Seán Lyons – “Juliana” in Vaughans Barn, Friday 26 April @8pm (before Singers Night @9pm)
Seán is a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. From a Clare musical family, he played tin whistle and uilleann pipes from a young age, competing and performing around Ireland and overseas. At 15 he began singing, playing the guitar and writing songs. He is influenced by jazz and the broader folk genre, but his music is deeply rooted in Irish traditional music.
His new EP “Juliana” has drawn high praise from well-known singers such as Jimmy Crowley and from Mike Hanrahan (Stockton’s Wing), who commented “Truly wonderful and refreshing. Interesting songs with gorgeous tunes and beautiful guitar accompaniment. His vocal, so sweet, lush and melodic, is carved from our tradition. Beautiful. A new Irish songwriter has arrived.”
O’Loughlin Family – “No Place Like Home” in Nagles Bar, Saturday 27 April @6.30pm
The O’Loughlin’s from Corofin, Co. Clare comprise Martina on accordion, Brian on flute, Keith on banjo and Conor on the concertina. Their music is steeped in the traditions of North Clare, but also displays influences from collaborations with musicians from around the globe. They have been involved in varied bands and projects such as the All-Ireland winning Shandrum Céilí Band and the National Folk Orchestra of Ireland. They have variously played in North America, Europe, Africa and Asia, and perform and teach regularly at festivals around Ireland.
David Sanders – “Chance Encounters, Last Minute Notions”: in Nagles Bar, Sunday 28 April @1.00pm
David hails from Kilnaboy, Co Clare, and has been playing the fiddle for over forty years, inspired and encouraged along the way by the likes of Gus Tierney and Tony Linnane. He has spent his life involved in sessions all over county Clare, has been a member of the Kilfenora Céilí Band, and is currently a member of Shaskeen.
The album reflects David’s diverse musical influences, from traditional reels and jigs to American waltzes. He is accompanied on the CD by fellow members of Shaskeen, including Katie Theasby, and by other well-known musicians such as Seanie Vaughan and Paul O’Driscoll.
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