DAVY MAGUIRE
(FLUTE)
Davy is a highly respected performer and teacher, both at home and abroad. He has taught with the Belfast Trad Society since its inception, and regularly gives concerts and workshops throughout Europe with various groups and as a solo performer.
A frequent visitor to Brittany, Davy has performed at the prestigious Festival Interceltic de Lorient and Festival de Cornouaille in Quimper with several different line-ups, including Dealán Dartha and Commonalty, as well as in duo with Jamie McMenemy.
Locally he has been adjudicator for the county Fleadh Cheoil and has recorded a CD of music for traditional set dancing along with fellow Belfast musicians Jason O’Rourke, Paul McSherry, Martin Dowling and Kevin Doris, as well as playing as a guest musician on several other albums.
JASON O’ROURKE
(CONCERTINA)
Jason is a full-time musician, mostly playing traditional Irish music on concertina. He has recorded eight albums, three of which are solo projects, and toured extensively across Europe, as well as in South America, Asia and the USA. Jason has undertaken collaborative projects with traditional musicians in India, Cambodia and Brazil. Jason is also a composer, and his latest solo album, ‘The Sunny Side of the Latch’, consists entirely of new compositions in the traditional style. Jason has been funded by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.
MARIA RAFFERTY
(FLUTE, WHISTLES, VOCALS)
Maria is a Tin Whistle player, fluter and singer from Belfast.
Primarily a session player in her younger years, she is also a past member of many local bands and groups, ranging from Folk, to Traditional Irish music, to singing groups/circles and choirs. Maria has been a part of the Traditional Irish Music scene in the city from 1987. Her astonishing knowledge of the city will keep you wanting more than just tunes!
CORMAC BUZZ Ó BRIAIN
(UILLEANN PIPES, WHISTLES)
The one and only Cormac Buzz Ó Briain on uilleann pipes and whistles!
A pillar of the Belfast session scene, Buzz is also known for his love of teaching Irish and his skilful storytelling. He is a founding member of Two Pipers, two story tellers and of Cleamairí Feirste- who keep the Wren Boys traditions alive and well.
Come join Buzz and the team for tunes, stories and a cúpla focal this Saturday at 3pm.
CONOR LAMB
(UILLEANN PIPES, WHISTLES)
Belfast musician Conor Lamb fell in love with the uilleann pipes and Irish traditional music when he first heard Liam O’Flynn perform at the Lorient Interceltic Festival… and he hasn’t stopped playing since. As a founding member of the traditional bands Réalta and Music in the Glen he has toured extensively throughout Europe and America and released 3 acclaimed studio albums. He has performed onstage at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, recorded at Abbey Road Studios and often tours with Irish dance shows throughout Europe.
Conor has a passion for sharing music and helping others develop their own musical talents. He has given piping and whistle workshops across Europe, USA, Asia and recently established an online course of Whistle Workshops teaching group and private lessons online. Conor’s latest album with Réalta – Thing of the Earth – will be released in October and is currently available for pre-order via www.realtamusic.com
DEIRDRE GALWAY
(GUITAR, VOCALS)
Deirdre is a founding member of the Irish traditional bands Réalta and Music in the Glen. With these projects she has released four critically acclaimed studio albums, performed live on BBC and RTÉ TV, and at venues and festivals throughout the world including Celtic Connections (Glasgow), Sori (South Korea), Saarang (India) and Milwaukee Irish Fest (USA).
Deirdre performs Irish music at sea for Disney Cruise Lines, and closer to home for Live Music Now, a charity which brings music into various community settings. She is passionate about teaching and runs DADGAD guitar classes for Belfast Trad, as well workshops for various international festivals.
Réalta are about to embark on a launch tour of their latest album, Thing of the Earth, with gigs lined up this autumn in Brittany and Ireland. You can find out more about the band at www.realtamusic.com, or hear their latest single Skidoo at Skidoo (bandcamp) & Skidoo (Youtube)
JOE CAMPBELL-MCARDLE
(GUITAR, VOCALS)
Joe is a talented young multi-instrumentalist, singer and songwriter. Joe sings in both English and Irish and has recently released his second studio album with folk-fusion group Lonesome George.
Joe performs regularly in venues across the city and, along with his bandmates, has hosted traditional music sessions in the American Bar for 5 years and Sunflower for 10 years.
You can listen to his music at www.lonesomeg.bandcamp.com or hear him live on this Saturday’s Trail!
CIARA TAAFFE
(Harp)
Ciara is a Queen’s University Music graduate, a performer and teacher from Belfast.
CIARA CULLEN
(DANCE, ACCORDION)
Ciara has travelled worldwide as a professional musician and dancer, performing with many accredited shows such as Gaelforce Dance and Woman of Ireland.
As well as performing both Irish step and céilí dancing, she also plays the piano accordion and has a degree in Irish Music and Dance from Limerick University.
Ciara is a first class teacher – come learn a step and see her perform!
JASON DONNELLY
(DANCE)
Jason has enjoyed an extensive career as a professional Irish dancer, having worked with shows such as Rhythm of the Dance and Magic of the Dance. He performed the lead role with world renowned show Celtic Legends for 7 years where he was also the Dance Captain and even performed with Riverdance in Dublin.
He now runs Ta Da Irish Dance Company, a troupe of world class professional dancers and musicians, performing at corporate events, weddings and local festivals. Come join us on the Trail tomorrow to learn a few steps and watch him perform!
