Irish music doesn’t get any better than this!
Sharon Shannon, Goitse & Connla
Award-winning Irish folk sensation SHARON SHANNON performs at the MCC on AUGUST 9th. Sharon Shannon is a genre-defying star that has had multi-platinum album sales and several number one albums, singles and DVDs in her home country. Her album Galway Girl went 4 times platinum in Ireland with the title track winning her the Meteor award two years running for the most downloaded song. She is also the only musician to have had an entire show dedicated to her twice on The Late Late Show.
Sharon Shannon is best known for her work with the accordion and for her fiddle technique. Her self-titled debut album, in 1991, Sharon Shannon was the best-selling album of traditional Irish music ever released in Ireland. She was also the recipient of the lifetime achievement award at the 2009 Meteor Awards.
The popular and multi-award-winning quintet GOITSE will take the stage on AUGUST 14th. Goitse has released four critically acclaimed recordings and maintains a year round touring schedule that includes performances throughout Ireland and the UK, Germany, France and the United States and now Canada. Their distinctive sound lies in the quality of their own compositions interspersed with traditional tunes from the countryside of Ireland and abroad, which make each performance unique. Named Live Ireland’s “Traditional Group of the Year”, Chicago Irish American News’ “Group of the Year”, as well as winning the prestigious “Freiburger International Leiter 2016” award in Germany, Goitse have become a leader of the new generation of traditional Irish ensembles.
“…a country mile ahead of anything I’ve seen this past five years.” Irish Music Magazine
“…blending the roots of tradition with the freedom of creativity … and perfectly summing up Goitse.” Folkwords Review
“Sprightly instrumentals with exciting and unexpected twists topped off with winsome vocals.”
fRoots Magazine
With one of the most praised performances at the MCC in 2017, CONNLA returns on AUGUST 26th. Their sensitive and innovative arrangements of traditional and modern folk songs and tunes have earned them praise across the folk community. Labelled as the Hottest New Group out of Northern Ireland (Chicago Irish American News) Connla have been quickly making an impact on the folk/traditional scene. Since the release of their EP in April 2015, and album “River Waiting” in July 2016 they have received fantastic reviews at home and internationally. They have already gathered a big following in the UK, Ireland, Europe and the USA. Songlines magazine made Connla their “must see act” for the tour of the UK and stated “A band this young shouldn’t be this good”.
Concert of the Year – Live Ireland Music Awards 2018
Vocal/Instrumental album of the year - Live Ireland Music Awards 2017
Vocal/Instrumental album of the year - Top TIR Irish American News
Best New Sound – Best of the Year Awards Chicago Irish American News 2016 – Jack Baker
Best New Group – Live Ireland Music Awards 2016
New Group of the Year – Chicago Irish American News 2016
