Saturday, October 31 at 6:00 PM – 9:00 pm
The Grand Transatlantic Finale: Masters of String & Box
An Exceptional Concert Sequence and All-Star Gathering
The performance track reaches its magnificent crest with an extended, meticulously staged evening program. Bringing together the ultimate cross-border exponents of traditional music, the concert flows through historic pairings and premier solo sets, culminating in an extraordinary, unified all-star ensemble finale to close out the week.
Laoise Kelly (Harp): Opening the evening is the reigning pioneer of the modern traditional instrument Laoise Kelly. Regarded as the most significant harper of her generation and a TG4 Gradam Ceoil Musician of the Year, her driving, brilliant style sets a majestic foundation for the concert.
Jesse Smith & Donna Long (Fiddle & Piano): A thrilling meeting of minds. Born in Baltimore, former Danú member Jesse Smith studied fiddle directly under Brendan Mulvihill. He couples his elite, classic phrasing—inherited directly from the master—with the incomparable chord structures of premier traditional pianist Donna Long.
Billy McComiskey, Donna Long & Cleek Schrey (Accordion, Piano & Fiddle): The definitive core of the American East Coast traditional lineage reunites. All-Ireland Accordion Champion Billy McComiskey links up with his peerless peers to share the best Irish music from across the Atlantic.
Willie Kelly & Siobhán Kelly (Fiddle & Flute): Devotees of the legendary, old-time style of East Clare and East Galway, this husband-and-wife duo brings a soulful, fluid traditional connection to the program. Notably, Willie and his brother Joe were also original students of Martin Mulvihill.
The Grand Finale: To close out the week's headline concerts, the stage will expand as all featured masters and special festival guests combine for a massive, roof-raising session of classic traditional tunes.