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A Lough of Songs, the cross-border music collaboration between Carlingford Heritage Trust and Rostrevor Folk Club at Crawfords, returns for a fifth series this month with three acts appearing across both venues.
The series, which has previously hosted artists including Cathy Jordan, Liam Ó Maonlaí, Muireann Bradley, Cathie Ryan, Christy Moore, John Spillane and Bill Whelan, continues its format of Sunday afternoon concerts at Carlingford Heritage Centre followed by Monday evening performances at Rostrevor Folk Club at Crawfords.
First up, yesterday 3 May was Steve Wall who played in Carlingford. Uilleann piper Mick O'Brien will perform in Carlingford on Sunday 10 May from 4pm to 5pm, and Rostrevor Folk Club at Crawfords on 11 May at 8pm. Named Musician of the Year at the 2023 Gradam Ceoil TG4 Awards, the foremost recognition for traditional Irish musicians, O'Brien has broadcast widely on television and radio and has collaborated with artists including Charlotte Church, The Dubliners, The Boys of the Lough and Altan. He is also a performer on whistle and flute.
On 17 May at Carlingford, from 4pm to 5pm, Cup O'Joe mad up of siblings Tabitha Agnew Benedict, Reuben Agnew and Benjamin Agnew perform, playing banjo, guitar and double bass, alongside mandolin player David Benedict and bodhran player Eamon Rooney to play a mix of bluegrass, folk and traditional music. At Rostrevor Folk Club at Crawfords on 18 May at 8pm, Roots Revival will see the above line-up joined by fiddle player Niall Murphy.
The Carlingford concerts are hosted by Zoë Conway and John McIntyre. Conway said: "It's hard to believe we've been collaborating on live music performances both sides of Carlingford Lough for 5 series now! This has been such an uplifting musical exchange between Rostrevor and Carlingford, and next year we'll have the new bridge bringing us even closer. We'd like to thank audiences near and far who have come over the years to support these events, helping to keep live music alive and creating vibrant communities to live in."
Now in its fifth year, A Lough of Songs continues to draw audiences to both sides of Carlingford Lough.
For Carlingford concerts, pre-booking is essential via Eventbrite, or by calling 042 937 3454. For Rostrevor, tickets priced at £12.50 are available from Belinda Cullen's Good Craic Gifts at 13 Church Street, Rostrevor, and from Crawfords Bar from 3pm daily. Cash payment only, or call 028 417 39911.
