Two fantastic nights of music take place this January at Roscommon Arts Centre, kicking off with Maura O’Connell and Karan Casey taking to the stage on January 24. Witness the first collaboration of legendary singers Maura O’Connell and Karan Casey as they are joined by accordionist Martin Tourish and guitarist Ed Boyd this spring. With a Grammy nomination, TG4 Musician of the Year title, BBC Folk Award, and over one million album sales between them, this promises to be an incredible evening with some of the biggest talents in Irish music.
Blending Irish and progressive American folk singing styles, O’Connell burst onto the trad scene in the 1980s as vocalist with Celtic super group De Danann. The Ennis songbird’s singing career has brought her international acclaim, two Grammy nominations and collaborations with everyone from Bonnie Raitt, Nanci Griffith, and Dolly Parton to Alison Krauss, The Chieftains, and Van Morrison.
Former lead singer with Solas and a highly-acclaimed solo artist, Karan Casey is one of the most influential and innovative vocalists in Irish or American folk music, performing with such luminaries as James Taylor, Liam Clancy, Peggy Seeger, Mick Moloney, The Dubliners, and Imelda May. Her gorgeous, soulful voice has featured on over 50 albums.
Martin Tourish is an accordionist from Co Donegal whose reputation has grown rapidly since he was named Young Musician of the Year by TG4 in 2008. He is a member of the band Altan and has been a guest soloist with the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra. Ed Boyd is widely considered to be one of the finest acoustic guitarists on the European folk circuit. A founding member of BBC Folk Award-winning group Flook, he is known for his technical brilliance, delicate ensemble playing, and unique musical style.
On Saturday January 31 join Johnny McEvoy as he takes to the stage in a nostalgic evening of music.
Johnny McEvoy has always been highly acclaimed for his excellent shows and his forthcoming nationwide concert tour is eagerly awaited by his legion of fans.This nostalgic evening of song and story features all of Johnny’s many hit songs, including ‘Muirsin Durkan’, ‘Boston Burglar’, ‘Those Brown Eyes’, and ‘Long Long Before Your Time’.
His songs are haunting, evocative, and beautifully presented with many in the folk and ballad style.
Johnny McEvoy has been one of the most enduring and talented singer/ songwriters in these islands over the past 50 years. His concert performances are second to none with his songs beautifully delivered in truly artistic fashion and story-telling of the finest order. New album Basement Sessions is on sale now. Johnny’s shows are always hugely popular so early booking is advisable.
Tickets for the above shows are available now from Roscommon Arts Centre on (090 ) 6625824 or online at www.roscommonartscentre.ie
