Saturday, April 6th
Danny Diamond and Conor Caldwell
The Dock, Carrick on Shannon, 8pm, €14/€16
thedock.ie
Also Thursday, April 11th, Black Gate Cultural Centre, Galway
The sublime playing of this fiddle duo was evident in their album, North.
Both share northern roots, and revel in mixing it up: old tunes sit alongside newly composed pieces with a comfort that belies the level of attention the pair afford every note and cranny.
A rare treat.
Saturday, April 6th
Sean Nós Cois Life
The Teachers Club, 36, Parnell Square, throughout the weekend
seannos.ie
Sean nós singing and dancing sessions along with learner workshops all abound throughout this weekend, in a celebration of the old style.
This year’s Gradam Sean Nós Cois Life will be awarded to the renowned Griallais family for their huge contribution to sean nós singing over many years.
Singers who will perform throughout the weekend include Sarah Ghriallais, Cárthach Mac Craith, Sally Ní Dhroighneáin, Niamh Ní Dhubhgáin and Colm Jimmy Ó Curraoin, among others, with sean nós dancing by Úna Ní Fhlatharta.
Sunday, April 7th
Siansa Gael Linn Grand Finale Concert
National Concert Hall, 7.30pm, €10/€20
nch.ie
Eight young groups from the four corners of the country, who have qualified through preliminary rounds for the 2019 competition final, perform their own selection of traditional Irish music and song and compete for a prize-fund of €4,500.
A fine opportunity to catch some of the best emerging musicians and singers, in full throttle.
Áine Hensey, of RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta, will MC the evening.
Friday, April 12th
Yvonne Casey, Dermot Byrne and Eoin O'Neill
Ionad Cultúrtha, Ballyvourney, 8.30pm, €15
ionadculturtha.ie
Clare fiddler, Yvonne Casey joins Donegal accordion virtuoso, Dermot Byrne along with bouzouki player and broadcaster, Eoin O’Neill for an infusion of the pure drop: expect an eclectic gathering of tunes from a trio, each of whom is steeped in the tradition.
Students from the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance
Glór, Ennis, 1pm, free
glor.ie
First lunchtime concert in the current series where emerging traditional musicians, all students of the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance at the University of Limerick, get an opportunity to showcase their playing.
Curated by Academy staff, this concert series these concerts will celebrate artistic innovation and the nurturing of traditional musicians and dancers, in a county steeped in the traditional arts.
