Java Blue is a vocal quartet born in Galway’s evolving jazz landscape. They craft a nostalgic sound where jazz, gospel, and folk converge through intricate harmony and rhythm. The ensemble—Róisín Mulliez (soprano), Sarah O’Toole (alto), Cesar Benzoni (tenor), and Eamonn Gannon (bass)—creates an engaging live experience that entertains and delights.
Born Mark McConville in Lurgan, County Armagh, Northern Ireland, Rodney Owl moved to Galway in 1996 and has since established himself as a distinctive voice in the Irish indie/folk scene. Rodney Owl’s music defies easy categorization—part folk, part indie rock, part ambient exploration. His debut album Woe (2016) introduced his evocative style: emotional, textured, and reflective of both inner and outer landscapes. His 2023 sophomore album Truth Is Broken (released via the Galway based label Black Gate Label) further cemented his reputation, drawing on influences as
varied as Aldous Harding, The Velvet Underground, The Smiths and Sly & the Family Stone. McConville describes his own music as an attempt to create “a feeling, not a hearing.” He currently lives a somewhat reclusive life in the west of Ireland, drawing inspiration from his surroundings—ancient woodland, wildlife, the natural world around him.
Formed in 1995 in Bucharest, ConTempo Quartet is recognised as one of the most exciting and vibrant chamber ensembles performing today. ConTempo Quartet was chosen as MusicConnects Ensemble-in-Residence in 2003 and continues to captivate audiences throughout Galway city and county with its repertoire of classical, contemporary, folk and traditional music. In June 2016, the members were conferred with Honorary Doctorates in Music by University of Galway in recognition of their role in promoting music and education in the West of Ireland.
Eoin Dolan is a songwriter and producer from Galway. His music combines sublime and sometimes heartbreaking melody with lush instrumentation and a classic songwriting finesse to create a vintage psychedelic pop sound. Eoin has self-released eight records and produced work for Field Trip, New Pope and Me Auld Flower. His latest release, The most Important Thing is Peace Within Yourself, is out now on Rón Records.
Quentin Cooper and Floriane Blancke’s music is a sound created by harp, guitars, piano and singing that experiments with their French and Peruvian roots. It also incorporates aspects of blues, rock, latin and jazz to influence their original songs and instrumental pieces. With exceptional musicianship and a spirited, playful energy, this remarkable duo delivers an unforgettable musical journey—one that is as invigorating as it is soul-stirring.
Siblings Séamus and Caoimhe Uí Fhlatharta hail from the Gaeltacht region of Connemara. They are noted for their sean-nós singing and unique arrangements of both Irish and English language songs. They are accomplished multi-instrumentalists who keep the Irish language and their heritage at the heart of all their musical endeavors. In 2023, they released their debut EP ‘Séamus & Caoimhe’, which was produced by Brian Whelan and Riverdance composer Bill Whelan. Séamus and Caoimhe are the recipients of the RTÉ Folk Award for ‘Best Emerging Artists’ 2024.
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