Goitse | Mick McAuley & John Doyle

They have become a leader of the new generation of traditional Irish ensembles. Recognised as Traditional Group of the Year by Live Ireland, Group of the Year by the Chicago Irish American News, and recipients of the prestigious Freiburger International Leiter 2016 award in Germany, the group continues to earn accolades for their outstanding musicianship and contribution to traditional music.

They have released six critically acclaimed recordings, and their distinctive sound lies in the quality of their own compositions, interspersed with age-old traditional tunes that make each performance unique. The gripping rhythm section of Colm Phelan and Conal O’Kane sets a powerful drive for the music, while the sweet, charismatic voice of County Louth’s Áine McGeeney draws audiences into a song the way few performers can. Daniel Collins, a multi-instrumentalist All-Ireland Champion, is known for his distinctively intricate bass work on accordion, while Alan Reid features on banjo and bouzouki, drawing from an extensive knowledge of archival collections that enrich the band’s repertoire.

“Music that’s brimming with energy and creative zeal.” — Irish Music Magazine

John Doyle and Mick McAuley, two brilliant trad troubadours, have recently recorded and released an exciting new album which ranges from explosive instrumental sets to heart-rending, beautiful ballads. Individually, they have played and recorded with some of the most respected musical artists in the world, including Sting, Patti Larkin, Joan Baez, Mary Chapin Carpenter, and Tim O'Brien, to name just a few.

As multi-instrumentalist members of the Irish American supergroup Solas, Doyle and McAuley helped shape part of the group’s unmistakable early sound, which garnered critical worldwide acclaim. The Boston Herald hailed Solas as “The best traditional band in the world.” Doyle’s powerhouse rhythmic guitar sound, combined with McAuley’s virtuosic instrumental skills, results in driving tune sets from this pairing. When interspersed with the beautifully crafted original songs of these two skilled songwriters, the result is one of the most dynamic and versatile duos in traditional music today.

Venue & Event Information:

• Access to The Empire Music Hall is via approx. 12 stone steps with rails left and right. Two further sets of 2/3 steps into the foyer and main room.
• Unfortunately, there is no lift access. They apologise for any inconvenience caused.
• Limited unreserved seating
• Full bar available
• 18+ only

Part of Belfast TradFest>>