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RETURN TO LONDON
TOWN FESTIVAL
October 22nd-25th, 2021
Featuring : Matt Molloy, Seán Keane, Michael McCague, Michelle
Mulcahy, Tommy Keane, Jacqueline McCarthy, The Wilderness Yet,
Eimear McGeown, James Carty, Jonas Fromseier and much more....

YOUR GUIDE TO RETURN TO LONDON TOWN FESTIVAL 2021

OPENING MESSAGE FROM KAREN RYAN
RETURN TO LONDON TOWN FESTIVAL 2021 29
London’s 23rd Annual Festival of traditional Irish music, song and dance has real treats
in store for all lovers of the genre, with four days of concerts, céilís, workshops and sessions.
W
hen the Festival rebranded to ‘Return to London Town’ in
October 2019, main events were hosted in the beautiful 4
Star Clayton Crown Hotel in a part of London which has
strong historical links with the Irish diaspora – Cricklewood.  duet on the London scene in recent years, they will be accompanied by
The 2020 edition of RtLT brought our audiences to BFI IMAX
(Waterloo), Cadogan Hall, Ashford Place online for an extremely
welcome ‘hybrid’ Festival offering in difficult Covid times.
This year the expanded team at the Clayton Crown Hotel are looking
forward to welcoming us back to their beautifully spacious, multi venue
“We can’t wait to welcome you to Cricklewood on Friday 22nd
space.
– Monday 25th October – Hup!”
Additional Festival venues are either within walking distance from the
hotel in Cricklewood, or a mile up the road in another area with huge
historical links to the Irish diaspora, Kilburn.
We are delighted to welcome the wonderful Roscommon flute player,
Matt Molloy back to London – this time he will be joined by long time
Chieftains colleague – Dublin fiddler, Seán Keane. The duet will be
accompanied by Monaghan guitarist (and ‘At the Racket’ member)
Michael McCague.
There will be a real ‘Return to London Town’ for concertina player
Jacqueline McCarthy, daughter of the renowned Co. Clare multi-
instrumentalist, Tommy McCarthy (RIP). Jacqueline was born in London
and now lives, performs and teaches music in Co. Galway. She will be
joined by her husband, the Waterford piper and Honorary President of
Na Piobairí Uilleann, Tommy Keane.
Another London Irish musician returning to the city for this year’s Festival
is the Roscommon based flute player (member of the Moylurg, Knocknashee
and Auld Triangle Céilí Bands), Mick Mulvey who will be performing with
Liverpool pianist, Pete Quinn (Artisan Row, Ex-London Lasses).
Four new albums will be celebrated during this year’s Festival: Will We
Give it a Go? – the debut solo album from London born (of Galway
heritage) accordion player, Andy Martyn. Andy – who is well known as
a member of bands, Le Chéile and the Ron Kavana Band – will perform
in concert with long time musical friends, John Carty (London born
multi-instrumentalist and TG4 Musician of the Year 2003), Gino Lupari
(Derry bodhrán player, singer and front man with ‘Four Men and a Dog’)
plus London born guitarist, Matt Griffin (Mise).
The second album from the Goodman Manuscripts Trio, featuring
Aoife Ní Bhríain (fiddle, concertina), Emer Mayock (uilleann pipes,
flute, whistle) and Mick O’Brien (uilleann pipes, flute, whistle) will be
celebrated in concert, as the Mayo, plus Dublin father and daughter
musicians perform more music from the manuscripts of Canon James
Goodman (piper and tune collector – 1828-1896).
Releasing her second harp solo album Lady on the Island in 2021 is
the Limerick multi-instrumentalist, and TG4 Young Musician of the Year
2006, Michelle Mulcahy. Another Limerick native who will be
performing at London's annual festival for the second time, is accordion
player, teacher and De Dannan member, Derek Hickey.
Good fortune brings together all 5 musicians who feature on The
Wavy Bow Collection - this album launch will feature John and James
Carty, Jonas Fromseier, Michael McCague and Matt Griffin.
After their hugely successful live streamed double bill concert from
Kings Place back in February 2021, which launched IMDL’s Digital
Concert Series this year, two London based popular acts will feature in
this year’s Festival programme – The Wilderness Yet, a trio who weave
an eclectic tapestry of traditional and original songs and tunes,
comprises Rosie Hodgson and Philippe Barnes (both members of
CrossHarbour), plus Galway’s Rowan Piggott.
International touring Armagh flute and whistle player, Eimear McGeown
and highly regarded Roscommon fiddler, James Carty, have been a popular
Danish multi-instrumentalist, and member of Mórga, Jonas Fromseier.
Another London based act who proved to be an extremely popular
combination as the first release of the Irish Cultural Centre’s Digital Seisúins
2020 are legendary banjo player, Mick O’Connor, plus regular ICC tutor and
renowned multi-instrumentalist,Tad Sargent (CrossHarbour), and fellow ICC
tutor, well respected Derry fiddler, Michael Sweeney.
It is very exciting that RtLT Festival will be in a position to cater for
dancers in 2021, as the Festival hosts two set dancing céilís, with music
from London’s popular, Parish Céilí Band, plus a ‘Céilí for All’ dedicated
to the memory of London based legend of céilí dancing, Anton Coyle.
This céilí will have instruction from caller, Marian Turner – so no prior
knowledge of the dances required – and music will be provided by
‘McCool Trad’.
Learners of the tradition will have the opportunity to learn from many
of traditional Irish music’s best instrumentalists during the Saturday and
Sunday workshops. There will also be a singing workshop by Dublin
sean nós singer Chan Reid and a singing session, which all are welcome
to attend.
2021 sees a welcome return to a full schedule of sessions as part of
RtLT Festival, programmed in two spaces at the hotel, plus other venues
in Cricklewood and Kilburn. There is a late license in the bar of the
Clayton Crown Hotel, which enables the tunes to continue until the
wee hours of the morning.
We can’t wait to welcome you to Cricklewood on Friday 22nd –
Monday 25th October – Hup!
Karen Ryan 
Festival Director 
 RETURN TO LONDON TOWN FESTIVAL 2021
30 RETURN TO LONDON TOWN FESTIVAL

A stellar line-up of artists has been assembled by the organisers.

Matt Molloy Sunday 24 October 2021
l Instrumental Workshops at various Cricklewood venues (11am-1pm,
Tickets £10).
l Programmed Music Sessions from 1pm until late: Clayton Crown
Hotel, plus other Cricklewood and Kilburn venues - FREE
l Set Dancing Céilí: St Agnes’ Centre, Cricklewood (2-5pm, Tickets
£12) : Music by the Parish Céilí Band
l Tutor Led Session: Sala Room, Clayton Crown Hotel (3pm FREE)
l Acoustic Album Launch: Sala Room, Clayton Crown Hotel (7pm
FREE) The Wavy Bow Collection with John and James Carty, Jonas
Fromseier, Michael McCague, Matt Griffin
l Evening Céilí for All: Ivy Suite, Clayton Crown Hotel (8-10.30pm,
Tickets £5) : Music by McCool Trad, dance calling by Marian Turner
(no previous experience required)

Monday 25th October 2021

l Afternoon Concert: Ivy Suite, Clayton Crown Hotel (Doors 2pm,
Tickets £10/ £6 U18s) : Jacqueline McCarthy and Tommy Keane/ Andy

R
eturn to London Town’s main host venue in Cricklewood, offers a Martyn, Gino Lupari and friends/ Mick O’Connor, Michael Sweeney
big concert venue, an additional performance space upstairs, two and Tad Sargent, London Irish Pensioners Choir.
scheduled session areas, two bars, a restaurant, a large, high glass
ceilinged foyer, plus numerous lounging areas all over the hotel complex
CONCERT AND WORKSHOP ARTISTS 2021:
… oh and there’s a gym too! The 152 bedroom, Four Star, Clayton Crown
Matt Molloy, Seán Keane, Michael McCague
Hotel, is offering generous discounts for Festival goers (B&B rates: £80 single,
Both Matt and Seán have spent over 40 years playing with the world
£90 twin/ double, £100 triple) for those who want to stay in the thick of
famous and multiple grammy award winning band The Chieftains. Matt
everything for what promises to be a wonderful weekend. Just book
Molloy was born in Ballaghadereen, County Roscommon, an area well
via www.claytoncrownhotel.co.uk using the promo code ‘RETURNTL’.
known for flute players. He was a founding member of The Bothy Band
All Inclusive tickets for all ticketed concerts and céilís are available to
and appeared briefly with Planxty before being invited to join the
purchase for the bargain price of £40!
Chieftains in 1979.  Matt has released several highly acclaimed solo
The following is the impressive programme of main events (all ‘in person’) albums and has worked in many high-profile collaborations.
during Return to London Town Festival 2021: Dubliner Seán Keane was surrounded by traditional Irish music from an
early age. He attended Dublin School of Music where he received
Friday 22 October 2021 classical training, but soon became one of Ireland’s most talented young
l Evening Concert: Ivy Suite, Clayton Crown Hotel (Doors 7.30pm, fiddlers, winning the All-Ireland and Fiddler of Dooney competitions. A
Tickets £20/ £6 U18s) : Andy Martyn, John Carty, Gino Lupari, Matt member of Ceoltóirí Cualann in the 1960s, Seán was invited to join The
Griffin/ Goodman Manuscripts Trio: Aoife Ní Bhríain, Emer Mayock, Mick Chieftains in 1968. Seán also has a large discography of highly regarded
O’Brien/ Eimear McGeown, James Carty, Jonas Fromseier. solo, duet and trio albums.
l Clayton Crown Hotel (Cricklewood) and Colin Campbell (Kilburn) - Matt and Sean will be joined by County Monaghan accompanist
FREE Sessions Michael McCague. Michael is a gifted multi-instrumentalist and
composer. He has been a member of the bands At the Racket, Téada and
Saturday 23 October 2021 At First Light.
l Instrumental Workshops at various Cricklewood venues (11am-1pm, Michelle Mulcahy
Tickets £10)
l Programmed Music Sessions from 1pm until late: Clayton
Crown Hotel, plus other Cricklewood and Kilburn venues - FREE
l Singing Workshop: Black Lion Pub (function room), Kilburn (2-
4pm, Tickets £10) Chan Reid
l Afternoon Concert: Ivy Suite, Clayton Crown Hotel (Doors 2pm,
Tickets £10/ £6 U18s) : Jacqueline McCarthy and Tommy Keane/
Michelle Mulcahy/ Mick Mulvey and Pete Quinn
l Tutor Led Session: Sala Room, Clayton Crown Hotel (3pm FREE)
l Singing Session: Black Lion Pub (function room), Kilburn (5-7pm, FREE)
l Set Dancing Céilí: Mazenod Social Club, Kilburn (4-7pm,
Tickets £12) : Music by the Parish Céilí Band
l Evening Concert: Ivy Suite, Clayton Crown Hotel (Doors
7.30pm, Ticket £20/ £6 U18s)
: Seán Keane, Matt Molloy,
Michael McCague/ Derek
Hickey, Michael McCague/
The Wilderness Yet

Mick O' Brien
Michelle Mulcahy
Michelle Mulcahy is one of Ireland’s most talented and gifted multi-
instrumentalists in Irish traditional music today. She is considered to be
one of Ireland’s most adroit and creative harpers. She is a regular
performer and tutor worldwide, touring extensively in Europe, United
States, Canada, China, Australia and Vietnam. Michelle has three highly
acclaimed albums recorded with her father, Mick and her sister, Louise.
She was awarded the prestigious TG4 Young Musician of the Year in
2006. Michelle has also recorded with Bill Whelan and the Irish
Chamber Orchestra as lead soloist on his highly acclaimed Connemara
“All Inclusive tickets for all ticketed
suite album. Michelle’s solo harp debut album Suaimhneas has been
concerts and céilís are available to
purchase for the bargain price of £40!”
receiving worldwide acclaim as one of the top harp albums in Irish
Traditional Music, her second solo release Lady on the Island is eagerly
anticipated.
Andy Martyn, John Carty, Gino Lupari, Matt Griffin
Four of the finest performers in Irish traditional music today come
together, in a preview performance of Andy Martyn’s forthcoming album,
Will We Give it a Go? Andy Martyn is a London Irish virtuoso of the
button accordion whose distinctive style and mix of music is heavily
influenced by his East Galway family and by the many musicians with
whom he has collaborated (including Le Chéile). John Carty is one of
Ireland’s finest traditional musicians and, having developed his mastery
of the fiddle, banjo and flute, has been awarded TG4’s Traditional
Musician of the Year and produced a number of albums that have been
described as milestones in recorded fiddle music. Gino Lupari is one of
the most respected bodhran players and singers on the road today and
has performed all over the world as a founding member of the
internationally acclaimed band Four Men & A Dog.
London born Matt Griffin is a highly talented multi-instrumentalist
based on Kerry’s Dingle Peninsula. He has immersed himself in both the
music of Sliabh Luachra and West Kerry, plus the guitar stylings of Arty
McGlynn and Steve Cooney.
Jacqueline McCarthy, Tommy Keane
Tommy and Jacqueline have been performing as a duo since they met
in London in the early 1980s. London born Jacqueline is the daughter
of piper and concertina player Tommy McCarthy who had emigrated
from west Clare in the 1950s. Tommy Keane came under the
RETURN TO LONDON TOWN FESTIVAL 31
influence of local Waterford piper Tommy Kearney in his late teens
and then learnt from other pipers at the Willie Clancy Summer
School. Tommy spent seven years in London where he played with
the Thatch Céilí Band and moved back to Galway with Jacqueline in
1987. They teach and perform at home and abroad, have each
recorded a solo album and a duet recording The Wind Among the
Reeds with accompaniment by Alec Finn.
The Goodman Manuscripts Trio
The Goodman Trio consist of Mick O’Brien (uilleann pipes/flute/
whistle), Emer Mayock (flute/whistle/pipes) and Aoife Ní Bhriain (fiddle,
viola, concertina). Their most recent release More Tunes From The
Goodman Manuscripts draws primarily from the second published
volume of music collected by Canon James Goodman (1828-96) while
occasionally revisiting the previously explored initial volume.
The manuscripts, held at Trinity College Dublin and now published in
two volumes by the Irish Traditional Music Archive are of great
significance because they preserve much of the traditional music of the
south of Ireland as it was sung and played in the years before traditional
culture there was devastated by the Great Famine of the 1840s. The trio
received a TG4 Gradam Ceoil Award in 2014 for their collaborative role
in the revival of the music of the Goodman manuscripts.
Derek Hickey
Derek Hickey hails from Adare, Co. Limerick. Both his grandfathers
played fiddle. He started playing the accordion aged 10 and went on to
have lessons with Dónal de Barra. Aged 15, he joined the Shannonside
Céilí Band, formed by the Liddy family and toured Europe. Aged just 18,
Derek joined Johnny ‘Ringo’ McDonagh’s band, Arcady, alongside
fellow band members Frances Black, Brendan Larrisey and Patsy
Broderick.
In 1995 Derek joined the legendary De Dannan. He toured with them
until 2003. Derek is a button accordion tutor on the BA Irish Music and
Dance at the Irish World Academy. Alongside teaching he has returned
to performing with De Danann and continues to tour both nationally and
internationally.
Derek Hickey
Eimear McGeown, James Carty, Jonas Fromseier
James, a fiddle player from Boyle, Co. Roscommon comes from a long
line of traditional Irish musicians. In 2017 he released his debut solo album
Hiding Daylight in Dark Corners. In 2020 he released a duet collaboration
with John Carty called The Wavy Bow Collection. James has also appeared
as a guest on recordings with Harry Bradley and Bryan Rooney.
Eimear started Irish flute at a young age with the legendary Séamus
Tansey and won two All Ireland titles. She has appeared as soloist on
BBC’s Last Night of the Proms and in Carnegie Hall performing on both
Classical and Irish flutes. Eimear launched her debut solo album Inis at the
Irish Embassy in London.
They will be joined by Jonas Fromseier on bouzouki/ guitar who has
toured extensively in Europe
and the US with Mórga and
other collaborations. He most
recently recorded a duo album
with David Munnelly and also
with John and James Carty.
32 RETURN TO LONDON TOWN FESTIVAL
The Wilderness Yet album, Michael McCague and Matt Griffin. Since it's the first time that
these five musicians have been in one place, they have been drafted
together for a special acoustic launch concert at Return to London Town
Festival. It promises to be a wonderful celebration.

Workshop Tutors (for intermediate to advanced level players) for 2021

Mick Mulvey and Pete Quinn
An erstwhile of the London-Irish traditional music scene from the 70s to
the 90s, Mick returned to live near his father’s Leitrim home in 2005. He
played with and learnt from some of the legends of traditional Irish music
in London, being particularly influenced by Raymond Roland, Roger
Sherlock, PJ Crotty, Brendan Mulkere and Bobby Casey. In the 1980s he
was a founding member of the London-based group Tarbolton. He has
been a Céilí Band member with the Auld Triangle, the Moylurg (winners
of the All-Ireland title in 2013), and lthe Knocknashee from Sligo. He has
performed in the US and Eastern Europe. A connoisseur of the north
Connacht flute style, particularly the playing of John McKenna, Mick has
made two acclaimed solo recordings; Within a Mile o’Jamestown [2003]
include:
Dee Havlin (whistle/ flute), Eimear McGeown (whistle), Emer
Mayock (flute), Mick O’Brien (uilleann pipes), Tommy Keane (uilleann
pipes), Jonas Fromseier (banjo), Michael McCague (accompaniment),
Aoife Ní Bhríain (fiddle), John Carty (fiddle), Derek Hickey (accordion),
Andy Martyn (accordion), Michelle Mulcahy (harp), Jacqueline
McCarthy (concertina) and more…
The Festival’s main host venues include:
Clayton Crown Hotel, 150-152 Cricklewood Broadway, London NW2 3ED
Ashford Place, 60 Ashford Place, Cricklewood, London NW2 6TU
Mazenod Social Club, Mazenod Avenue (near junction with Quex
Road), Kilburn, London NW6 4LS
St Agnes’ Centre, Caddington Road (corner of Gillingham Road),
Cricklewood NW2 1DQ
The Black Lion, 274 Kilburn High Road, London NW6 2BY

“The inimitable Mick O’Connor has

and Bridging the Gap [2009]. The Colin Campbell, 264-266 Kilburn High Road, London NW6 2BY
Liverpool pianist, Pete Quinn is a band member with Artisan Row, the
Gleann Catha Céilí Band, In Good Company, The Quinn Family Band and
was the accompanist with The London Lasses for 15 years. In addition to
recording with Mick Mulvey on his solo albums, Pete has also recorded with
been at the forefront of the London
Karen Ryan, Peter McAlinden, Seán Casey (RIP) and Andrew McNamara. Irish music scene since the 1960s”
The Wilderness Yet
All Festival events will be carried out in accordance with Government
The Wilderness Yet combines the acclaimed talents of folksinger Rosie
Covid safety guidelines at the time. A reduced number of tickets will
Hodgson, traditional fiddler Rowan Piggott and guitarist/ flautist Philippe
be issued for events in our spacious main concert venue at the Clayton
Barnes. Independently, they have earned audiences’ esteem as
Crown Hotel, for everyone’s comfort and safety. Hotel staff will continue
consummate musicians, together they weave an eclectic tapestry of
to wear masks, tables in function rooms will all be placed one metre
traditional and original songs and tunes, from a cappella three-part
apart and there are hand sanitising stations placed throughout the hotel.
harmonies to luscious instrumental arrangements. Both Rosie and
Philippe are members of Crossharbour, and Rowan is known for his fiddle
All Festival Tickets (for individual events and the All-Inclusive weekend
playing with Georgia Lewis and The Songhive Project.
tickets) are now available to purchase via links
The Trio released their eponymous debut album in 2020 to critical
on www.irishmusicinlondon.org. As this information goes to print, a
acclaim. They have also published a songbook of their ‘newly written
brand new design for the Festival
songs which sound as if they’ve been around for decades’ (BBC Radio 2),
website: www.returntolondontown.org is about to be launched. Check
an EP called John O’ Dreams and a festive collection of carols and yule
in on both websites regularly for artist pics and biogs, announcement
songs called Turn the Year Round. Summer 2021 has seen them perform
of full workshop and session schedules, plus the publishing of Return
at numerous Folk Festivals in Britain.
to London Town Festival 2021’s magazine/ programme (digital and
Mick O’Connor, Michael Sweeney, Tad Sargent hard copies will be available).
The inimitable Mick O’Connor has been at the forefront of the London
Irish music scene since the 1960s, having originally been inspired to take More information also available on the various IMDL social media
up the banjo by Barney McKenna of the Dubliners. A highly skilled channels –www.facebook.com/IMDLEvents, Twitter: IMDLEvents,
musician and equally entertaining on the mic, Mick is universally loved Instagram: irishmusicdanceinlondon, YouTube: Irish Music and Dance
within the music scene. He is joined by Michael Sweeney originally from in London.
Derry, but living in London for many years. He studied traditional music
in Donegal with the guidance of the great fiddle players, James Byrne and And then … as a momento of 2021’s edition of this wonderful
Proinsias Ó Maonaigh. festival, why not order a piece of merchandise (a t-shirt, hoodie,
Multi instrumentalistTad Sargent completes the trio. London born, with Co sweatshirt or mug) from www.mudchutney.co.uk or via the link
Mayo roots, Tad is in high demand as a musician. He has toured and at www.irishmusicinlondon.org
performed at festivals across the UK, Europe and the USA and has
appeared on a plethora of commercial recordings. Both Michael and Tad
are resident tutors at the Irish Cultural Centre, Hammersmith.

The Wavy Bow Collection Live!

A highlight of 2020’s socially distant festival and indeed 2020 in general
was the RtLT Grand concert at Cadogan Hall which John and James Carty
headlined along with Jonas Fromseier. They had just released the critically
acclaimed album The Wavy Bow
Collection. A year later, and good
fortune has brought all three to
the festival again - this time in
different guises - along with two
other major contributors to the Eimear McGeown, James Carty, Jonas Fromseier
RETURN TO LONDON TOWN
RETURN TO LONDON TOWN FESTIVAL 2021 33
Live Music Festival, (22nd to 25th October 2021) Deirdre Cronin in conversation with
Karen Ryan, musician, festival director, teacher, and more!
W
hen your day-job interview turns into a delightful and life-
affirming conversation! Speaking with Karen Ryan is
always a bit special, where, in and around the glints of
bright chat about life, music, art, sessions, concerts, workshops, and
community, I’m reminded potently about life stuff that matters. How
music connects us all so crucially as we negotiate our so-called new-
normal. The festival name Return to London Town seems so apt as
Karen’s enthusiasm is infectious. “After lockdown challenges, it’s
collectively we move shyly back into the light of real-time events.
beyond special to put together a programme of live music, I can’t wait
to meet people again, and The Clayton Crown Hotel in Cricklewood is
not alone full of buzz and vibrancy, it’s also spacious and expansive
enough to let us plan all events with great social distance & safety to the
fore.” Karen is a renowned musician, part of The London Lasses & also
plays with husband Pete Quinn. She’s an inspired teacher with a
passionate gift for supporting young musicians, is known as a bright
“The festival name Return to London Town seems so apt as collectively we move
touchstone across London and beyond in how she links students with
shyly back into the light of real-time events”
the kind of outstanding traditional musicians that had a profound effect
on Karen’s own musical journey.
Karen carries the beating pulse of those lovely qualities right into her
music, be that fiddle, banjo or whistle, but also into her unstinting
dedication as festival director along with her excellent team - Return to
London Town owes its glittering place on the traditional music calendar
to the stellar line-up of artists drawn from far and wide.This year is no
exception.
Artists include: Matt Molloy, Seán Keane, Michelle Mulcahy, John
Carty, Jacqueline McCarthy & Tommy Keane, The Goodman Trio, The
Wilderness Yet, Michael McCague, Eimear McGeown, James Carty,
Jonas Fromseier, Derek Hickey, Andy Martyn, Gino Lupari, Matt Griffin,
“It’s so exciting - four days & nights of non-stop brilliance, music,
Parish Céilí Band, and more.
dance, master-class workshops, concerts, and not to mention the sheer
joy of reconnection.” The fact that live music is now a viable part of
2021 means so much to Karen - this is the woman who bravely
pioneered a safe path through the 2020 blended festival by dint of true
creative imagination, the hallmark of a great artist! It’s clear that her own
link to the deep core of the tradition reflects her gratitude to be around
the absolute best of London-Irish music growing up, Tommy Maguire,
Bryan Rooney, Brendan McGlinchey, Danny Meehan & pianist Reg
Hall (also an astutely brilliant chronicler of music).
I ask Karen to talk about the wonderfully diverse span of the festival
“I’m so pleased about that for our festival guests! One minute you have
line-up.
the superb treat of attending a concert featuring the brilliance of Matt
Molloy, Seán Keane & Michael McCague and at another concert, an
intriguing musical journey courtesy of the impressive research by the
gifted group The Goodman Manuscripts Trio.” Karen describes the
fascinating story of pre-famine music collected by Canon Goodman,
but also highlights the gorgeous music - the mellifluous combo of
uilleann pipes/flute/whistle/ fiddle, viola & concertina from the talented
“And then there’s The Wilderness Yet, Rosie Hodgson, Rowan Piggott,
Emer Mayock, Mick O’Brien & Aoife Ní Bhriain.
Philippe Barnes, from a-cappella three-part harmonies to luscious
saw them on-stage, we had goosebumps!”BBC Radio recently praised “their
instrumental arrangements on fiddle/guitar/flute. Myself and my daughter
“I’m inspired too by the musicality of John & James Carty. And it’s so
newly written songs which sound as if they’ve been around for decades.”
lovely to welcome back the highly-regarded concertina-musician
Jacqueline McCarthy and her husband Tommy Keane, a renowned
piper originally from Waterford.” We talk about the distinctive ease &
grace in Jacqueline’s concertina music, and how it’s so wonderfully
multi-instrumentalist from Clare. “We’re also blest to have brilliant
grounded in the London-Irish tradition and her late father Tommy, great
multi-instrumentalist Michelle Mulcahy at the heart of things.” Karen’s
2020: “A very special harp performance. Not just because of the
words remind me that I wrote the following about Michelle in early
instrument’s iconic standing, or because the harp is showcased so
beautifully by this master of her art. It’s also about how Michelle always
brings much depth, complexity and passion to bear, moving echoes of
the heart and humanity across her acclaimed father Mick’s music. All
conveyed with light, grace, and warmth.” Karen is spot-on when she
says that London has a treat in store with Michelle’s inclusion.
I was deeply moved by an older quote from Karen on her first solo CD,
tribute to her father Michael Ryan: For loving the music so much that
you did everything possible to help me love it too. To me, that says so
much about Karen’s spirit of community behind the beating heart of this
great London festival.
Set-dancing, workshops, sessions, all within such easy reach, great
hotel rates, the entire project promises ease, grace, comfort,
connectivity but with safety and social distance at the core. It’s so
inviting to imagine Returning to
London, the swirl of music &
hospitality around the late
October light of Cricklewood.
Rare treat indeed!