Folk icon Eleanor Shanley and Leitrim's Ensemble 32 collaborate at Longford's Backstage Theatre

Irish folk and roots legend Eleanor Shanley was recently honoured in Denmark for her contribution to music and song.
Eleanor became the first Irishwoman to be inducted into the prestigious Tønder Festival Hall of Fame.

Known for her mix of folk and traditional song, Eleanor has teamed up with Leitrim-based Ensemble 32 to create a very special performance at Longford’s Backstage Theatre this Thursday, January 30 at 8pm (doors open 7.30).

Ensemble 32 and Eleanor bring you on a vocal and instrumental journey reaching back to Cab Calloway’s 1930s hit Minnie the Moocher and Ray Charles 1960s triumph ‘Hit the Road Jack’.

PICTURES | Style, smiles and elegance as Sara-Lee Greene is crowned Longford Rose 2025

Enjoy Irish and French song, American Rhythm and Blues, Gypsy tunes, a haunting classic with a Longford connection, contemporary pop, and tap-your-foot brass ensemble numbers.

Ensemble 32 is led by Rhona Trench and features silver flutes (Rhona, Edel Roley and Carole Coleman), pianos (Alla Crosbie and James Wallace), guitar (Matt Warren) and drums and vocals (Thomas Winston).

Also read: Longford theatre group are all set to stage their spring production 'Stop it Nurse'

The group is named for the music room at No 32, Carrick-on-Shannon where weekly practices and brainstorming take place.

The Ensemble 32 members are part-time musicians, taking inspiration from their daily disciplines in science, journalism, theatre directing, music and teaching.

The Backstage Theatre audience will be encouraged to clap, tap and sing along to many well-known numbers!

PICTURES | Longford students receive prestigious entrance awards from Trinity

A great night to carry an audience triumphantly into spring!

Tickets €22 available from Backstage Theatre and Centre for the Arts 043 33 47888.