Lonesome George and RUÁ @ Sandinos (Thur 7th Nov)

Lonesome George is led by song-writing duo Joe Campbell-McArdle (guitar and vocals) and Myles McCormack (mandolin and vocals). They are joined by Fintan Mulholland, a multi-instrumentalist and active member of internationally touring dance shows, on flute, whistles and vocals. Dermot Moynagh is on bodhrán and percussion, bringing his unique style of accompaniment to the group that has made him one of the most in-demand bodhrán players in Belfast. Finally, the newest member of the band; a traditional song collector and researcher, and much sought-after performer in her own right, Catriona Ní Ghribín is on accordion and vocals.

Their contemporary song-writing in both English and Irish language deals with love, life and revolution; addressing mental health, the treatment of refugees and the environmental crisis. These ideas are brought to life through a mixture of musical styles; multi-layered riff-led grooves; ethereal & ambient pieces, sometimes with a touch of melancholy; rip-roaring reels and other Irish dance rhythms; and a selection of flavours and styles from various genres interwoven to create a unique sound; changing from song to song, all while remaining rooted in the Irish tradition.

Known for their DIY spirit they have self-produced 2 albums and toured internationally (Ireland, England, Germany, Turkey, The Netherlands, USA). This last year saw BBC NI run a televised feature on their music in relation to activism in the arts. They also performed their first US shows in The Dead Rabbit NYC, as well as headlining the The Belfast Empire and performing at The Deer’s Head for Belfast TradFest.

Supporting them on the night is RUÁ, an experimental folk artist hailing from Derry. Having played solo for years, RUÁ's live shows now often include Conán Mullan (on whistle, fiddle, mandolin and guitar) and Ciaran McCay on percussion and synths. 
This merging of modern folk, Irish, Americana and world textures places the music outside any one place or time.  

RUÁ's live shows take you on a journey from intricate guitar lines paired with velvety melodies; to vivacious trad-folk-gypsy stories of fortune tellers and ghosts; to droney soundscapes featuring field recordings... Throughout it all there is a tangible vulnerability and honesty that guides RUÁ's songwriting.

After releasing her alt-folk debut EP 'The Healing' this August, RUÁ is set to release her experimental-theatrical-folk EP 'The Magic Theatre' in Summer 2025.