Concert:

John Wynne, John McEvoy & Brian McGrath

“Roscommon flute player John Wynne and Birmingham-born fiddler John McEvoy make sprightly, uncluttered music: filigree playing that stitches the two instruments together seamlessly.” - The Irish Times.

Following the success of their 2007 album Pride of the West, renowned duo, John Wynne (Flute) and John McEvoy (Fiddle), are set to unveil their new album, The Dancer at the Fair. Joining the much celebrated duet are John Doyle on guitar and mandola, Mike McCague, bouzouki and guitar, Brian McGrath, keyboards, and Pádraic Keane on bodhrán – a stellar line-up of accompanists. There are twelve tracks on the album and the tune choice is spot-on, blending the old and the new in captivating medleys, alongside straight reel, jig, and hornpipe tracks, including the playful title track The Dancer at the Fair. As one would expect from these experienced performers, their music is fresh and natural under both finger and bow and executed with a crisp energy and deftness. Recorded in Malbay Studios, Co. Clare, the clarity of sound is maintained throughout, as this celebration of flute and fiddle wends its way with liveliness and sensitivity through each track. Wynne and McEvoy are seasoned performers with a wealth of experience and rich history of Collaboration, having played with a variety of groups and partners over the years and toured extensively across Europe, the USA, and New Zealand. As members of the acclaimed group Gatehouse their captivating performances have garnered praise and admiration.

“We felt there was another one in us and we’re excited about bringing our music to audiences and touring with this new album,” says John Wynne. The Dancer at the Fair promises to be a captivating listening experience for fans of traditional Irish music as Wynne and McEvoy continue to inspire and delight audiences with their exceptional talent and artistry.

Joining John Wynne and John McEvoy in the Crosskeys will be Brian McGrath who comes from Brookeborough, Co. Fermanagh, an area steeped in traditional music. Brian’s first professional work was with Dervish. He then joined Four Men And A Dog and played on the award-winning album Barking Mad. He moved his career on, accompanying Noel Hill, Paul Brock and Frankie Gavin, among others, before joining the Sean Keane Band as pianist. Brian joined De Dannan where he stayed till the band broke up in 2003. Brian now plays with At The Racket, and is much sought after as a session musician on piano, banjo and mandolin. He has toured extensively, playing with all the biggest names in Irish traditional music, including Frankie Gavin, Noel Hill, John Carty, Matt Molloy, Paul Brock, Charlie Lennon, Joe Burke, Sean Maguire, Brian Rooney, Cathal Hayden, Joe Derrane, Arty McGlynn, Alec Finn, Alan Kelly, Dolores Keane, Maura O’Connell, Tommy Fleming, Steve Cooney and Eleanor Shanley, as well as doing extensive TV and media work.

Supporting Acts:

Darren Culliney, Cathal Culliney & Emmet O'Toole

Darren, Cathal and Emmet have been playing music together for years. Cathal and Darren Culliney hail from the ancient Conmhaícne region, a historically vibrant region of Irish music which encompasses South Leitrim and County Longford. Emmet O'Toole hails from Co. Kildare, a rich Irish traditional music area. They studied together in Maynooth University and have been playing music together since.

Caitlin Diamond

Caitlin Diamond, from Portglenone, County Antrim started out her musical journey by learning the tin whistle at Portglenone Comhaltas. From then she developed her love for music and learned how to play the harp and piano. Caitlin has been singing since the age of 6 and have competed in fleadhs at county and Ulster leve. Caitlin is part of a three piece group called Sónas and have performed at wedding ceremonies and other events. Her most recent performances include the Seamus Heaney centre along with Lóre and the Henry Sisters and most recently played at Belfast Trad festival in the ‘Deer’s Head’.

Gig'n the Bann Saturday 12th October