of playing in a wide range of bands and disciplines but in ‘Above and Below the Tide’ are attempting to create a new sound through their own compositions.
Planxty, Bothy Band, Horslips, Ennio Morricone, Arvo Part, Penguin Café Orchestra, Black Sabbath and Slayer to name a few,would all be influences on the band. Dave McLoughlin plays bouzouki, vocals and guitar. Anna Houston of ‘No crows’ is on cello and mandolin displaying her virtuosity in a variety of styles. Collette Sheerin plays flute and vocals has several solo albums under her belt and has her own band ‘The Candles’. Bernard Tohill plays guitar and also played in several bands including ‘The Blowings’. Ray Coen plays fiddle and electric guitar and is also a member of ‘No Crows’. He has released much of his own material and has written several compositions for the band.
‘Above and Below the Tide’ has received airplay on RTE 1, Lyric FM and several other radio stations.
The band recorded their new album ‘Deeper Blue’ in spring 2018 and released in July 2018 followed by gigs around the country. The album ‘Deeper Blue’ showcases material played live by the band over the past few years. Tracks on the album cover issues such as emigration, metal health, death and historical events. ‘Deeper Blue’ is available from CDBaby, iTunes etc.
“ven_ture started after a conversation about working on some new arrangements and ideas for the voice and accordion and fiddle and after some try outs the idea became real.
The trio loves making new arrangements for old music whilst composing new melodies keeping in mind the unique sound produced by voice accordion and fiddle keeping to non conventional new sounds in the process. ”
Ven_ture are:
David Munnelly (accordion) from Mayo is widely regarded as one of the most influential Irish accordion players of his generation: he has played with legendary Irish bands De Dannan and The Chieftains, and for 15 years fronted The David Munnelly Band. In recent years, his skills as a composer and arranger have come to the fore and David now works on a wide variety of music projects, ranging from the multi-award winning pan-European accordion five-piece Samurai, and duo McGowan Munnelly through his experimental solo compositions, to the high-energy traditional Irish band Mórga.
Anne Brennan (Vocals) is from Maam in North Connemarra Anne is a member of the well known and distinguished group “The Brennan Sisters”. Anne comes from a family steeped in traditional music and song and has toured throughout Ireland and Europe as a solo artist. Anne has shared the stage over the years with some of Irelands most talented artists, including: Paul Brady, Sharon Shannon, Declan O’ Rourke, Gerry O Connor, Arty McGlynn, Steve Cooney, Mundy and Damien Dempsey to name but a few and continues to tour as a solo artist and with various bands throughout Ireland and Europe.
Joseph McNulty (Fiddle) is an accomplished musician on both fiddle and bodhran. He credits a lot of his success to having spent years in the company of Peter Horan R.I.P. who was regarded as one of Sligo’s finest musicians. He was almost 70 years Joseph’s senior and to Joseph he was more than a musician, he was also like a mentor.
Joseph is devoted to Irish culture and when he was 15 left his native home in Mayo to immerse himself in Irish culture living in Inis Oírr, the smallest of the Arann Islands where he continued his education became fluent in the Irish language.
Joseph began to play traditional Irish music at a competitive level at a young age and by the age of 14 had won 5 all-Ireland tittles and 4 world titles. Most recently Joseph Joseph has toured with Ragús in mainland Europe and has spent time working in the National Folk Theatre of Ireland. He also teaches both fiddle and bodhran and spends much of the summer teaching in summer schools passing on his love and understanding of Irish music.
Catch Venture when they play the intimate venue of Matt Molloy’s Yard Bar. Doors open at 8pm and tickets will be available on the door on the night.
Stephen Doherty hails from Foxford, Co. Mayo in the West of Ireland, he began learning music at the age of 4 and through his teenage years began to accumulate numerous all-Ireland medals on whistle, bodhrán, drums, accordion and is a two time All-Ireland winning Champion on Melodeon and is a senior All-Ireland Champion on the flute.
His first music based international trip was at the age of 17 to Cleveland Music Festival in America, and at the age of 18 he became a full time musician joining FOM productions for for various shows throughout France and America over the next year. While juggling between teaching and touring, he then became the resident Traditional Irish Music Teacher at the Renowned Mayo School of Music teaching 5 Instruments to a student base of over 100 students a week.
Throughout 2008/2009 he toured America & Europe with Various productions including Celtic Crossroads, Ragús the Show and highly acclaimed Irish band Slide, he also became one of the resident Melodeon players for the annual Oireactas Sean Nós Dancing Championships aired live on TG4 and joined the Cunningham family at Fuaim Chonamara for a National Tour.
In 2009, Stephen Joined Irish band Gráda as a fulltime member, embarking on a world tour and the recording of a new Cd at Compass Records in Nashville.
Through 2009- 2012 Stephen continued to tour with Gráda, Ragús, Slide & Atlantic Steps performing in over 20 countries .
In 2012 Stephen released his first duo CD with Guitarist Patrick Doocey entitled ‘The Foxford Way’ and embarked on a 35 night tour of Germany.
In 2013, Stephen was approached to produce and compose music for a unique new Irish Danceshow titled ‘TitanicDance’ . The show based on the legendary stricken ship was launched to a sell out audience of 2000 people at The Odyssey Arena in Belfast and has since toured China, America and the UK. Stephen continues to work with the show as acting musical director.
Critically acclaimed as an“effortless musician”, he features on a long list of musical recordings. Stephen is a multi-instrumentalist, playing Flute, Whistle, Accordion, Guitar, Piano and Bodhrán, and performs regularly on the
Sean-Nós dancing and céilí scene fronting The Salamanca Ceili Band.
Catch Stephen in the intimate setting of Matt Molloy’s Yard Bar. Stephen will be joined on the night by harpist Seana Davey. Doors open at 8pm and tickets will be available on the door on the night.
Special Consensus is a superb bluegrass outfit in a classic vein but with more than enough modern sensibilities to attract every ear in this now pleasantly fractionating genre. The vocals are spotless, the playing as shiny as a newly minted penny, and music like this is the reason people come to love bluegrass… Special Consensus approaches this hallowed American musical form with boundless energy and an aesthetic reverence that tickles the ribs, tugs at the heart, and puts a restless two-step in boots and bare feet.
Catch The Special Consensus in the intimate venue of Matt Molloy’s Yard Bar. Guaranteed to be a brilliant evening of toe tapping tunes!