Artists 2025

CUAS

Méabh Ní Bheaglaoich (accordion,vocals), Nicole Ní Dhubhshláine (concertina, flute), Niamh Varian-Barry (fiddle, viola, vocals), and Kyle Macaulay (guitar, bouzouki) came together in early 2023 to form CUAS, a collective that performs and celebrates the wild and diverse musical traditions of West Kerry. Inspired by the emotive songs and the vibrant dance traditions of the area, the group positions the intrinsic link between listener and performer at the heart of the performance. Their debut album “CUAS”, released in May 2024, is a live album recorded in front of friends and family in Seanscoil a’ Chuasa. Already, the group have appeared at festivals throughout the country and on national TV including programmes Fáilte 2024 and Bláth na hÓige. Invigorating polkas and slides, thoughtful new compositions, and native songs abound in this meeting of four of Ireland’s most promising young musicians.

Trio Conor Lamb, Deirdre Galway, Jim Rainey

Performing on uilleann pipes, whistles, guitar, bouzouki and vocals, this new trio present an exciting and enchanting concert of Irish traditional melodies and song. Founding members of the critically acclaimed groups Réalta and Music in the Glen, Conor Lamb (uilleann pipes / whistles) and Deirdre Galway (guitar) supply the mesmerising melodies and driving rhythms that make Irish music so loved throughout the world. Every aspect of this is supported by Jim Rainey’s intricate blending of melody and accompaniment on the Irish bouzouki. Rainey has toured extensively with Belfast band Craobh Rua and his powerful vocals take inspiration from both traditional and contemporary singers. Individually these three musicians from the north of Ireland are some of the best exponents of their given instruments. They have performed concerts and lead workshops at major international festivals such as Milwaukee Irish Fest USA, Lorient Interceltique Festival Brittany, Celtic Connections Scotland, Sori Festival South Korea, Temple Bar Trad Fest Ireland, Tønder Festival Denmark and The Irish Festival of Oulu Finland. Collectively, the combination of seven reeds and fourteen strings will make for a performance not to be missed.

Mark Hennessey

Mark Hennessey is a multidisciplinary creative and producer, working in the fields of music, dance and visual arts. He has over 20 years experience in teaching and performing worldwide as both a musician and dancer performing and collaborating with shows such as Riverdance and Lord of the Dance. He has also lectured in various 3rd level institutions including Trinity College Dublin. His original music has been broadcast on national radio and has been performed by various ensembles internationally. As musical director of the European Irish Music Ensemble, he currently works with many musicians and dancers in Ireland Europe.

More to come...

More artists will be announced towards the end of the year.