For many years traditional super group De Dannan were the forerunners in the Irish traditional music world but after 33 years, 14 albums and a number of changes in the line up, the group disbanded in 2003. This July, original founding member and world famous fiddle player Frankie Gavin will unleash a new De Dannan which in his own words "will reflect a De Dannan of the 21st century”.
The official launch of the new band will take place at an exclusive concert at the 2,200 capacity Royal Theatre and Events Centre in Castlebar on August 5 during The World Fleadh festival, where many of the former members of the band will come together with the new members for a celebration of the band’s history. Former members of De Dannan, Dolores Keane, Mary Black and Máirtín O’Connor have confirmed that they will join Frankie Gavin with the new line up for this unique celebration.
The new De Dannan line up will be led by original De Dannan member Frankie Gavin on fiddle, flute and whistle with Michelle Lally on vocals, Damien Mullane on accordion, Mike Galvin on bouzouki and guitars and Eric Cunningham on percussion, flute and whistle. Frankie Gavin, who himself has performed with a whole host of musical luminaries from Stéphane Grappelli to the Rolling Stones, said of the launch of the new De Dannan: “This is a very exciting time in the life of De Dannan. The band has in the past been responsible for launching the careers of many of Ireland’s best known traditional performers who are now enjoying successful solo careers. Following a period where a De Dannan unit was no longer actively performing I believe it’s time now to write a new chapter in the De Dannan story. I have put together a team of musicians to form the new De Dannan who are tremendously talented performers and who I know will restore the De Dannan name and sound to its former glory. We have also at the same time developed our own approach which will reflect a De Dannan of the 21st century.” De Dannan will be joined on August 5 and at a selection of other performances by a new act known as Women of Ireland which comprises some of Ireland’s finest female performers. The group have just finished a three month tour of the USA with Frankie and the Dublin Philharmonic Orchestra. Part of the band’s immediate performance plans will include a residency at Ireland’s National Event Centre in Killarney during July and August while performances are already planned in the future for Carnegie Hall, Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi and the Hollywood Bowl in addition to various festivals worldwide.
Tickets are available on www.ticketmaster.ie as well as from the Royal Theatre Box Office on 0818 300 000. Tickets are €35, other service charges may apply. For further information please check the Royal Theatre website on: www.theroyal.ie or www.ticketmaster.ie
