by Thomas Maher

POPULAR folk group 3 on the Bund, featuring Castlefinn vocalist and award-winning concertina player Susan Coleman, will embark on an Irish tour next month.

Founded in 2019, the group formed at the Irish World Academy at the University of Limerick and, according to Folk World, “rapidly went from unknown to hot property.” They managed to record, produce and release their debut album ‘Frenzy’ during the Covid-19 pandemic and have since gone from strength to strength in the Irish traditional music scene.

Each member is an award-winning musician in their own right, with experience performing worldwide.

On fiddle is Waterford multi-instrumentalist Rebecca McCarthy-Kent, on Uillean Pipes, flute and whistles is Simon Pfisterer, on guitar and the bodhrán is Seán Kelliher and on keyboard is Ella McGrory.

Together, they have toured extensively across Ireland, the UK, Germany, the US, Asia, and other parts of Europe.

The band will play a series of Irish dates throughout October, with shows in Dublin, Ballybofey, Tralee, Galway, Wicklow and Limerick.

Susan Coleman, who grew up in Castlefinn in a family steeped in music, learned from both sides of her musical heritage. On her mother’s side, the renowned Harper family from Donegal passed down instrumental tradition, while from her father’s Coleman and Hirrell lineage, she inherited her singing voice.

She has since carved out a reputation of her own, winning numerous All-Ireland Fleadh titles and establishing herself as a sought-after full-time musician. Alongside touring, Susan teaches at festivals across Europe and provides private lessons.

Speaking to the Chronicle, Susan said: “Over the last few years, we’ve been steady touring across Europe, the US and Asia so we’re very excited to be performing at home for a change.

“I am delighted to be bringing our music home next month and really looking forward to the home county show in the Balor in Ballybofey on October 8.”

For more information about the band, visit www.3onthebund.com or follow them on social media @3onthebund. Tickets for the Donegal date on October 8 are available at www.balorartscentre.com