Saturday, January 18th
Cherish The Ladies
Shannonside Winter Music Festival, Bunratty Castle; Also Sun, St John's Theatre, Listowel
This New York-based Irish supergroup has been a hothouse where the finest of musicians have gathered. Anchored by the charismatic flute and whistle player, Joanie Madden, its current membership includes Nollaig Casey on fiddle and Mirella Murray on piano accordion. This is a band who can meld serious tune playing with a musical mischievousness that keeps listeners on the tip of their toes.
Anxo Lorenzo, Jim Murray, Dónal O'Connor and Jack Talty
Droichead Arts Centre, Drogheda; Sun, Pavilion Theatre, Dún Laoghaire; tour continues until Sunday 26th
This Music Network is a wide-horizoned celebration of Galician and Irish traditions with Galician gaita pipes player, Anxo Lorenzo joining an Irish trio on guitar, fiddle and concertina. Expect much in the way of innovative tune selections and rambunctious, high octane performances.
Wednesday, January 22nd
Tradfest Temple Bar
Various venues until Sunday
An eclectic gathering of artists alight on Temple Bar for this year's Tradfest. Emerging artists such as Boxing Banjo, Sibéal Ní Chasaide and Della Mae will seek to widen their horizons amid the countless sessions that will pepper this five-day event, while headliners include the divine fiddle player and veteran of The Bothy Band, Kevin Burke, west Kerry singer, Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh with Gerry O'Beirne, English folk singer, Seth Lakeman and Cherish The Ladies. This winter festival has by stealth become the go to place for discovering new voices and tunes, as well as the place where veteran performers such as Stockton's Wing can find new life.
Friday, January 24th
Greenshine
Asgard Theatre, Arklow
This family trio featuring Noel Shine, Mary Greene and their daughter, Ellie have upped the ante when it comes to penning original, high quality songs in recent years. Ellie's distinctive vocals are the rock on which Girl In The Lavender Dress and The Good Is Gone rest, with Noel and Mary's tight arrangements ensuring that their songs have enough space to breathe freely. Straddling contemporary, pop and folk with ease.
Saturday, January 25th
Dónal Lunny & Paddy Glackin
The Dock, Carrick on Shannon
Driving percussive forces interwoven with the finest of filigree tunes: that's what this duo will bring to this concert, along with a tunebook bursting to the seams. The pair have a long history of collaboration, dating back to their membership of The Bothy Band but in between their individual and collaborative projects have made them linchpins of the tradition. Expect a special night of finely curated tunes and some colourful stories too.
