Groundbreaking producer, singer, poet and multi-instrumentalist.

'The best Irish group so far in Bluegrass' - Irish American News

'Reminiscent of The Punch Brothers' - European Bluegrass Music Association 

www.jigjam.ie

The Associate Artist Programme is a new initiative for APA, inviting artists to work in residence at the Music Hall and Lemon Tree

Hailing from counties Monaghan and Cavan, Élan are a fresh, off-the-block Irish band who, as individuals, have been playing together for years. Having formed back in the summer of 2014, this 3-piece, made up of Gráinne Smith (button accordion), Andrew Jackson (fiddle) and Cillian McCabe (guitar), has already supported the likes of Goitse, Breaking Trad and Mairtin O'Connor, Zoë Conway and Donal Lunny. With their all-embracing musical appetite and high octane spirit, this up and coming band harbours an eclectic sound that earns them their own spot in this exciting generation of modern trad bands. Fresh from a residency at Raglan Road Orlando this summer, there is a lot still to come from this young outfit!

Moxie are an Alt Folk band from the West of Ireland emerging from traditional Irish music roots. Together with their new lead singer from Tunisia, they have merged different influences from past and present generations to forge a unique sound. Their music is a colourful illustration of the multicultural and modern society we live in today. Moxie have been sharing their exuberant energy and passion for music on stage, inspiring audiences and musicians with their new palette of 21st century Irish music. After touring their debut album “Planted”, they have been delivering unprecedented shows around the globe in countries such as Vietnam, Australia, Canada, the US and countries across Europe. They are now ready to announce a new album! The record will be disclosing an original collection of songs and instrumental tracks which is to be released in autumn 2020. 

“Irresistible, revolutionary energy”  
 The Irish Times  ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“Moxie is the music of a new era, where fluidity cross-pollination and innovation are the future and salvation of Irish music”
The Irish Examiner  ★ ★ ★ ★

 The multi-award-winning quintet Goitse, was forged in the white-hot creative crucible of Limerick University’s Irish World Academy. Recently crowned Live Ireland’s ‘Trad group of the Year’, Chicago Irish American News’ ‘Group of the Year’, as well as winning the prestigious ‘Freiburger International Leiter 2016’ award in Germany, they have made a name for themselves as one of the most sought after bands amongst connoisseurs of Irish Traditional music. Their third album, Tall Tales and Misadventures, has received rave reviews as the band continues to take the traditional Irish music scene by storm.  

Cúig, formed in 2013, have established themselves among the most promising artists on the Irish traditional music scene.  They incorporate Breton, Galician and American bluegrass tunes into their music that is already steeped in the Irish tradition, entertaining audiences throughout Ireland and further a field with their exciting and innovative sound.
Cúig have taken the traditional music scene by storm performing on various national television and radio outlets.  In particular, Cúig’s performances on BBC Radio Ulster’s Blas and Folk Club, and BBC Radio 3’s In Tune prove that this band displays skills and talents which defy their years.  In August 2013, Cúig performed on TG4’s Fleadh Live which was broadcast worldwide to an audience of 1.2 million.  Since their formation Cúig have taken the stage alongside some of the biggest names in Irish music such as Flook, Beoga, the Maritin O’Connor Trio, Goitse and We Banjo 3.
Cúig have taken their music outside the boundaries of the traditional music scene in Ireland.  In July 2013, they played alongside international headline act, Flook at the Les CeltiCimes Festival in the French Alps to great acclaim.  In August 2014 they travelled to the Balver Höhle Irish Folk Festival, Germany where their performance made regional headlines.  
Cúig will launch their eponymous debut EP on Saturday 7 February.  


The second you hear the ebb and flow of the music that emanates from David Munnelly’s accordion, you will be instantly convinced that this man was born with a button box in his hands. Hailing from Belmullet, a small town by the sea in Co. Mayo, Ireland, David has carried the strong musical tradition from his home and family across the world.

David is known for his colourful style which inhales bold bass fingerings, complex arrangements and modern compositions; and exhales hints of the Roaring 20′s and the energy of a box of dynamite coupled with a masterful knack for letting a tune take its own time for a completely unmistakeable and brilliant sound.

This unique style led David into the world of professional musicianship where early in his career he became a full-time member of Niamh Parsons’ band the Loose Connections. As his reputation grew in Irish trad circles, David quickly found himself recording and touring with some of the greatest Irish bands and musicians of the last century including The Chieftains, De Danann, Gerry O Connor, Arty McGlynn and Sharon Shannon.

After gaining ample experience and knowledge from his exceptional peers, David formed the David Munnelly Band in1999 and began a thirteen year journey with his own band touring Europe, America and Japan and recording four critically acclaimed CD’s.

Recently David has expanded his repertoire to mainland Europe where he is currently working on several new projects. Along with the most respected accordion players in Europe, David currently performs with the Accordion Samurai, who’s debut CD has won numerous high-profile awards. Additionally, David released  " t'is what it is"  a successful duo CD with fiddler Mick Conneely in 2012.

Élan is following