www.musicnetwork.ie

Rejoice in the energetic polkas and slides of West Kerry and waltzes, marches and reels from Scotland this May, as four folk musicians at the top of their game come together for the very first time. Music Network is thrilled to bring together vocalists Heidi Talbot and Breanndán Ó Beaglaoich, aided and abetted by award winning multi-instrumentalist John McCusker and guitarist Paul Meehan. On tour from 8 – 20 May, details at www.musicnetwork.ie.

Heidi Talbot was born in Ireland and became a folk star in the USA as a member of the Irish American band Cherish the Ladies, and now lives in Scotland. The girl from Co. Kildare slips effortlessly between musical worlds but retains a personal modesty rooted in traditional folk. Heidi has been nominated for folk singer of the year and best traditional song by BBC Radio 2, best live act by the Scottish traditional music awards and best female vocalist at The Irish Music Awards. Her most recent solo record ‘Here We Go 1, 2, 3′ was released on Navigator Records in September 2016.

For this tour Heidi’s expressive vocals will be paired with the extraordinary voice of trad maestro Breanndán Ó Beaglaoich. Born into a famous musical family, Breanndán soaked up the music and songs of West Kerry from an early age – slides, polkas, songs and slow airs all run through his veins. He has four acclaimed solo albums to his name, as well as numerous recordings with the groups Boys of the Lough and Beginish. More recently he has been joined in performances by his family, carrying on the long line of music from Corca Dhuibhne and the Begley family.

Winner of BBC Radio 2 Musician of the Year, John McCusker goes where other trad musicians fear to tread, sharing a stage with the likes of Paul Weller, Roseanne Cash, Paolo Nutini and Teenage Fanclub in addition to being a member of Mark Knopfler’s band since 2008. John has long been renowned for his skill at transcending musical boundaries: striving to keep his music fresh and exciting, never leaving the past behind but always embracing new sonic adventures.

Completing this stellar line-up is Manchester-born guitarist Paul Meehan, who is considered a musician’s musician, supporting others with his driving yet understated, inventive and pulsing playing, creating a platform for Ireland’s leading lights to shine. Returning to Armagh in his teens he quickly established himself on the local music scene, counting Arty McGlynn and Cathal Hayden, Stockton’s Wing & Mairtín O’Connor amongst his major influences. Paul has variously been a founding member of North Cregg, The Karan Casey Band, Na Dorsa and Buille. He recorded two albums and toured for seven years with traditional group Lúnasa and has collaborated with international touring acts such as Altan, Natalie Merchant, Tommy Peoples and Brian Finnegan to name but a few.

Music Network tours are funded by the Arts Council, this tour is presented in association with RTÉ lyric fm and in partnership with Baltimore Fiddle Fair. Tickets for all regional concerts are available from individual venues around the country. Single tickets for Dublin concerts range from €10 – €20 (plus booking fees) and can be purchased by calling Music Network on (01) 475 0224 or booking online at www.musicnetwork.ie.

Tour Dates

On tour 8 – 20 May 2018

• Tuesday 8th May, The Sugar Club, Dublin 2, 8:00 p.m. Tickets €20 / €15 / €10 (students), 01-4750224 / thesugarclub.com (booking fees apply). Promoted by Music Network
• Wednesday 9th May, St. John’s Theatre & Arts Centre, Listowel, 8:00 p.m., Tickets €15 / €12, 068-22566, stjohnstheatre.com
• Thursday 10th May, Triskel Christchurch, Cork, 8:00 p.m. Tickets €18 / €16, 021-4272022 / triskelartscentre.ie
• Friday 11th May, The Courthouse Arts Centre, Tinahely, 8:30 p.m. Tickets €16 / €14, 0402-38529 / courthousearts.ie
• Saturday 12th May, Fiddle Fair Marquee, Baltimore, Co. Cork, 9:00 p.m., €35 / €30 / €25 (plus €1 service fee), fiddlefair.com. Promoted by Baltimore Fiddle Fair, Double Bill concert – Ulaid with Duke Special
• Tuesday 15th May, Station House Theatre, Clifden, 8:00 p.m. Tickets €15 (on the door), 095-21699 (info only). Promoted by Clifden Arts Society
• Wednesday 16th May, Hawk’s Well Theatre, Sligo, 8:00 p.m. Tickets €18 / €16 / €9 (Go See, u 18s), 071-9161518 / hawkswell.com
• Thursday 17th May, Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge, 8:00 p.m., Tickets €15 / €12, 045-448327 / riverbank.ie
• Friday 18th May, Regional Cultural Centre, Letterkenny, 8:00 p.m. Tickets €15 / €12, 074-9120777 (An Grianán) / regionalculturalcentre.com
• Saturday 19th May, Pavilion Theatre, Dún Laoghaire, 8:00 p.m. Tickets €20 / €16 / €12, 01-2312929 / paviliontheatre.ie
• Sunday 20th May, National Opera House (Jerome Hynes Theatre), Wexford, 8:00 p.m. Tickets €16 / €14, 053-9122144 / nationaloperahouse.ie

For further information/images, please contact:

Louise Walsh, Communications Manager, Music Network: (01) 475 0224 or pr@musicnetwork.ie