Maura O’Connell and Karn Casey.
JUST to prove that there is life beyond Christmas the Regional Cultural Centre and An Grianán Theatre are presenting Letterkenny Trad Week, a feast of traditional music featuring some of the biggest names in folk music from Saturday.
The line-up of musicians reads like a who’s who of Irish traditional music in particular, with members and former members of almost every major Irish group of the last 40 years coming to Letterkenny that week.
It features the considerable combined talents of Ed Boyd (Flook), Ian Carr (Kate Rusby Band), Karan Casey (Solas), Éamonn Coyne (Salsa Celtica), John Doyle (Solas), Kris Drever (Lau), Steph Geremia (Alan Kelly Gang), Paddy Glackin (Bothy Band), Andy Irvine (Planxty), Alan Kelly (Eddi Reader band), Staffan Lindfors (Sofia Karlsson band), Donal Lunny (Planxty), Mike McGoldrick (Lunasa), Maura O’Connell (De Danann) and Martin Tourish (Altan).
Usher’s Island
Andy Irvine, Donal Lunny, Mike McGoldrick, Paddy Glackin and John Doyle. The first ever public performance, by the new Irish Super group, an intimate preview show prior their official concert at Celtic Connections in Glasgow, will take place Saturday night.
Sea Road Sessions
A brilliant new ensemble featuring singer/guitarist, Kris Drever, accordionist Alan Kelly, guitarist Ian Carr, Steph Geremia & bass player Staffan Lindfors. Coirm will open the concert with a performance of The Curlew’s Call a commission specially written for the group by acclaimed fiddler Seamus McGuire on Tuesday 13 January, An Grianán Theatre, €18/15.
Maura O’Connell & Karan Casey
The first collaboration of the two legendary Irish singers with accordionist Martin Tourish and guitarist Ed Boyd, part of a Music Network tour on Saturday, 17 January, RCC, €12/10.