Saturday Jan 13
Niamh Parsons, Ciarán Tourish, Liam Kelly and John Doyle
Mermaid Arts Centre, Bray 8pm €16/€14 mermaidartscentre.ie Also Sun, Wexford; Tues, Cork; Wed, Dún Laoghaire; Thurs, Castlebar; Fri, Drogheda
Now that they’ve had a brace of dates under their belt, this tour is heating up as it closes in on its midway point. Singer Niamh Parsons can anchor any session, such is her on stage gravitas and ability to take complete possession of a song. Her fellow travellers on this tour have whetted their appetites in the company of Lúnasa, Dervish and Solas, but this is an ensemble with a difference: with enough space between the musicians to let the music and songs shine through.
Thursday Jan 18
Backwest
Powerscourt Town House Theatre 5.45pm €12 087-2547574
Gael Linn host this Galwegian ensemble to celebrate the 10th anniversary of their monthly musical series, Siamsaíocht@6!. Members include brother and sister duo, Maureen Browne on fiddle and Brendan Browne on accordion, with percussionist and dancer, Peter Vickers and singer, guitarist and whistle player, PJ McDonald. An auspicious start to what has become a tasty monthly teatime session.
Friday Jan 19
Kerry
Laoise Kelly & Tiarnán Ó Duinnchinn
St. John's Theatre, Listowel 8pm €16/€14 stjohnstheatrelistowel.com
The sublimely subtle harping of Laoise Kelly has seen her collaborate with many diverse musicians and this evening she resumes a highly creative partnership with piper, Tiarnán Ó Duinnchinn, following the release of their duet album last year, Ar Lorg Na Laochra (On The Shoulders of Giants). Both musicians tend to eschew the limelight but together they bring a vigour to tunes from Ireland, Scotland and Europe. A treat for listeners who relish the balance between silence and the notes themselves.
