With the recent resurgence in traditional Irish music, Tradfest is well placed to shine a light on the rich heritage and emerging artists of the genre.
Taking place at the close of January, the programme this year features marquee events with a focus on traveller-lead traditional music and an all-women gala concert hosted by Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh (of Altan).
There’s a smattering of overseas artists, including the Grammy-nominated Allison Russell, Carlos Núñez, gigs honouring the life and works of legendary singer/songwriter Janis Ian (featuring Toshín and Wallis Bird too) and folk stalwart Ralph McTell, and some Irish artists we also recommend including Niwel Tsumbu, Alannah Thornburgh, Kíla, Yankari, Niamh Farrell, Varo, Farah Elle, Sharyn Ward, Brigid Mae Power and Niamh Bury.
See the full programme for all events TradFest, where venues include Dublin Castle, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the National Stadium, The Pepper Canister Church, The National Museum of Ireland, The GPO, The Button Factory and The Grand Social.
Here are Nialler9’s picks from Tradfest this week.
Dublin Pride Trad Géilí
Button Factory
Thursday January 25th, 8pm, €17.99
Returning to Tradfest this year, Trad is Amach is a community of LGBTQ+ trad musicians, singers, dancers and followers who organise inclusive Irish traditional sessions and céilís.
Trad Géilí has been staple of Dublin Pride Festival for 20 years now, and it is back at Tradfest this year.
Performers include trad groups Seolta, Pride Céilí Band Trad is Amach members Claire Sherry, Ciara-Lee Jenkinson, along with Muireann Banks and Eoghan Scott with Orfhlaith Ní Bhriain, as the céilí caller. Special guest step dancers will also perform.
Ispíní na hÉireann
The Grand Social
Friday January 26th, 8pm, €19.99
Ispíní na hÉireann aka the Hardest Working Band in all of the Land aka The Sausages of Ireland started out as a folk two piece of banjo player Adam J. Holohan and guitar player Tomás Mulligan with a penchant for humorous lyrics and funny memes.
Now playing as a five-piece, augmented with cellist Aongus MacAmhlaigh, bodhrán player Cian ‘Kinko’ Ó Ceallaigh, and sax/Uilleann Pipes player Pádraig Óg Mac Aodhagáin, the band have greased the pole of the live circuit with their reputation and sold out the Academy last year.
The band’s craic-filled setlist is indebted to trad, while singing of topical pop culture like the MICA crisis or Joe Duffy’s call-in show. Their Tradfest gig will be a prime opportunity to see these loveable rogues before the release of their second album in May.
The Deadlians
The Grand Social
Saturday January 27th, 8pm, €19.99
Speaking of likeable chancers, Dublin band The Deadlians’ approach their tunes with a punk attitude applied to folk sensibilities, with original fiddle-assisted full band songs about all sorts, that takes all sorts.
Get a load of the psych-rock loaded songs on their 2022 debut album Watch Out! Here come The Deadlians.
Tradfest 2024 Poster
