ICC Concert Session with Tad Sargent, Loïc Blejean & Will Allen

About the Musicians

Loïc Blejean

Loïc BLEJEAN is a uilleann pipes player from France. Being a very versatile and innovative musician, he has been performing and recording all over the world since the late 80s with bands and artists from many different musical genres, from traditional to rock, from classical to jazz.

He currently plays with Réalta (Irish band based in Belfast), with Boclé Brothers (jazz quartet), and with his brother Ronan and guitar player Nicolas Quémener (traditional breton and Irish music trio), with Cyprus-based rock band Idaion Project, and with London-based bodhran & guitar virtuoso Tad Sargent.

Will Allen

Will is best known as one of the leading diatonic button accordionists. His expertise in building tension and complexity are unique and bring vibrancy and verve to traditional music. 

Taking inspiration from other instruments has had a big effect on Will’s style, be it mimicking the regulators of Uilleann pipes, the smoothness of the piano accordion or the bounce of the anglo concertina.

Will began playing the melodeon as a teenager after a short but in-depth foray into Indian classical music. His love of Hindustani music has had a lasting effect on his approach to melody and composition.

Will is also a well-respected and versatile fiddle player having released two solo albums of trad English fiddle music.

Tad Sargent

Our former bodhran & guitar tutor, Tad has returned to the Irish Cultural Centre by way of producing the concert sessions series.  He has recently released a new album with Matt Tighe (fiddle) and you can find the album – Home Grown on Band Camp and most streaming platforms.  His previous bands and collaborations include recording/gigging with Crossharbour, The Long Notes, Béal Bán, Brian McNeill, Cara, Loic Blejean, Brian Kelly, Ranagri & Tony Christie.