29th Guinness IRISH CHRISTMAS “Diaspora”

LAOISE KELLY (IE)
THE McGOLDRICK FAMILY ( IE/GB)
CASSIE & MAGGIE MacDONALD ( CAN)

This year’s highly diverse program goes by the working title “Diaspora” and is dominated by girl power.

One of the very first female artists to tour with me in this format with her band at the time, “The Bumblebees,” was the amazing harpist LAOISE KELLY
Back then, it was Laoise who revolutionized the Irish harp as a solo instrument!
She collaborated closely with Kate Bush, the Chieftains, and many others, and was honored as TG4 Musician of the Year in 2020!
“She fires out tunes with a fluidity, creativity, and clarity that has revolutionized the harp as a solo instrument” —Niall Keegan, Irish World Academy

Flute superstar MIKE McGOLDRICK, one of the absolute icons of contemporary traditional Irish folk, who grew up in the Irish diaspora in Manchester, is traveling with his nieces. With THE McGOLDRICK FAMILY, he’ll bring a very traditional flavor to the stage and give us a deeper understanding of the backbone of Irish music—namely, the music passed down within families.
Mike founded bands such as Lunasa and Flook and played in Mark Knopfler’s band for 14 years. In 2006, he was named Musician of the Year at the BBC Folk Awards !
Michael McGoldrick – uilleann pipes, flutes
Catherine McGoldrick – wooden flute
Ciara McGoldrick – concertina, vocals
Mairead McGoldrick – whistle, bodhran
Jimmy Patrick – guitar
“Mike is in a class of his own—it’s always a joy to share a stage or a studio (or a beer) with him.” (Mark Knopfler)

There is hardly a more powerful or spectacular duo than the sensational sisters CASSIE & MAGGIE MacDONALD from Canada.
Deeply rooted in Nova Scotia’s fiddle-dominated folk tradition, they draw from the rich heritage of their Scottish ancestors and combine
fiddle sounds with guitar and piano, two-part harmonies, and tap dancing.
To date, the duo has earned 17 awards and nominations at various Canadian competitions such as the JUNO Awards, the East Coast Music Awards, and the Canadian Folk Music Awards , as well as Female Singers of the Year ( Live Ireland Radio), Female Vocal Album of the Year (Chicago Irish American News), and Album of the Year ( NPR Celtic Connection)
“It’s hard to think of a more entertaining act in music right now.” — Live Ireland Radio