Festival Concerts 2023
STOCKTON'S WING
Stockton’s Wing, a collective of musicians fronted by founding members Mike Hanrahan and
Paul Roche. Over the years they have been joined by fiddler extraordinaire Tara Breen, Karol Lynch on banjo and mandolin and guitarist Paul McSherry. From the late 1970’s onwards, Stockton’s Wing have had memorable performances in the Marble City, including at the now legendary Siamsa Kilkenny festival in Nowlan Park in the 1980’s. The legendary Irish Folk Band are looking forward to giving an energetic performance for old and new fans alike at Kilkenny Tradfest 2023.
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LISA LAMBE
NightVisiting
Lisa Lambe, an internationally acclaimed Irish folk singer and actor, brings us her new project ‘NightVisiting’, first commissioned by The National Famine Museum in Strokestown, County Roscommon. Lisa collaborates with renowned traditional musicians alongside local contributors to create a unique performance bespoke to each venue she visits. ‘NightVisiting’ is a celebration and a reimagining of those nights of sharing the old songs and stories which is not to be missed!
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EMMA LANGFORD & BAND
Folksinger and songwriter Emma Langford’s storytelling sits at the heart of everything she does. An inimitable, dreamy voice on the frontline of a new wave of Irish folk songs. Langford’s powerful mezzo-soprano voice matched with delicate fingerpicking and strumming skills has led her to an ever-growing audience. Kilkenny Tradfest is honoured to have Emma perform as part of her 2023 tour, sharing work from her genre-defying catalogue of songs.
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REEL TO REEL
Reel to Reel was formed in Kilkenny over 30 years ago, comprised now of some of the original members and some new fresh talent. The band features uilleann pipes, bass guitar, piano, bouzouki, drums, double bass, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, accordion, fiddle and vocals. Reel to Reel have always pushed the boundaries and added the best of national and international influences to Irish Trad.
Free
Kilfenora Céilí Band
Kilfenora Ceilí Band are one of Ireland’s oldest Céilí Bands, born a century ago in the tiny village of Kilfenora. Co. Clare. The band, who continue to forge new ground with their innovative recordings, artistic collaborations, repertoire and concert presentations will also be marking this event with releases from their latest album as the legendary group take their rich musical heritage into the future. Their show is expertly choreographed, boasting highly rhythmic traditional and captivating tunes.
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TULUA TRAD BAND
TULUA meaning ‘Becoming More’ are a traditional Irish fusion band that hail from the southeast of Ireland. TULUA have been exploring and sharing their music which has gained them national and international success, playing around the world since 2020. TULUA discovered a strong passion for bringing traditional tunes and songs to the forefront of fusion and to explore the possibilities of their traditional roots.
Free
Niall Toner Band
Toner writes Bluegrass and Country songs that ring true, and would not be out of place on any Bluegrass Master's Albums. This Irishman knows his stuff.
5 Star Review.
Maverick Magazine
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5 Star Review.
Maverick Magazine
SCULLION
Scullion, who were formed in the 1970’s, are revered and fêted as one of Ireland’s most innovative, original and brilliant live bands. Ten years ago, they released a brand-new album and rediscovered their desire to get back on the road. Their latest album is ‘Time Has Made a Change in Me’ released in September 2022, which we will get to experience at this year’s Kilkenny Tradfest 2023.
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THE BONNYMEN
Formed in 2011, The Bonny Men quickly became one of the most talked about and exciting acts to emerge in the Irish trad / folk music scene. Comprised of seven individuals - each masters of their own instruments, they generate a powerful sound that encapsulates the very soul of traditional music, a mixture of original and contemporary folk songs and creative harmonies. Clever and intriguing arrangements every Bonny Men gig is a musical experience.
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TULLA CEILÍ BAND
CEILÍ
The Tulla Céilí Band was founded in 1946 at Minogue's Bar in Tulla, County Clare, in order to compete at the Limerick Fleadh Cheoil. Over the years the band have won many first prize places and in 1958, delivered a memorable performance at Carnegie Hall, New York on St. Patrick's Day. Over sixty years on, musicians have come and gone but the continued popularity of the Tulla Céilí Band has remained strong.
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Eva Coyle
Eva Coyle is a Folk Artist based in West Cork. Her style is a blend of Folk Indie with roots of Irish Traditional Music. The launch of her debut album in May 2023 followed a small national tour, some of which she played the Word Stage at Electric Picnic and Whelan’s Trad Folk Fest. The album features collaborations with John Blek, Bean Dolan, John Williams of Solas, Katie Grennan and renowned Swedish Folk guitarist Mattias Pérez. Eva’s music has been featured more prominently in Sweden and the UK with Folk Radio UK and BBC sounds quoting Mark Radcliffe ‘I adore Eva’s sound and can’t wait to hear more’ BBC sounds Folk Show.
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Lisa Hannigan
Lisa Hannigan first came to light as an angel-voiced, somewhat mysterious figure singing harmonies alongside Damien Rice. They played together for seven years, but it wasn’t until the release of her solo debut Sea Sew in 2008 that the full spectrum of her abilities became apparent. A joyous kaleidoscope of love songs, laments, sea shanties and glockenspiels, with a cover hand-stitched by Lisa herself, the self-released album was a runaway success, nominated for a Choice award in Ireland and a Mercury Music Prize in the UK.
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SIOBHÁN ARMSTRONG
From songs of love to evocative laments, discover the sound of medieval to 18th-century Ireland through the rare sound of the ancient harp. Taking place in the Great Hall of Rothe House - a room for welcoming guests and entertaining the great and good that visited Kilkenny. Now known as the Phelan Room, the room retains it's original high ceilings, vast fireplaces and bay windows that overlook Parliament St. Come hear the music of the time, performed on the ancient Irish harp, in an authentic space.
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