IRISH FOLK FESTIVAL - „Different Strokes for Different Folks“
Get ready to be swept away by the lively melodies and rhythms of Ireland! The Irish Folk Festival (IFF) in 2025 is themed “Different Strokes for Different Folks.” We celebrate the diversity of Irish culture once again. The IFF is a kaleidoscope of sounds that reflects the many facets of the emerald isle. As the saying goes, “There’s no accounting for taste.” But that’s exactly what makes Irish music so exciting – there are at least as many styles as there are preferences among the attendees, all brought together under one roof by the IFF’s colorful selection. But one thing is certain: there’s no arguing about the craftsmanship, virtuosity, and authenticity of the invited artists.
Whether it’s emotional ballads, exhilarating jigs & reels, or modern interpretations of old melodies – there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a traditionalist or a seeker wanting to experience modern fusions. The line-up promises a musical journey as diverse as the shades of green in Ireland. It’s a celebration where every note, every chord, and every rhythm tells a different story – just like the people who come together to tell and experience them.
So why settle for the ordinary when you can experience the extraordinary? The IFF is not just an event – it’s a celebration of all those individual tones that make each of us dance to our own rhythm! Especially at the end during the legendary session. Here, all the diverse bands and artists come together in unison, bestowing everyone with a dose of happiness hormones.
We look forward to seeing you, where the music is as warm as an Irish welcome and as diverse as the stories told by the fireplace in a cozy pub.
Dave Flynn
Celtic guitar master
The guitar freaks will be completely satisfied with Dave Flynn. His repertoire includes slow airs that touch the heart with opulent, baroque-like arrangements, but also jigs & reels that burst with energy. The layman is amazed, and the expert wonders what the “Celtic guitar master” can coax from a guitar in terms of sounds and colors. Celebrated by the New York Times for the “power and rawness” of his music, composer, conductor, and guitarist Dave Flynn is a musician of international stature. The native Dubliner has redefined orchestral music with the founding of the Irish Memory Orchestra – an “impressive collective of musicians” (The Irish Times) and the first and only orchestra in the western world that performs entirely from memory. Attendees of the IFF will hear both his compositions and some classics of the tradition. Oh yes, we almost forgot to mention: Dave also sings his own songs.
Léda
A duo of many sounds
These young musicians are full of surprises. Wild fiddle playing, ethereal harp sounds, honky tonk, or pure Gaelic singing. Quite a large variety this duo has to offer. Therefore, it would not be an exaggeration to describe Léda as “a duo of any sounds.” The young ladies have composed instrumental pieces themselves. True to tradition but with their own unique and forward-looking twist. This is how Léda sounds like the tradition of tomorrow. Léda comes from Greek and means woman but also bliss. The audience will surely take some of that home with them.
Each of the two has an impressive solo career. The Irish Éadaoin Ní Mhaicín has won no less than 10 All Ireland titles on various instruments, focusing on Gaelic singing, Irish harp, and fiddle. Amy Laurenson, hailing from the Shetland Islands, plays piano. Rooted in the traditional music of the Shetland Islands, Amy explores the music of her homeland as well as folk from Scandinavia. Amy was named “BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year 2023.”
Buíoch
Tradition in transition
The Irish word “Buíoch” means “grateful.” Choosing it as a band name certainly has its good reasons. Irish folk musicians can indeed be grateful for much. Not every nation gets a tradition that has developed over centuries handed to them. It gives one an identity and orientation in an increasingly fragmented world. You receive it for free, unlike almost everything else. Who wouldn’t be grateful? But gratitude should also come with respect and responsibility for what has been entrusted to you.
Buíoch embodies what this term represents: being inspired by tradition while reshaping it, so it continues. The four young men take pride in having composed and arranged all their melodies themselves. This creates a traditional but still progressive and uniquely energetic sound. In short: “Tradition in Transition.”
The IFF is grateful that they are coming to Germany and Switzerland for the first time. You will be grateful to hear them and see them perform! Promise.
The Craic Addicts
Irish Folk fueled with fun
For creativity to flow freely, you shouldn't take yourself too seriously. This is the short and simple secret recipe for the cheerful sound of the Craic Addicts. “Everything is possible,” says band leader Peter Crann. In German, the band's name means “the fun addicts,” and the IFF winks at its fans with the question: “Do you understand fun?” Those who are in a good mood should know that the Craic Addicts initiated a direction in the Irish scene in 2012 that has now produced its first cult band, the Mary Wallopers, who incidentally cite the Craic Addicts as an inspiration. The Craic Addicts, in turn, draw their inspiration from the atmosphere of wonder, humor, yes, even irreverence, and excitement of the good old vaudeville theater and the outrageous roadshows. The songs from this era as well as Irish folk songs are reinterpreted with an eclectic mix of current musical styles and stage antics. This approach to a historical repertoire makes it appealing to an audience that may not be primarily interested in pure tradition. The Craic Addicts love to play dynamically, with a quirky, modern, funky folk feeling. “Irish Folk fueled with fun.” This can sometimes be a thankless mission, not only in Ireland. Why? The Irish traditional scene can sometimes be stuck in a stiff corset of norms. While these certainly have a purpose in preserving tradition, they can also stifle creative approaches in their infancy. Many Irish musicians often practice a kind of self-censorship or inquisition when trying something new. They worry: Will this appeal to those whose opinions and approval I depend on in my local scene? However, the “fun addicts” have thrown this overboard and perform free of this mental burden. The incredible lightness of being that their music radiates is contagious. The Craic Addicts are: Fionnuala Kennedy - Banjo, Mandolin & Vocals, Sarah Jane Barry – Flute, Mandolin & Vocals, Peter Crann - Percussion & Vocals, Ray Coen - Electric Guitar & Vocals, Jaimie Carswell - Electric Bass & Vocals
© Magnetic Music Verlag 2024
Doors open: 19:00
Hallo, ich bin Maya.
