Dermot hails from Buncrana in the Inishowen peninsula, the most northerly part of Donegal, and has played accordion since a very young age, having learned from his father Tomás O’Beirn, who comes from Teileann area of South West Donegal, and is an enthusiastic promoter of the tradition. Dermot had the good fortune to meet all the greats of Donegal music, including Johnny Doherty, Con Cassidy and Tommy Peoples, Danny Meehan and many more, and they made a great impact on the young Dermot, who went on to develop a unique style. His seemingly effortless playing, combined with great subtlety, and a faultless ear, makes him one of the great accordion players of his generation. As well as his mastery of the Donegal style and repertoire, Dermot can turn with ease to other styles and traditions such as French musette, or South American choro music. He guested on two Altan recordings “The Red Crow” and “Island Angel” before joining the band in 1994.
Dermot has guested on collaborations with many great musicians including Seamus and Manus McGuire, Sharon Shannon, Salsa Celtica, Steeve Cooney, Dezi Donelly, Brid Harper, Frankie Gavin, Tommy Peoples, Pierre Schryer, Tim O’Brien and the late jazz violinist, Stephane Grappelli. He recently recorded a duet CD with French Harpist Floriane Blancke
BRID HARPER
Brid Harper is originally from Castlefinn Co.Donegal and now living near Dungannon Co. Tyrone. She has been hailed as one of the leading exponents of traditional fiddle playing of our time. She was senior All- Ireland Champion, Fiddler of Dooney and Oireachtas winner in 1988. For the past couple of years she has been performing with great musicians including Dermot Byrne , Steeve Cooney , PJ McDonald and many others.
JOHN DOYLE
John hails from Dublin originally, and is a well-known musician and songwriter . He plays the guitar left handed and has a very distinctive style. Nowadays John spends most of his time in the USA , where in the past he played for many years with Irish-American band “Solas” . John is also a featured regular on the popular TV programme the “Transatlantic Sessions” along with Jerry Douglas , Tim O Brien and Kathy Mattea .
John has recorded and toured with many great musicians , Kate Rusby, Susan Mc Keown, Karan Casey, Michael Mc Goldrick, Liz Carroll and Eileen Ivers to name but a few.
TICKETS
€15 available online from WAV Tickets or Lo-Call 1890 200 078 (1-8pm M-F, 4-8pm Sat)
– 50c per ticket service charge applies on phone, internet or creditcard bookings. Final ticket price may be higher from other outlets.
Strictly over 18′s, I.D. may be required
AFTER THE GIG
Whelan’s Silent Disco, now every Mon, Tue & Wed in Jul & Aug from 11pm – 2 DJs, just pick the one you like best [Free Entry] plus Late Bar.
