Irish Heartbeat
The Irish are known for having a big heart. A heart full of sociability, humor, and passion. All these are excellent prerequisites for a country that continually produces impressive storytellers, dancers, singers, and musicians. The heartbeat of the Irish nation significantly increases around the festive days when St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated. On the Irish National Holiday, Irish culture is in high demand. In particular, Irish Folk music makes the hearts of the Irish beat faster. But not only the hearts of the Irish… “Irish Heartbeat” is a tour that has its finger on the pulse of the Irish music scene. It has been touring both its traditional and innovative elements for 37 years. Especially around St. Patrick’s Day, the sense of belonging among the Irish and their friends – no matter where they may be – increases particularly strongly. One can feel the invisible bonds that only culture can stretch across the globe.
YANN HONORÉ – One man Celtic orchestra
The Breton multi-instrumentalist Yann Honoré plays whistles, cello, electric bass, electric guitar, and percussion. He is a master of loops. Yann plays a riff, records it, and lets it run in a repeating loop. Then he adds more riffs until he has created a pulsating and layered soundscape of loops. Last but not least, he selects an instrument with which he takes center stage as a soloist, showcasing his virtuosity. His compositions are rooted in Breton, Irish, and even North African traditional music. Over his forty-year career in Brittany, Yann has earned much respect. He was, among other things, the guitarist and bassist of the Celtic Rock Band Glaz, then the producer of the charismatic singer Gwennyn, and is currently a member of the traditional band Buzz Buddies. He will play original compositions from his wonderful album “Autoportrait” and enchant the audience as a “One man Celtic orchestra.”
EVA COYLE & BAND – a musical secret from the Emerald Isle
Singer-songwriter Eva Coyle from Athlone possesses a voice of exceptional timbre – gentle yet powerful, touching, and refreshing at the same time. Like the morning dew resting on autumn leaves and capturing the light of the rising sun, her singing cools and invigorates the senses. When she breathes her lyrics into the microphone – an artful balance between reality and fiction – a magic unfolds that captivates the audience. Her impressive keyboard playing masterfully accompanies her voice. But she is also an accordionist who really gets to the keys during instrumentals. However, Eva’s musical influences extend beyond Ireland's borders: her affinity for Scandinavian folk tradition gives some arrangements a northern earthiness that makes her music even more multifaceted. A sound that one does not want to let go. A sound that stays with you. Her quartet creates a sound that feels like a cozy hot water bottle on cold winter days – a sound you want to hold onto and never let go. Stylistically more “folky” than strictly traditional, but unmistakably Irish with the use of fiddle and accordion. At the same time, the band brings considerable energy to the stage with a drummer, allowing the folksy sound to evolve into something danceable and poppy. After their EP “Feels like Rain” (2018), the album “Down to the Shore” (2022) delighted both audiences and critics alike. Mark Redcliff from BBC Sounds raved: “I adore Eva’s sound and look forward to hearing more.” The musicians are masters of their craft. Further contributing to the band's distinctive sound are three outstanding musicians: Sean O'Dalaigh (fiddle, vocals) – he adds orchestral depth to the songs, sets striking harmony vocals, and ignites pure joy of life with energetic jigs & reels. In these, Eva showcases her virtuosity on the accordion. John Shanagher (guitar) – his guitar playing acts like a soft, airy cushion on which every voice can unfold perfectly. With his accompaniment, everything sounds relaxed and effortless. Stephen Shanly (drums) – a drummer who combines sensitivity and power. With subtle impulses and driving grooves, he gives the band’s sound a compelling dynamism. A hidden gem that should not be missed! Eva Coyle and her band are among the best-kept secrets of the Emerald Isle – for now. Once you’ve heard them, you won’t forget.
BILLOW WOOD – Old Ireland meets new Ireland
One must know the past well to understand the present and to interpret the future. The five from the northwestern county of Mayo are musical dowsers, uncovering all these currents beneath the cultural surface of the green isle. Their music is modern, hip, yet respectfully rooted in the Irish tradition. For over a decade, they have been on a mission: Old Ireland meets new Ireland. They write the majority of their songs themselves but interpret them using traditional instruments such as harp, fiddle, tin whistle, bodhrán, and accordion. But also drums and guitar. Thus, new musical ideas still maintain a connection to the sound typically known from Irish Folk. The themes of the songs are oriented towards contemporary Ireland and what concerns young Irish people today. The absolute trademark of the “Woodies” – as they lovingly call their fans – is their outstanding multi-part harmonies. A purely traditional Irish Folk band will sadly never have a hit due to our rigid media landscape, but singer/songwriters of the caliber of BILLOW WOOD can make it with their partly poppy, partly indie undertone. The renowned HotPress magazine, which discovered U2 many years ago, already praised their debut EP: “A rising act you should keep an eye and ear on.” In Ireland, the “Woodies” are popular guests year after year at the biggest Irish festival – the Electric Picnic with around 160,000 attendees. While we cannot offer that in Germany, the fans of Irish Heartbeat will celebrate the “Woodies,” who will bring a very special St. Patrick’s Day atmosphere to the halls.
Doors open at 7 PM.
Hallo, ich bin Maya.
kalle linkert
