John Carty, Mike McGoldrick & Friends

Master musicians John Carty and Mike McGoldrick come together for a very special evening of music at the Irish Cultural Centre, Hammersmith. This much-anticipated concert unites two of the most creative and respected figures in traditional Irish music today.

In 2023, the duo released their acclaimed albumAt Our Leisure, a record hailed by critics as“truly outstanding – top-notch tunes and captivating playing”(The Irish Echo). Centred around the unique combination of uilleann pipes and tenor banjo, the album showcases the pair’s effortless chemistry – what they describe as“the cut from the banjo against the ancient reed sound”– evoking legendary duos of the past while creating something entirely new. Another reviewer called it“an outstanding album… two outstanding musicians who, thankfully, were able to carve out the time and headspace.”

John Carty is one of Ireland’s most celebrated traditional musicians and a leading exponent of the North Connacht style. A master of both fiddle and banjo, he has an unparalleled knowledge of the music of Sligo emigrant players. His acclaimed albums –I Will If I Can,Last Night’s Fun, andAt It Again are cornerstones of the tradition. He has also recorded with Matt Molloy (Pathway to the Well andOut of the Ashes), Brian Rooney (At Complete Ease), his daughter Maggie (Settle Out of Court), and his son James (The Wavy Bow Collection). In 2003, he was namedTG4 Gradam Ceoil Traditional Musician of the Year.

Mike McGoldrick is a founding member of Flook and Lúnasa, and a long-time member of Capercaillie. The Manchester-born flute, whistle, and uilleann pipes virtuoso has toured the world with Mark Knopfler and Bob Dylan, and collaborated withYoussou N’Dour,Zakir Hussain,John Cale, and theTransatlantic Sessions. His own solo recordings and the exhilaratingMichael McGoldrick Bandhave earned him global acclaim as one of the most inventive and expressive musicians of his generation.

Together, John Carty and Mike McGoldrick promise a night of inspired musicianship exploring the exhilarating dialogue between banjo and pipes, and weaving in fiddle, flute, and guitar textures with warmth, humour, and deep musical understanding. They will be joined by special guests on the night.

Early booking is strongly advised for what promises to be an unforgettable evening of traditional music at its very finest.