Mundy returns to the stage with Clew Bay Pipe Band in Mayo
The Clew Bay Pipe Band is set to bring Pipeversity to the TF Royal Theatre, Castlebar, with Mundy back on stage alongside the band he first played with in 2013, featuring a full production of rock, song, contemporary music and Irish dance.
On Friday, November 20, the Clew Bay Pipe Band is set to bring Pipeversity to the TF Royal Theatre, Castlebar, with Mundy back on stage alongside the band he first played in 2013.
The Offaly singer-songwriter first shared a stage with Clew Bay Pipe Band at the Westport Festival of Music & Food in 2013 and came back for Pipeversity XVI at Westport Town Hall Theatre in 2016. On Friday, November, 20, he joins them again, this time on the biggest stage the show has played, the TF Royal Theatre in Castlebar.
"There's nothing like the sound of a full pipe band coming in behind you," said Mundy.
"I've played with Clew Bay Pipe Band a few times now, and every time they've pushed it a bit further. Pipeversity is where they throw everything at it: the pipes, the drums, the rock, the dancers. I'm delighted to be back with them, and the TF Royal is the right stage for it."
Known for July, Mexico and To You I Bestow, and for the number one recording of Galway Girl with Sharon Shannon, Mundy joins a line-up built around the pipes and drums. Around them, the band has put together a full production of rock, song, contemporary music and Irish dance.
Anú, a young vocal group born from a songwriting collaboration with the band, sings in every song of the show. The Cresham Irish Dancers, part of Pipeversity since 2016, bring the exhilarating pace, vibrant colour and infectious energy of Irish dance to Pipeversity. Szymon Karlowicz of The Voice Kids of Poland joins the band on the night also.
The band itself reflects a multi-national make-up with Polish musicians who have made their home in Mayo long been part of it, among them Bart de Boer, musical director and producer of Pipeversity, who came to Westport via Warsaw.
"What gets me every time is the young people," Mundy said.
"This band started with free lessons for kids in a national school, and now you have them playing to a full theatre, alongside musicians from Poland and players who've been at it for years. That's what keeps it fresh. Bring the whole family. It's loud, it's colourful, and you'll walk out lifted."
Seating is unreserved, so earlier arrivals get the pick of the seats. Doors open at 7 pm and the show starts at 8 pm, and the TF Royal's Green Room Bar and Restaurant is open for dining beforehand. Tickets from €33.65 plus booking fees are on sale from the TF Royal and Ticketmaster.