Focus
Ways of Talking and Thinking About Irish Traditional Music
A recent book by Jessica Cawley, 'Becoming an Irish Traditional Musician: Learning and Embodying Musical Culture', interviews 22 Irish traditional musicians and explores how they learnt their craft. Martin Dowling reviews. 
Irish Fatalism and the Lack of Planning for Live Music
When it comes to reopening the live music sector, we have fallen for the classic Irish mistake: dreaming, but not taking practical steps, writes Toner Quinn. 
The Retelling of Female Desire
The premiere of Amanda Feery and Megan Nolan's new opera 'A Thing I Cannot Name' took place online in July. Anna Murray reviews. 
Healing and the Music of Damien Dempsey
'Love Yourself Today' – centred around a 2019 Damien Dempsey concert at Vicar Street – premiered at the Galway Film Fleadh last week. Shannon McNamee reviews. 
Exploring Loss Under Lockdown
A new short film about the passing of the great fiddle-player Ben Lennon during lockdown last year, as narrated by his brother Charlie, was premiered at the Galway Film Fleadh. Adrian Scahill reviews. 
Music and the Arts Need Ideas and Debate Too
The writer Desmond Fennell, who died this week, had clear ideas about the role of new thinking and debate in society. They are relevant to Irish music today, writes Toner Quinn. 
Gathering and Scattering Sounds
The Galway orchestra Luminosa recently premiered a new adventurous work by Sam Perkin as part of its second 'Arcadia' concert. Brendan Finan reviews. 
Personal Departure
Danny Diamond's recently released album with Brian Miller, 'Let Fly', marks a change from earlier recordings. Kevin McCullagh reviews. 
Between Oppositions
In July, the Dutch Ragazze Quartet premiered Garth Knox's new work 'Four Into Twenty' as part of the online West Cork Chamber Music Festival. Adrian Smith reviews. 
Elusive Sounds
Saint Sister recently released their second album 'Where I Should End'. Andrea Cleary reviews.