The spirit of the West Kerry tradition will ignite Monroe’s Live on Friday, December 13, from 7pm, as music collective CUAS set up at the Backstage venue.
CUAS is the coming together of four of Ireland’s most promising young musicians: Méabh Ní Bheaglaoich on accordion and vocals, Nicole Ní Dhubhshláine on concertina and flute, Niamh Varian-Barry on fiddle, viola and vocals, and Kyle Macaulay on guitar and bouzouki.
Formed in early 2023, the group is inspired by the emotive songs and spirited dance tunes of the Dingle Peninsula and wider region.
Their self-titled debut album, released in May this year, is a live recording that captures the warmth and vitality of their music. Recorded in Seanscoil a' Chuasa, an old schoolhouse in West Kerry, the album features invigorating polkas and slides, heartfelt new compositions, and cherished traditional songs. It’s a celebration of community, connection, and the enduring nature of Irish music.
The band invited 50 friends, family members, set dancers, and enthusiastic strangers to the old schoolhouse to join them in a night celebrating music, song, and dance, and the result was the debut album.
“We hope that the ensuing 14 track highlights from that evening give you a sense of the energy and warmth that we shared that night,” says the group.
CUAS has performed at festivals across Ireland and appeared on television programmes including Fáilte 2024 and Bláth na hÓige.
Tickets €20 from www.monroes.ie
