Saturday Afternoon Concert: Tara Breen and Marty Barry - Brian Kelly and Tad Sargent - Mick Mulvey and Shane Meehan

Saturday Afternoon Concert: Tara Breen and Marty Barry - Brian Kelly and Tad Sargent - Mick Mulvey and Shane Meehan

*Please note that all advertised concert times are door opening times. Performances will commence 30 minutes after doors open. 

Tara Breen and Marty Barry

Tara Breen is a highly acclaimed Irish musician and a celebrated figure in the world of traditional Irish music. Born and raised in County Clare, Tara developed a deep connection to Irish music from a young age, hugely influenced by her musician father Martin. Tara's musical journey began in her early childhood when she was introduced to the fiddle, she honed her skills under the guidance of local musicians and teachers. Tara gained numerous All-Ireland titles in both fiddle and flute. 

Tara's reputation as a skilled musician quickly spread, leading her to collaborate with some of the most respected names in Irish music. Tara joined the legendary bands, Stockton’s Wing and The Chieftains. Her performances with the groups have taken her to prestigious venues worldwide. Tara was also a founding member of Ciorras, a group formed as part of the TG4 series Lorg Lunny, which showcased emerging Irish talent under the mentorship of Dónal Lunny.

Tara is a full time member of both Breen/ Rynne/ Muarry and Notify.  Her playing of fiddle, flute and saxophone appears on recordings with these bands other recordings due to her high demand as a session musician. 

Tara’s debut solo album Sooner or Later is officially released this year.

Brian Kelly and Tad Sargent

Brian Kelly learnt banjo and mandolin in London under the tutelage of Clare man Brendan Mulkere. He has gained 8 All Ireland titles in various age groups. Brian has been a key member of the London Irish music scene, holding residencies at The Swan Stockwell with Gino Lupari and The Stags Head, Camden Town with Paddy Gallagher. He now lives, teaches and perfoms music in Cavan.

Brian launched his eponymous debut album at Return to Camden Town Festival in 2001, he followed it up with Plain of Jars in 2006 and is currently working on his 3rd album.  Brian released two albums with his band The Long Notes,  has had two Top 10 hits with dance-trad fusion band Dance to Tipperary and released Gods and Fighting Men in 2015 with Creeds Cross. Brian has toured Ireland, Britain, Europe and the USA with Shane MacGowan and The Popes. Other international performance and recording credits include: Mark Nevin (Fairground Attraction), Steve Wickham (Waterboys), Festival Interceltique L’Orient, Gaelforce Dance, Dance Masters and Celtic Nights Irish Dance Shows.

Tad Sargent, London-born with roots in Castlebar, Co. Mayo, brings a rich rhythmic energy to the stage through his bodhrán and bouzouki playing. Tad has performed and recorded with a diverse range of top artists, including Tony Christie, CrossHarbour, Cara Dillon, Ranagri and toured extensively across Europe and the US. He has graced many prestious stages including The Royal Albert Hall, Shakespeare’s Globe, Hop Farm, Cambridge Folk and Glastonbury Festivals – as well as making numerous appearances on BBC and other major broadcasters.

Mick Mulvey, Shane Meehan and Pete Quinn

London audiences will know Mick Mulvey as an erstwhile of the London-Irish traditional music scene through the 70s, 80s and 90s, but he always maintained strong links with his Leitrim roots. His two acclaimed solo recordings; ‘Within a Mile o ’Jamestown’ [2003] and ‘Bridging the Gap’ [2009] – were both launched in Leitrim and at the Return to Camden Town Festival in London. 

Shane Meehan grew up in Carrick-on-Shannon, starting off his musical journey with his grandfather, John, in Cootehall, Co. Roscommon. John’s passion for researching rare tunes was passed down to his grandson. Shane listened avidly to composers such as Charlie Lennon, Josephine Keegan, Ed Reavy, Joe Liddy, and Paddy Fahy, and took great inspiration in his early days of playing. Major playing influences include the famous Sligo fiddle players Michael Coleman, Lad O’Beirne, Paddy Killoran and James Morrison. His biggest influences came from the Leitrim musicians he grew up playing with, mainly in Cryan’s Teach Cheoil: Oliver Loughlin, Damian O’Brien, Padraig McGovern, Ben Lennon, Mick and many more. Shane and Mick were both founder-members of The Moylurg Ceili Band, winners of the SCB in Derry in 2013.  In 2019 Shane’s debut solo album “Twill Do” - featuring 19 of his own compositions – was released to glowing reviews in Ireland and further afield.

The new album from this duet, The Missing Guest, is a celebration of Leitrim’s musical heritage - a treasure trove of old and new tunes brought to life by these two outstanding musicians. Their deep understanding, respect and passion for the music of Leitrim and north Connacht shines through every track. Names indelibly associated with Connacht music abound: Coleman, Morrison, Killoran, Redican; and more recently, Maguire and Sherlock, McGann, Tansey, Keane, Molloy and Rooney amongst many others. 

Liverpool-born pianist Pete Quinn has performed with some of the greats of traditional Irish music including Brendan McGlinchey, Bryan Rooney, Mary MacNamara, John Bowe and Mick O’Connor. He has featured as accompanist on a number of recordings including five albums with The London Lasses, plus solo albums from whistle player Peter McAlinden, fiddlers Karen Ryan and Seán Casey, and flute player Mick Mulvey.