Voices from the Lough: Lí Ban; Barry Kerr
One concert, 2 perspectives, a singular heritage. Voices from the Lough is a celebration of Lough Neagh and the Bann in the ancient province of Ulster by the world-class musicians it has produced.
First up is Barry Kerr, a multi-instrumentalist and singer whose music expresses the very heart of Irish life. Originally from the southern shores of Lough Neagh, his music is deeply rooted in place — shaped by the lough, the communities that raised him, and the stories he feels compelled to pass on. Barry holds the current title of Folk Album of the Year for Curlew’s Cry.
Next up is Lí Ban. Winner of both RTE and BBC Radio’s Folk Singer of the Year title, Ríoghnach Connolly collaborates here with family – aunts, uncles and cousins – to interpret and share the traditions of Lough Neagh. The ties that bind tradition and people are writ large, as this Armagh clan serve up a repertoire seldom heard outside its own locale. This extends to the instrumentation, which includes the rare, wire-strung Downhill Harp.
This is a chance to experience music steeped in regional heritage, forged where generations fished the waters, built boats and composed songs that were woven into a once-vibrant tradition.
