Nuala Kennedy announces Donegal gig with special guest Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh

Nuala Kennedy, an Ennis-based singer is set to perform the Shorelines trio with special guest, Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh. 

The musicians will perform in the Balor Arts Centre, Ballybofey on Saturday, May 25 at 8pm. 

Nuala Kennedy, originally from County Louth but living in Ennis for several years, grew up playing traditional music in Dundalk and often steps outside of that genre. 

She works alongside American Indi-poet Bonnie Prince Billy with whom she will tour Ireland and the UK later this year. Norman Blake (Teenage Fanclub) and Mike Scott (The Waterboys) are all musicians Nuala has worked with. She has also recorded improvised soundtracks to the hit TV series 'American Gods' while living in Los Angeles. 

Nuala takes the album Shorelines on tour, starting at the Mermaid Arts Centre Bray on March 30, joined by the County Clare fiddle virtuoso Tara Breen (The Chieftains) and by the great Dublin guitarist Tony Byrne (Danú). Nuala has invited a special guest in each venue she plays on this national tour,  and for the Balor Theatre concert she and the band will be joined by renowned Donegal fiddler and founder of Altan, Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh

Shorelines is a new thematic recording by the flautist Nuala Kennedy, which has received acclaim in the national press at home and abroad, both for its musicianship and concept. It tells the story of a resilient seaborne heroine, who faces hardship and adversity. However, she surmounts her trials, embarking on a redemptive voyage towards success & prosperity — a rare narrative in the realm of traditional song. 

"I can’t wait to bring the music of Shorelines to The Mermaid Arts Centre,” Nuala said. “It has been a long time brewing in my mind, and now the music is out there and alive, and developing further as we perform it. 

“The theme delves into the role of women in traditional song, and by extension examines their place in society. With this tour, we can shine a light on the work of some of our foremothers while also playing some great live music. 

“Tara and Tony are internationally regarded players and have performed in huge venues around the world. Now we have the opportunity to perform together in a trio for local venues across Ireland".