Author: Breffni Banks

How far does one go to make another person happy? What sacrifices do they make?

Japanese Housewife is a snapshot in time of an argument in a relationship. How one person treads a fine line to appease or to submit to the person they love.

People change, situations are in flux… but in the end, love is all.

BLANDAD are a 5 piece hardcore/grunge band from Kildare, Ireland.

They formed in 2022 as various members of previous bands (In The Space Between, She Speaks, Drink Puke Dead, Club War) who found a common love for heavy, energetic punk and big grunge soundscapes.

They are currently writing and recording their debut EP, with a couple of singles already under their belt.

Expect wild, hard hitting hardcore sounds and shoegaze aesthetics.

Blandad are : Dan Shanahan (vox), Wayne Macmanmon (guitar), Dean Lane (guitar), Paul Hughes (bass) and Jamie Harrison (drums)

www.blandadband.com

Irish harpist, concertina player and multi-award-winning musician and composer, Aisling Lyons is set to release her latest single, ‘Sunbeam,’ a heartfelt and original contemporary harp composition. The single is a poignant tribute to her late friend Sarah and showcases Aisling’s emotive musical storytelling.

Written by Aisling, ‘Sunbeam’ is a musical reflection inspired by the profound emotions experienced after the passing of her dear friend. The composition beautifully captures the essence of memories and the healing power of music during times of loss.

Produced by Ben Wanders in Limerick, ‘Sunbeam’ boasts a rich and evocative sound, showcasing Aisling’s virtuosity on the harp. The collaboration with Wanders brings a unique blend of contemporary elements to the composition, with all sounds created by the harp.

Gráinne Beth Enright, known for her exceptional design work, has contributed a visually striking artwork for ‘Sunbeam,’ further enhancing the overall sensory experience of the single.

Aisling Lyons, with a decorated musical career and multiple awards to her name such as being nominated in last year’s RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards, is currently immersed in the creation of her second harp album. ‘Sunbeam’ serves as a glimpse into her evolving musical journey and artistic expression. 2024 sees Aisling travel to Australia, the U.S, Germany and Brittany for various festivals and performances.

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‘Sunbeam’ is set to be released on March 15th and will be available on all major streaming platforms.

Connect with Aisling Lyons

Website | Instagram | Bandcamp | Spotify

“In addressing and bringing into light the shameful treatment of women in Irish history and in affording voice for their emancipation and empowerment, Barfoot, might just be one of the most important voices in contemporary Irish music” – FATEA Magazine

Ancestors is the latest music video from Cork based contemporary folk artist Lewis Barfoot and South Korean visual artist Narae Kim. It was filmed entirely on an iPhone amidst the breathtaking Sheep’s Head in West Cork. It is a mystic, majestic video and feels like a sacred healing ritual. Ethereal overlays, purifying elements of water and stunning shots of Lewis moving in nature coalesce to create a mesmerising, almost dreamlike, visual experience.

Scheduled for release on International Women’s Day, the video pays homage to the strength and resilience of Irish women throughout history who have paved the way for freedom, without necessarily experiencing it themselves. Ancestors is a heartfelt tribute to these women and their enduring legacy. It is taken from Barfoot’s sophomore album HOME, released in November 2023, and features guest vocalists Kerry Andrew (aka You Are Wolf), Sarah Dacey, MaJiKer, Ben See, Ellis Kerkhoven, Bren Ó Ruaidh, Elisabeth Flett and Justine Grounds.

“She sings like an angel, plays like an inspired Orpheus, and her lyrics are as uncompromising as reinforced concrete. Lewis has done it again. HOME is a stunning album” – At The Barrier

This is the third collaboration between Lewis and Narae Kim. Their last work was the superb animation Fisherman which premiered at the Cork International Film Festival (Nov 2020) and went onto screen at Irish Film London (Dec 2020), St Brigid!s Film Festival (2021), Cruinniú na nOg (2021), Chicago Irish Film Festival (2021). Irish Film Institute (2021), Athens International Film Festival, Ohio (2021) and The Still Voices Festival (Nov 2021).

www.lewisbarfoot.com

• Tradition Now’ Festival to feature: John Francis Flynn, Bláth na hÓige, Ruth Clinton, Niamh Bury, Thomas McCarthy, Edwina Guckian and more
• National Concert Hall – multi-room concerts and informal sessions  
• Friday 3 and Saturday 4 May 2024   
• Tickets: Friday Concerts €27 | Saturday Concerts €30 | Limited Weekend Ticket for All Concerts €50 
• On Sale Wed 28 February 10am – NCH Box Office 01 4170000 / nch.ie

Today the National Concert Hall is pleased to announce the 13^th instalment of its Tradition Now Festival, presented in association with the Arts Council. An immensely popular multi-room bi-annual event celebrating the continual evolution of traditional music whilst honouring its roots, this summer’s Tradition Now Festival features main stage performances by 2024 RTE Folk Award nominees Bláth na hÓige featuring some of Irish best sean-nós singers, together with singer Ruth Clinton who presents songs in the traditional or folk idiom from her new book This Fearless Maid II on Friday 3^rd May on the main stage. The evening will see additional concerts taking place in more intimate spaces throughout the NCH featuring artists: English progressive songwriter Jim Ghedi, Passing on the Songs with folk singer and collector Thomas McCarthy and sean-nós dancer Edwina Guckian.

On Saturday 4^th celebrated folk singer John Francis Flynn takes to the main stage with additional concerts in smaller venues throughout NCH by artists to include one of the most exciting new voices on the Irish folk scene: Niamh Bury; multi-instrumentalist and singer who has carved out a place as a unique voice in American music Cahalen Morrison, and Dublin based singer and fiddle player Helen Diamond.  Both evenings will be complimented by the NCH’s John Field Room Sessions, creating a relaxed informal atmosphere to enjoy.

Garnering a growing audience since its inception, Tradition Now has developed into an established series showcasing innovation and diversity in traditional music in all its forms while celebrating and championing its roots, heritage and traditions.

Robert Read, CEO National Concert Hall: “Supporting innovation and exploration in traditional music and the arts plays an important part in our collective shared understanding of Irish identity, heritage and legacy through music, dance and storytelling. We are pleased to partner with The Arts Council in bringing together a diverse and talented line-up for this iteration of Tradition Now which showcases and celebrates the breath of talent in the traditional music of today while looking to the future”.

Maureen Kennelly, Director of the Arts Council of Ireland: “The traditional music, song and dance of Ireland continues its exciting journey of exploration, collaboration and innovation, while remaining true to its grassroots origins. The traditional arts is a living tradition, with unique regional styles and accents – it has influenced other traditions and has been itself influenced over time. We are delighted that this partnership with the NCH continues to bring rich & diverse traditional music to new audiences.”

ABOUT THE ARTISTS

Dublin-based folk singer and multi-instrumentalist John Francis Flynn’s latest album Look Over The Wall, See The Sky has just been nominated for the RTÉ Folk Award Album of the Year. His debut album I Would Not Live Always won great critical acclaim, including being The Guardian and MOJO magazine’s Folk Album Of The Year. He won Best Singer and Best Emerging Artist at the 2021 RTÉ Folk Awards.  While supporting Lankum on their 2019 UK tour he caught the eye of Geoff Travis and Jeannette Lee who signed him to Rough Trade imprint label, River Lea. He is also a member of celebrated traditional group Skipper’s Alley.

Bláth na hÓige is an exciting new song collaboration featuring some of Ireland’s best young singers. Under the musical direction of Síle Denvir and Colm Mac an Iomaire, the Bláth na hÓige ensemble showcases the multi-faceted talents of Caoimhe and Séamus Ó Flatharta, Méabh Ní Bheaglaoich, Cathal Ó Curráin, Megan Nic Ruairí, Piaras Ó Lorcáin and Máire and Étáin Ní Churraoin.  They are nominated for Best Folk Album and Best Folk Group in the 2024 RTE Folk Awards.

Ruth Clinton is an artist and musician. She is a member of traditional singing group Landless, co-founder of the Sacred Harp Singers in Dublin and also works as a collaborative duo with artist Niamh Moriarty. For Tradition Now Ruth and Cormac MacDiarmada (Lankum, Poor Creature), Sinead Lynch (Landless) and Consuelo Breschi (Varo, Landless) will present songs from her new book, This Fearless Maid II. Following on from the first volume, published in 2016, this collection presents songs in a traditional or folk idiom, which challenge patriarchal power and feature women in active roles.

Tradition Now sees Studio performances by Thomas McCarthy and Edwina Guckian on Friday 3 May and Niamh Bury and Cahalen Morrison on Saturday 4 May. Thomas’ concert, titled Passing on the Songs sees the renowned Traveller singer explore the tradition of passing music and song onto the next generations and Edwina will bring her revered dancing – which has seen her share the stage with Altan, De Danann, Dervish and more – to the Studio. The following night, Dublin musician Niamh Bury brings songs from her highly-anticipated new album Yellow Roses to the NCH after a sure-to-be stellar set from Northern New Mexico’s finest export Cahalen Morrison, who is equally at home on guitar, banjo, mandolin, singing three-part harmony or unaccompanied.

Meanwhile the Kevin Barry Recital Room plays host to Jim Ghedi on Friday and Helen Diamond on Saturday. Jim hails from Sheffield and although clearly well versed in the history of folk music, he stands out as a potential torch bearer for a new generation of respectful yet experimental performers. Helen is a singer and fiddle player from Dublin, her playing is influenced most strongly by the music of South-West Donegal, but also takes inspiration from old-time American music.

The John Field Room plays host to the beloved John Field Room Sessions over the two nights.

Tradition Now will continue in the Autumn 2024 at the National Concert Hall. Details to be announced later in the year.

TRADITION NOW – NATIONAL CONCERT HALL

Friday 3 May 

Main Stage:  7.30pm – 8.30pm Ruth Clinton | 9pm -10pm Bláth na hÓige   

The Studio: 7pm Edwina Guckian | 9.30pm Thomas McCarthy – Passing the Songs

Kevin Barry Recital Room: 9.15pm Jim Ghedi 

Saturday 4 May  

Main Stage: 7.30pm -8.45pm John Francis Flynn

The Studio: 7pm Cahalen Morrison | 9.30pm Niamh Bury

Kevin Barry Recital Room: 9.15pm Helen Diamond 

Ticket Information: 

Friday 3^rd May – Day Ticket €27 | Saturday 4^th May – Day Ticket €30

Limited Weekend Ticket Available (for 3^rd & 4^th May) €50 – entitles the ticket holder entry to all Tradition Now concerts.

10% Discount for Friends of NCH and Groups of 10 or more.

www.nch.ie