Fresh from releasing her brand new album Now!, one of Ireland’s greatest traditional music exports Sharon Shannon will headline the closing night of the Galway Folk Festival this Sunday, June 9, at 7pm.
Following the success of her song ‘The Diddley Doo’ in collaboration with The Scratch band, which she recently performed live on the Late Late Show, Sharon is back with a host of freewheeling songs full of stomping tunes and heart-warming, emotional and poignant ballads.
“I’m really looking forward to playing at the Galway Folk Festival,” she says. “I will have two of the most versatile musicians in the whole country with me, both of them superstars in their own right, with Gerry Banjo O’Connor on banjo, fiddle and mandolin, and Alan Connor on piano, electric guitar, vocals and percussion. It will be a mix of new music and the old favourites that people love to hear.”
The talented multi-instrumentalist will play the accordion, fiddle and whistle, and - in true Sharon Shannon style - there could be some surprise guests on the night.
With a career spanning 40 years, and having just returned from Australia, Sharon continues to break new musical ground. During this time she has toured around the globe in some of the most prestigious venues, from The Kennedy Centre in Washington to London’s Wembley Arena.
Her debut album Sharon Shannon was the best-selling album of traditional Irish music ever released in Ireland.
Hailed as a national treasure by President Michael D Higgins, she continues to redefine the boundaries of Irish traditional music, elevating the genre through her collaborations with reggae, rap and classical musicians.
Shannon has recorded and toured with Bono, Willie Nelson, Nigel Kennedy, Steve Earle, Justin Adams, Johnny Depp and the late Shane MacGowan, amongst others. She has entertained US Presidents Clinton at the White House, and Obama in Dublin, achieving multi-platinum album sales and several chart toppers.
Her album Galway Girl went four times platinum in Ireland with the title track winning her the Meteor award two years running for the most downloaded song.
The ‘Blackbird’ composer also celebrates being the youngest ever recipient of the Meteor Lifetime Achievement Award and holds an honorary doctorate from The University of Galway.
Supporting Sharon at the event are Niamh Bury and Lady Nade.
Dubliner Bury has been hailed as one of Irish folk’s most exciting new talents. Her debut album Yellow Roses showcases her uniquely stirring vocals, adept lyricism, and striking interpretations of old songs.
Acclaimed British artist Lady Nade’s blend of folk, Americana, soul, jazz, blues and roots has led her to become an award winning songstress. Her compositions explore themes of love, friendship, loss, and hope. With a transformative stage presence and commitment to advocacy, Lady Nade's impact resonates globally.
Tickets to see Sharon Shannon, with supporting acts at the Galway Folk Festival cost €25 from www.monroes.ie and www.galwayfolkfestival.com
