Probably the most exciting trad combination of recent times, Matt Molloy and John Carty together with Arty McGlynn and Brian McGrath are undertaking a short winter rambles tour around Ireland to coincide with the release of Matt’s latest solo CD ‘Back to the Island’.
They will be appearing at the Bunratty Castle Hotel at 8pm on Saturday the 19th January as part of the 20th Shannonside Winter Music Festival.
Considered by many as the greatest flute player of our time, Matt over the years has been a member of the Bothy Band, Planxty and the Chieftains. John Carty has established himself among the elite of Irish traditional musicians. He is also a member of the bands At the Racket and Patrick Street.
Most recently, John arranged and played all the traditional music elements in the film Brooklyn. Both Matt and John are recipients of the prestigious TG4 Musician of the year Award. They are delighted to be joined by two of Ireland’s most accomplished accompanists Arty McGlynn and Brian McGrath who have played with all the greats in Irish music.
So set your alarm for January 17th and get a few great warm-up concerts before the highlight concert featuring Matt Molly and his crew. It’s all part of the twentieth Shannonside Winter Music Festival in Sixmilebridge and Bunratty, Co. Clare. From 17th to 22nd, a hectic schedule of over 80 events across 17 locations that brings an eclectic mix of music styles worth waking up for!
While much of the roster is filled with Festival alumni, 2019 sees the debut visit from the legendary Matt Molloy, playing the Saturday night concert with multi-instrumentalist John Carty accompanied by Arty Glynn and Brian McGrath. Mick Hanly legendary singer/songwriter opens the concert.
From the US, the Cintron Brothers bring Flamenco sounds, and a capella group Purely Vocals are back after a successful visit in 2012. Grammy-nominated Bluegrass band The Special Consensus join the Petersens both from the US for a mammoth double-bill concert on Sunday at 3.00pm.
The Golden Star Morris dancers from the UK make their fourth trip to Clare, and the Munich String Band bring bluegrass from Germany. Perennial favourite Frankie Lane is back, while the Spancil Hillbillies, Ukealadies, and Jazzliteswing by to keep toes tapping.
Local boy Brendan Walsh returns from Switzerland with two bands – the Led Farmers to trad-rock the place, and the Diversus Guitar Quartet to sooth the soul! Folk and trad acts include Kate Purcell, the Doyle Family (UK), Randal’s Folly, Ger O’Donnell and Kate Theasby, MegaTrad and many more visiting and local names.
A full Saturday of concerts on five stages at Bunratty Folk Park is a serious musical treat. The set dancing in Bunratty Castle Hotel with Johnny Reidy is always well-supported, and the gigs, sessions, and concerts throughout both villages will feature the best of music and song!
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