Niamh DC (Desmond-Collins) is a West Cork folk singer who has been gigging in Clonakilty for the last few months since moving back from Australia. She plays the guitar and sings traditional, country and folk songs influenced by the Irish bardic tradition.
Niamh is a full time teacher with a grá for Irish music and sport and loves getting the crowd going with a lively sing song.
A song and story man, a compulsive adventurer, a rural Pennsylvania yokel with a restless curiosity and a passion for street performance, Leo DiSanto has hauled his wanderlust wagon and his guitar case everywhere from gypsy camps in Transylvania to monasteries in the high Himalaya to the boulevards of New Orleans to the wild interior of Alaska. He sees this more or less as his existential mission: to be some of the noises life makes.
Known for his imaginative songwriting, powerful singing voice, exciting live performances, and captivating storytelling, Leo is the founding front man of the award-winning, original Amerikindasorta string band, Vinegar Creek Constituency, and is currently touring the US and abroad as a solo performer.
Áine Tyrrell is an inspiring and thought-provoking multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and unmissable live act, she graces stages globally – from Woodford Folk Festival, to Shrewsbury Folk Festival in the UK to Clonakilty International Guitar Festival in Ireland, International Folk Alliance in the USA, and the coveted Splendour in the Grass.
In 2021, the significance of Áine’s impact was underscored when she was chosen to join the Irish President, Michael D Higgins, and his wife Sabine in a tribute celebrating the valour and artistry of Irish women. Áine’s commitment to connecting with her audience is evident. Celebrating 310 Virtual Cuppa Teas (online performances) and fostering a thriving community in Patreon over the last 4 years.
She was rightfully acknowledged as one of the top 10 musical creators by The Australian Newspaper in 2021 and acclaim has followed her from both Australian and Irish radio circuits with notable features on ABC Radio, RTE Radio, Double J Radio, and BBC NI Music. Her chart-topping presence on Ireland’s RTE’s Independent Music Charts speaks volumes about her resonance in the musical landscape.
Beyond being an esteemed performer, Áine was recently listed as an International Best-Selling Author with her contribution towards “Rebel Ma: Rising In The Time Of The Feminine” and has been turning heads with her sold-out shows with the Country Witches Association.
Áine is currently collaborating with renowned producer DOBBY, creating her third album, which is set for release early 2025.
Her journey, as put by The Australian, is indeed one worth following, “Tyrrell’s incredible journey is one you’d be well advised to follow.” With an unmistakably voice and an energy that’s both electric and intimate, Áine Tyrrell continues to spellbind her audience, making them fall in love with her sound, time and time again.
Born of the treacherous marshlands of Cork city, Jazz99 is Ireland’s most exclusive beachside jazz trio.
Featuring members of the illustrious Cork City Organ Group, Sam Clague (guitar), Ultan Lavery (organ) and James Christie (drums). Jazz99 cares not for the season. Funk for your trunks, guaranteed.
Moonset are a five-piece indie rock band from Cork. Members Florence, Mia, Hannah, Chris and Aoibhín met in college in Cork School of Music. Moonset are currently creating original music as well as performing covers with their own twist. They take inspiration from bands such as Boygenius, Men I Trust, and Paramore.
Do you have a party piece? that one song or tune that you can pull out at a gathering that will get everyone singing along, tapping their feet, or lost in a reverie? Party Piece is a relaxed participatory music session for everyone, regardless of musical experience in which we help you to play the music that’s close to your heart. It is about the simple joy of sharing songs and sounds with each other and the aim is to play a shared repertoire of tunes and songs that are easy to join in with and that have a wide appeal. Our anchor musician will facilitate the learning (or remembering) of these tunes, and participants are encouraged to sing or bring any instrument they might have to contribute, just turn up and join in!
Party Piece is supported By Creative Ireland, Department of Culture, Heritage and Gaeltacht and Cork County Council, and Music Alive
Formerly the West Cork Noise Collective
Known for their relentless pursuit of sonic innovation, these artists push the boundaries of sound with their latest experiment: just intonation refretted guitars. The result is a hypnotic blend of resonances that challenge conventional musical structures, inviting listeners into a world where every note vibrates with a new kind of intensity.
Skibbereen native Colin Deady is one of Ireland’s finest emerging singer songwriters. A self taught musician & performer, Deady writes about his own life experiences inviting the listener into a world of beautifully crafted songs while offering his own unique blend of folk, jazz & blues.
Awarded a Master of Arts degree in songwriting from UL in 2023, Deady now prepares to offer his second album Real Life in 2024.
Lead single The Unexpected – An upbeat folk song filled with optimism, hope and an unexpected twist was released on Friday 1st March 2024 receiving national airplay and championed by John Creedon RTE Radio 1.
Deady is currently working on a video for his second single release Real Life due for release on 14th June 2024. This will be followed up with the full album release in September.
‘A wonderful & accomplished songwriter’ Hotpress
‘A real talent’
John Creedon RTE Radio 1
Just listened through to the whole album and all I can say is ‘very very well done! It’s totally brilliant and I love it…Great songs, melodies, your singing and playing is also tops – I’m not just saying that btw! You’ve produced a Brilliant album so I hope it does really well for you.
Bill Shanley – guitarist & producer
Play us a song, would ya!
Delighted to announce the first ever open mic at the guitar fest! Gallery Asna Open Mic was started back in January this year as a space for everyone, young and old, to play music behind a mic. We all know the feeling of stage fright and the open mic is a place to help that.
It will take place from 5:30 to 8pm at Gallery Asna on Asna Square on Sunday.
What to expect on Sunday
Sign up at 5:30 –
There will be an empty numbered sheet on the table in the landing of the gallery where you can put your name on. It doesn’t need to be in order. So if you don’t want to be first to play on the night, you can put your name a bit further down the list. So get down on time to get the best spot on the list
Only one song per person but if there’s time towards the end of the night the running order will be ran again to give the crowd seconds
The only sign ups are done on the door, so no requesting a spot over instagram.
What to Perform –
The open mic is a place for all styles of music. Be it rap, soul, pop, jazz or classical, it’ll be loved! The open mic is a safe space for all musicians. It can be their 1st or 100th time on stage and any age is welcome behind the mic.
Who can come –
Anyone! It starts early to let the young ones get in on the fun of live music.
All ages are more than welcome to join and also if they’re brave enough they can get on stage too. Thady, the organiser, remembers his first time on stage was when he was just 12 in Scannells on a Sunday session and he was hooked! 😁
Equipment –
There’s a right handed semi acoustic guitar and 2 microphones which you are more than welcome to play. There are a few extra inputs on the mixer so you can bring along any other instruments with you. There’s also a 3.5mm aux input for those of you who prefer to sing to a backing track, just have your phone ready to plug in.
Social Media –
The open mic will be sharing pictures and videos of the performers as the night goes on for our Instagram (@clonakiltyopenmic) and Facebook page. So, if you have a page you’d like us to tag, let them know and they will be more than happy to do so and of course if you don’t want to be recorded that’s totally cool too!
So excited to see ye all there and to get the show on the road!
See ye there! 🤘