Irish traditional music’s top artists will be performing in a series of rare, intimate concerts in Miltown Malbay as part of a new programme from the Irish Traditional Music Archive (ITMA).
The Down the Back Lane series will present unique, candlelit listening experiences showcasing some of the finest artists in Irish traditional music. With just 35 seats available, these concerts offer a rare chance to hear masters of the tradition in an intimate setting. They will be hosted in ITMA’s Miltown Malbay satellite office in Oidreacht an Chláir.
The first concert takes place on Saturday, 25 April at 7pm featuring Mick and Michelle Mulcahy. From Abbeyfeale, West Limerick, Mick (accordion) and his daughter Michelle (harp, concertina) uphold the best principles of the tradition. Together with Michelle’s sister Louise, they were awarded the prestigious Gradam Ceoil TG4 2023.
On Saturday, 23 May at 7pm, accordion maestros Derek Hickey and Dermot Byrne will perform together in a rare duet setting. Both musicians are widely celebrated in their own right, but are seldom heard performing together, making this a unique opportunity to experience their combined artistry up close.
And Saturday 13 June at 7pm will see Claire Egan and James Carty come to Miltown Malbay. Claire and James are two outstanding fiddle players whose music is shaped by deep tradition and a shared connection to the London Irish scene.
Tickets for the concerts are in short supply and available at www.itma.ie/events/down-the-back-lane/
The Down the Back Lane series is presented by ITMA’s County Clare Digital Access and Development Officer Liam O’Brien. This position has been supported by The Michael Guinee Charitable Foundation.
