With Paddy’s Day getting closer, it’s time to get in the swing of things this March as we have a Country and Trad takeover to celebrate. They say that Country-Western music got its origins from the Irish and with the list of gigs coming up on Paddy’s Day with an Irish Country theme, we can certainly believe it!
So if you’re looking for a good line dance, hoedown, jig or a good Rattlin’ Bog chorus to suit the spirit of the weekend that’s in it, look no further! Check out some of these fantastic Irish gigs this March and witness our local gems show ‘em how it’s done.
Kicking things off on the run up to Paddy’s Day we have the Jazz /Contemporary style Irish/American quintet The Gloaming. This lively musical ensemble consists of Irish fiddlers Martin Hayes and Caoimhin Ó Raghallaigh, Sean Nós singer Iarla Ó Lionáird and American born pianist Thomas Bartlett and guitarist Dennis Cahill. The lads were originally independent musicians but joined forces in 2011 and started recording in Co. Westmeath. Their formation saw a modern twist being combined with traditional Irish music, giving it a new sense of life.
That same year, the group conducted their first Irish tour, débuting in the National Concert Hall no less! The concert sold out before they had written or rehearsed any music together with people eager to see the lads perform as a unit. Their success led to the release of their first album in 2014, also titled ‘The Gloaming’ and from there they have also toured major venues around the world. They have delivered lots of special performances, even to the likes of Irish President Michael D. Higgins, so you know you’ll be in good company
The lads share a similar multiculture sound to that of Afro Celt Sound System and Crash Ensemble. There are classical Jazz and Trad tones merging in ways that wouldn’t seem possible, but work brilliantly. Their latest album Live at the NCH is available to download on iTunes now.
Where: The National Concert Hall, Earlsfort Terrace, Saint Kevin’s, Dublin
When: March 10th – March 12th, 8pm
Tickets: €40.00+
If your musical taste is more geared towards Americana and Folk/Rock music, then this five-piece will be sure to get you in the party mood for the St. Patrick’s weekend. Patsy, Eugene, Don, Pat and Ciarán are the current faces of The Rye River Band which was originally formed back in 1989 in Leixlip, Co. Kildare. These veterans of Irish Country are unique in their love of experimenting with combinations from electric guitar to fiddle or from Blues to American Folk. They conduct live recordings and performances and they are guaranteed to throw in a nice balance of some fan favourite Country classics as well as their own original tunes penned to perfection.
One of their most noteworthy performances was their collaboration with The Rolling Stones in the late eighties and they haven’t stopped since! Over the years they have stolen the show at many a venue such as the Westport Folk and Bluegrass Festival along with touring the UK as well.
Their jolly and upbeat anthems will have you line dancing to your heart’s content so Stetson’s and Stilettos eat your heart out! Their 2016 charity single ‘That Girl of Mine’, written for the Dublin Simon Community along with their 2017 single ‘Hey Anna’ are currently available to stream on Spotify.
Where: The Harbour Bar, 1 Strand Rd, Bray, Co. Wicklow
When: March 15th, 9pm
Tickets: Free
More Trad and Country is on the cards on the 15th with our Sligo-based pick, Old Hannah. As Paddy’s Day is quickly approaching, some good old-fashioned Irish Trad music is a must and with these folks. Lucie, Luke, Leo and Anthony are a family ensemble who decided to write and perform some tunes together in 2013. It was in 2015 however that they eventually got their big break after the release of their ‘Iron and Wood’ EP. Their twist in incorporating the mandolin and trumpets to Country and Trad is a stand out feature of the group. The groups 2018 album ‘Borealis’ is a testimony to that, as the change-up has seen their music reach new audiences and receive critical acclaim.
It’s onwards and upwards for the band who have so far performed across Ireland, the UK, France and the US, supporting huge names in Country along the way like Sheryl Crow and featuring at popular festivals like Electric Picnic. They have also made national television appearances on TG4 and RTÉ as their music becomes more in demand. Their most recent expedition in February has seen them conquer the Folk Alliance International Conference in Kansas City and they are currently touring with their new album.
Their sound holds a certain resemblance to the music of Leonard Cohen and Fleetwood Mac and their latest single ‘Follow’ from the new album can be streamed on Spotify now.
Where: The Grand Social, 35 Liffey Street Lower, Dublin 1
When: March 15th, 8pm
Tickets: €10.00
The most apt description of this powerful Southern Soul singer is Ireland’s answer to Rag & Bone Man. Hailing from Cork, Deady has been releasing music for a number of years but began to really turn heads with the release of his 2015 album, ‘Non-Fiction’. It’s fair to say that while Deady’s music dating from 2009 contained many light-hearted covers, his original album took on a dramatic, melancholic turn. Deady’s album was inspired by personal experiences of family life breaking up when he was 15 and having to go it alone for a long time.
In 2016, his single ‘Clap Both My Hands’ reached No.1 in the UK Spotify Charts and was said to be one of the most played Irish songs in 2016. Naturally his viral success began to draw interest from America and his single ‘Get on My Knees’ was featured in hit US show ‘Lucifer’. He has gone on to perform in America and listening to his deep soulful voice, it is hard to imagine that this man is actually a Corkonian from a family of twelve with his rich Southern sounds.
In 2018 Brian has continued to build on this past success and spread word of his music. His latest album ‘Eloise’ can be downloaded on iTunes now.
Where: Whelan’s, 25 Wexford Street, Dublin 2
When: March 16th, 8pm
Tickets: €17.50 adv/€20.00 at door
The Kilkenny Trad Fest is kicking off from March 16th to March 19th over the St Patrick’s weekend with a great line up in store to mark the celebrations. One of the many acts performing, one to watch out for is dynamic duo and Irish Trad and Appalachian singers, Ye Vagabonds. Carlow brothers Brían and Diarmuid Mac Gloinn started out busking together on the streets of Carlow for the craic and they eventually caught the attention of Irish film-maker Myles O’Reilly after a performance in Walsh’s pub in Stoneybatter. They were encouraged to go professional and in 2015 they released their first EP titled ‘Rose and Briar’ on their own label Inglenook Records. It proved a success and critics loved the nature-filled themes of their music and Americana twist.
It wasn’t long before they released their self-titled début album in 2017 which went down a treat with critics. Unsurprisingly, big names have tried to get involved with the lads, including Irish country star Lisa Hannigan and none other than national hero Glen Hansard who invited them to join the European leg of his tour. Right now, Ye Vagabonds are touring with their music and are building up a robust fan base which is getting bigger all the time.
The old-style, rustic tunes of the brothers can be likened to music from John Prine and The Civil Wars and their album ‘Ye Vagabonds’ is available for download on iTunes.
Where: Cleere’s Bar and Theatre, Parliament Street, Kilkenny
When: March 16th 9.30pm
Tickets: €10.00
So there you have it, there’s one great line-up in store for March with lots of burgeoning local gems ready to take to the stage in what will be a brilliant few weeks of craic and live entertainment. There is also the Kilkenny Tradfest to check out as mentioned above so no excuses not to get out there and have a bit of banter with your mates! If it’s a festival you’re after this month, then you won’t be disappointed with our list of Top Irish Festivals Worth Getting to This March.
Interested in big events and likes to keep up to date with celebrity culture as a personal interest. An avid reader and movie lover, enjoys in depth discussions about anything related to dystopian fiction!
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With Paddy’s Day getting closer, it’s time to get in the swing of things this March as we have a Country and Trad takeover to celebrate. They say that Country-Western music got its origins from the Irish and with the list of gigs coming up on Paddy’s Day with an Irish Country theme, we can certainly believe it!
So if you’re looking for a good line dance, hoedown, jig or a good Rattlin’ Bog chorus to suit the spirit of the weekend that’s in it, look no further! Check out some of these fantastic Irish gigs this March and witness our local gems show ‘em how it’s done.
Kicking things off on the run up to Paddy’s Day we have the Jazz /Contemporary style Irish/American quintet The Gloaming. This lively musical ensemble consists of Irish fiddlers Martin Hayes and Caoimhin Ó Raghallaigh, Sean Nós singer Iarla Ó Lionáird and American born pianist Thomas Bartlett and guitarist Dennis Cahill. The lads were originally independent musicians but joined forces in 2011 and started recording in Co. Westmeath. Their formation saw a modern twist being combined with traditional Irish music, giving it a new sense of life.
That same year, the group conducted their first Irish tour, débuting in the National Concert Hall no less! The concert sold out before they had written or rehearsed any music together with people eager to see the lads perform as a unit. Their success led to the release of their first album in 2014, also titled ‘The Gloaming’ and from there they have also toured major venues around the world. They have delivered lots of special performances, even to the likes of Irish President Michael D. Higgins, so you know you’ll be in good company
The lads share a similar multiculture sound to that of Afro Celt Sound System and Crash Ensemble. There are classical Jazz and Trad tones merging in ways that wouldn’t seem possible, but work brilliantly. Their latest album Live at the NCH is available to download on iTunes now.
Where: The National Concert Hall, Earlsfort Terrace, Saint Kevin’s, Dublin
When: March 10th – March 12th, 8pm
Tickets: €40.00+
If your musical taste is more geared towards Americana and Folk/Rock music, then this five-piece will be sure to get you in the party mood for the St. Patrick’s weekend. Patsy, Eugene, Don, Pat and Ciarán are the current faces of The Rye River Band which was originally formed back in 1989 in Leixlip, Co. Kildare. These veterans of Irish Country are unique in their love of experimenting with combinations from electric guitar to fiddle or from Blues to American Folk. They conduct live recordings and performances and they are guaranteed to throw in a nice balance of some fan favourite Country classics as well as their own original tunes penned to perfection.
One of their most noteworthy performances was their collaboration with The Rolling Stones in the late eighties and they haven’t stopped since! Over the years they have stolen the show at many a venue such as the Westport Folk and Bluegrass Festival along with touring the UK as well.
Their jolly and upbeat anthems will have you line dancing to your heart’s content so Stetson’s and Stilettos eat your heart out! Their 2016 charity single ‘That Girl of Mine’, written for the Dublin Simon Community along with their 2017 single ‘Hey Anna’ are currently available to stream on Spotify.
Where: The Harbour Bar, 1 Strand Rd, Bray, Co. Wicklow
When: March 15th, 9pm
Tickets: Free
More Trad and Country is on the cards on the 15th with our Sligo-based pick, Old Hannah. As Paddy’s Day is quickly approaching, some good old-fashioned Irish Trad music is a must and with these folks. Lucie, Luke, Leo and Anthony are a family ensemble who decided to write and perform some tunes together in 2013. It was in 2015 however that they eventually got their big break after the release of their ‘Iron and Wood’ EP. Their twist in incorporating the mandolin and trumpets to Country and Trad is a stand out feature of the group. The groups 2018 album ‘Borealis’ is a testimony to that, as the change-up has seen their music reach new audiences and receive critical acclaim.
It’s onwards and upwards for the band who have so far performed across Ireland, the UK, France and the US, supporting huge names in Country along the way like Sheryl Crow and featuring at popular festivals like Electric Picnic. They have also made national television appearances on TG4 and RTÉ as their music becomes more in demand. Their most recent expedition in February has seen them conquer the Folk Alliance International Conference in Kansas City and they are currently touring with their new album.
Their sound holds a certain resemblance to the music of Leonard Cohen and Fleetwood Mac and their latest single ‘Follow’ from the new album can be streamed on Spotify now.
Where: The Grand Social, 35 Liffey Street Lower, Dublin 1
When: March 15th, 8pm
Tickets: €10.00
The most apt description of this powerful Southern Soul singer is Ireland’s answer to Rag & Bone Man. Hailing from Cork, Deady has been releasing music for a number of years but began to really turn heads with the release of his 2015 album, ‘Non-Fiction’. It’s fair to say that while Deady’s music dating from 2009 contained many light-hearted covers, his original album took on a dramatic, melancholic turn. Deady’s album was inspired by personal experiences of family life breaking up when he was 15 and having to go it alone for a long time.
In 2016, his single ‘Clap Both My Hands’ reached No.1 in the UK Spotify Charts and was said to be one of the most played Irish songs in 2016. Naturally his viral success began to draw interest from America and his single ‘Get on My Knees’ was featured in hit US show ‘Lucifer’. He has gone on to perform in America and listening to his deep soulful voice, it is hard to imagine that this man is actually a Corkonian from a family of twelve with his rich Southern sounds.
In 2018 Brian has continued to build on this past success and spread word of his music. His latest album ‘Eloise’ can be downloaded on iTunes now.
Where: Whelan’s, 25 Wexford Street, Dublin 2
When: March 16th, 8pm
Tickets: €17.50 adv/€20.00 at door
The Kilkenny Trad Fest is kicking off from March 16th to March 19th over the St Patrick’s weekend with a great line up in store to mark the celebrations. One of the many acts performing, one to watch out for is dynamic duo and Irish Trad and Appalachian singers, Ye Vagabonds. Carlow brothers Brían and Diarmuid Mac Gloinn started out busking together on the streets of Carlow for the craic and they eventually caught the attention of Irish film-maker Myles O’Reilly after a performance in Walsh’s pub in Stoneybatter. They were encouraged to go professional and in 2015 they released their first EP titled ‘Rose and Briar’ on their own label Inglenook Records. It proved a success and critics loved the nature-filled themes of their music and Americana twist.
It wasn’t long before they released their self-titled début album in 2017 which went down a treat with critics. Unsurprisingly, big names have tried to get involved with the lads, including Irish country star Lisa Hannigan and none other than national hero Glen Hansard who invited them to join the European leg of his tour. Right now, Ye Vagabonds are touring with their music and are building up a robust fan base which is getting bigger all the time.
The old-style, rustic tunes of the brothers can be likened to music from John Prine and The Civil Wars and their album ‘Ye Vagabonds’ is available for download on iTunes.
Where: Cleere’s Bar and Theatre, Parliament Street, Kilkenny
When: March 16th 9.30pm
Tickets: €10.00
So there you have it, there’s one great line-up in store for March with lots of burgeoning local gems ready to take to the stage in what will be a brilliant few weeks of craic and live entertainment. There is also the Kilkenny Tradfest to check out as mentioned above so no excuses not to get out there and have a bit of banter with your mates! If it’s a festival you’re after this month, then you won’t be disappointed with our list of Top Irish Festivals Worth Getting to This March.
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Interested in big events and likes to keep up to date with celebrity culture as a personal interest. An avid reader and movie lover, enjoys in depth discussions about anything related to dystopian fiction!
Comments are closed.