National Concert Hall, Dublin Tonight 8pm 35/30/20 01-4170000
Reaching their majority this year, Sligo’s visceral six-piece bring their eclectic repertoire to Earlsfort Terrace tonight. Joining Dervish will be east Clare’s Zen-like answer to the Dalai Lama, Martin Hayes, who will bring his characteristically sublime homeplace-inspired set to a venue that he’s ignited in the past, in cahoots with longtime accompanist Dennis Cahill. Clannad’s Moya Brennan will add further spice to the mix, and Damien Dempsey will shake it all up with his roots songbook.
The NCH often struggles with the intimacies demanded of traditional and folk music. Still, it may prove the ideal setting for this diverse mix of musicians and singers, all of whom share an appetite for mining deep into the tradition, while still hanging on to their own identities.
