Shaskeen has been a cornerstone of the Irish traditional and folk music scene, and on Friday, May 9, at 8pm, the group returns to Monroe’s Live for a special seated show that promises a night steeped in tradition.
Shaskeen continues to carry the torch for Irish music with a line-up featuring eight accomplished musicians who have evolved through generations.
Formed in London in May 1970 by Limerick native Tom Cussen, the band was born out of a longing for home shared by the Irish diaspora.
When Cussen returned to Ireland in 1971, he re-formed the group in Galway with fellow musicians he met in the vibrant trad scene of the time.
Now, more than 50 years later, Shaskeen remains a beloved force on the trad circuit.
With Cussen on banjo and mandolin and still at the helm, the group features: Katie Theasby (vocals, flute, whistles ), Mary Liddy (concertina, vocals ), Johnny Donnellan (bodhrán, vocals ), Dave Sanders (fiddle, viola, mandolin, vocals ), Patsy McDonagh (accordion ), Geraldine Cotter (piano ), and Eamonn Cotter (concert flutes ).
Each member brings decades of experience and a personal history with traditional music.
With roots that stretch from Ros an Mhíl and Ennis to Kinvara and Kilmaley, they have toured extensively, from the U.S. to Russia and throughout Europe, teaching, recording, and performing.
Their mantra is to 'keep her lit' – and that is exactly what they continue to do.
Tickets €25 from www.monroes.ie
