www.musicnetwork.ie
“A voice like peat smoke and good whiskey, as robust, sassy and soulful as it is supple and expressive.” The Guardian, on Kathleen MacInnes

“Displaying a delicate and sensitive touch Dermot Byrne has brought his accordion into new territory. Every note has a sweetness to it and every track glistens.” Trad Connect

“Brian Finnegan is without doubt one of the world’s finest whistle players.” The Living Tradition

“Sublimely beautiful and lyrical…” Americana UK, on Vass

Join four trad trailblazers this September as they come together for the first time in a specially curated Music Network line-up. Hebridean singer Kathleen MacInnes teams up with Donegal accordion maestro Dermot Byrne, maverick flute and whistle player Brian Finnegan, and award-winning Scottish guitarist and fiddler Mike Vass on an eleven-date nationwide tour. Details at musicnetwork.ie.

On stage, Hebridean songbird Kathleen MacInnes is a natural, sharing a joke one minute then breaking hearts the next with a soulful, earthy voice that lingers with the listener long after the last note has been sung. A regular performer at the prestigious Celtic Connections festival, in 2010 her singing reached audiences worldwide after being featured in Ridley Scott’s film Robin Hood.

Her musical co-conspirators combine creativity and virtuosity in equal measure. Best known for his work with Altan, legendary box player Dermot Byrne has collaborated with everyone from The Chieftains and Sharon Shannon to The Stunning and Stephane Grappelli. Founder member of ground-breaking acts Flook and Kan, flute and whistle player Brian Finnegan has performed with such stellar artists as Cara Dillon, Kate Rusby and Russian group Aquarium. Scottish guitar and fiddle maestro Mike Vass, Composer of the Year at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards, has toured extensively with leading song band Malinky.

Music Network’s mission is to make live music available and accessible to as many people as possible. During this tour, the musicians will host a variety of workshops with a range of children and young people including secondary school students, Music Capital Scheme awardees, and Music Generation participants. Connecting our work in music performance to music education aims to give young musicians rich, holistic musical experiences.

Music Network’s Autumn season provides an opportunity to see some of the world’s foremost musicians at affordable prices. The season features one of the UK’s most exciting jazz trios, GoGo Penguin; French rising stars Zaïde Quartet, and sensational lyric baritone Benjamin Appl. Music Network tours are funded by the Arts Council and are presented in association with RTÉ lyric fm. Tickets for all regional concerts are available from individual venues around the country.  Single tickets for Dublin are available from €15 and can be purchased by calling Music Network on (01) 475 0224 or booking online at www.musicnetwork.ie.

FOR LISTINGS EDITORS:
Kathleen MacInnes, voice
Dermot Byrne, accordion
Brian Finnegan, flute/whistle
Mike Vass, guitar/fiddle

On tour 8 – 20 September:

Tuesday 8 September: The Sugar Club, Dublin 2 (8pm, €20 / €15, 01 4750224 / www.musicnetwork.ie) Promoted by Music Network
Thursday 10 September: Droichead Arts Centre, Drogheda (8:30pm, €16 / €14, 041 9833946 / www.droichead.com)
Friday 11 September: glór, Ennis (8pm, €15, 065 6843103 / www.glor.ie)
Saturday 12 September: Mermaid Arts Centre, Bray (8pm, €16 / €14, 01 2724030 / www.mermaidartscentre.ie)
Sunday 13 September: Tipperary Excel Centre, Tipperary (8pm, €15 / €12, 062 80520 / www.tipperary-excel.com)
Monday 14 September: Linenhall Arts Centre, Castlebar (8pm, €16 / €14, 094 9023733 / www.thelinenhall.com)
Wednesday 16 September: Hawk’s Well Theatre, Sligo (8pm, €15 / €12 / €7.50, 071 9161518 / www.hawkswell.com)
Thursday 17 September: The Dock, Carrick-on-Shannon (8:30pm, €15 / €12, 071 9650828 / www.thedock.ie)
Friday 18 September: Station House Theatre, Clifden (10pm, €15 / €12, 095 21699 – info only) Promoted by Clifden Arts Festival
Saturday 19 September: Regional Cultural Centre, Letterkenny (8pm, €12 / €10, 074 9120777 (An Grianán) / www.regionalculturalcentre.com)
Sunday 20 September: McGrory’s of Culdaff, Inishowen, Co. Donegal (9pm, €15, 074 9379104 / www.mcgrorys.ie)
Full touring information at www.musicnetwork.ie