ARTS DIARY

Sharon Shannon Big Band concert

Belfast TradFest returned in style as the city was treated to a jam packed programme of traditional music, song and dance with world-class concerts, masterclasses, talks, CD launches and live sessions. I was delighted to attend festival headliner Sharon Shannon Big Band concert in the Ulster Hall.

The evening started with a VIP reception which was sponsored by Belfast Whiskey Week. As well as hearing Paul Kane talk about the success of the community-led initiative which aims to reclaim Belfast’s whiskey heritage, guests on the night were gifted a Belfast Whiskey Week branded dram glass and a beautifully packaged sample box to try at home.

The sold out concert was opened by the insanely talented Liam Ó Maonlaí, frontman of the Hothouse Flowers (who were also part of the EastSide Arts Festival, see page 166). This rare solo set saw him alternate between playing the Grand Piano, Bodhrán and Tin Whistlethe result was mesmerising.

Although Ó Maonlaí set the bar high, Sharon Shannon and her eclectic Big Band certainly matched it. With an unique genre defying style, Sharon Shannon is bold and fearless in her experimentation of sound. As an assemble, Sharon Shannon Big Band weaves together French-Canadian reggae, hip-hop, dance and classical with a framework of traditional sounds and instruments highlighting their true versatility as musicians.

Soaking up the highly anticipated sold out performance were Artistic Director of Belfast TradFest Dónal O’Connor, Chairman of Belfast TradFest Ray Morgan, CEO of the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce Ann McGregor and RTÉ’s Conor McAuley

With such a world class traditional talent on display, the team behind this year’s Belfast TradFest deserve a standing ovation for offering such a remarkable lineup, putting our city in the centre of the flourishing traditional music map.

Sharon Shannon Big Band concert took place at Ulster Hall on 29 July.

EDITED BY KELLIE BURCH KELLIE@ULSTERTATLER.COM