Siân James, Seosaimhín Ní Bheaglaoich and Mary Macmaster

The Music Network tour featuring singers Seosaimhín Ní Bheaglaoich, Siân James and Mary Macmaster, starts next Tuesday, 15 May. A celebration of the shared musical traditions of the native-language communities in Ireland, Wales and Scotland, according to the publicity the playlist will include lullabies, love songs, humorous tongue-twisters and macaronic mash-ups.

Siân James, born in a small Welsh-speaking village in Powys, is a celebrated harpist and singer. Founder member of Ireland’s first all-female traditional band, Macalla, Seosaimhín Ní Bheaglaoich will present interpretations of both Irish and English songs from her native West Kerry. Scottish harpist Mary Macmaster is best known for her pioneering work with the metal-strung clarsach, but is also a fine singer of Gaelic and English language songs.

As with other Music Network tours, this one reflects how the model enables accomplished musicians such as these to play in provincial venues around the country at affordable prices. It is presented in association with RTÉ Lyric FM and funded by the Arts Council.

Tuesday 15 May The Coach House, Dublin Castle, 8pm
Wednesday 16 May St. John’s Theatre & Arts Centre, Listowel 8pm
Thursday 17 May Tipperary Excel Centre, Tipperary Town 8pm
Friday 18 May Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge 8pm
Saturday 19 May Ionad Cultúrtha, Baile Mhúirne 8:30pm
Monday 21 May Áras Éanna, Inis Oírr 8:30pm
Tuesday 22 May Ionad Cois Locha, Dunlewey, Donegal 8:30pm

Full details on www.musicnetwork.ie