Joe O'Donnell (Limerick) was classically trained on the violin and then went on to play in the Woods Band (Terry and Gay Woods were founder members of Steeleye Span) and East of Eden. In 1987 he released an album with Rory Gallagher, Steve Bolton, Theodor Thunder (Alan Price Band) and David Lennox (Ginger Baker, Blodwyn Pig, The Equals). Joe has since toured with his own bands, whilst also writing for television and doing session work. He has played at various festivals, most recently with his band Shkayla. He has recently started doing more performances as a solo artist, where his loves of the fiddle and of Irish traditional song come to the fore.
As a solo artist and as a member of the Dubliners, Sean Cannon (Co Galway) has been a prominent figure
on the British folk scene for many years. He is well respected as a fine singer and raconteur. Tonight he is joined by son
James, "a lovely deep rich voice and some great guitar playing - obviously destined to go places". They are
steeped in, but by no means restricted by, their Irish heritage.
Donal Maguire (Co. Louth) has been singing and playing in public on and off for thirty years. Influences
include the Clancy brothers, Luke Kelly, Joe Heaney, Paddy Tunney and Elizabeth Cronin. He was a resident at the London
"Singers Club", joining Ewan MacColl, Peggy Seeger, John Faulkner, Sandra Kerr, Terry Yarnell et al. A fine interpreter of
contemporary material and an excellent singer of traditional material, he can accompany himself on a range of stringed
instruments. Recognised as one of the finest players of Irish dance music on mandolin and tenor banjo, he has also conducted
many singing workshops, characterised by his relaxed and highly informative professional style. The Eagle Tavern, Greenwich
Village, New York City sums him up well: "An evening with Donal Maguire is a five star event...one star for his outstanding
voice, one for his exceptional repertoire of Irish traditional songs, one for his unique selection of English folk songs, one for his
virtuoso mandolin and banjo work, and one for his wry wit and keen insight."
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