Tyneside Irish Festival : Liam Ó’Maonlaí from Hothouse Flowers + White Sail

Doors open 7pm. Support 7.30pm Main act 8.15pm

Liam Ó Maonlaí is one of the most talented, charismatic and soulful performers of Irish traditional music today. But his musical prowess goes beyond his own cultural roots with his amazing vocals and an array of instrumental mastery from piano to flute, harmonica to bodhran. Since first bursting onto the scene in the 1980’s with his band Hothouse Flowers, Liam has captured the attention of audiences, critics and musicians alike.

According to Rolling Stone Magazine, Bono noted the ensemble were the “best unsigned band on the planet.” It is no wonder that Liam remains a “musician’s musician” and no surprise he has performed alongside the best of them. As a solo performer as well as frontman of Hothouse Flowers, Liam continues to wow audiences worldwide reinventing himself with each performance.

A passionate Gaelic speaker and singer, the material will draw on traditional Irish folk, gospel, blues and rock. Accompaniment by Jacqueline Hynes on flute and whistle. White Sail Band (Support) With a glorious melding of harmony vocals & guitars, mandolin, Celtic harp, Appalachian dulcimer, shruti box, trumpet, flute, woodwind & percussion The White Sail Band perform their own unique material at gigs and festivals.

Taking their inspiration from nature, history & heritage they write about love, life, the land and the sea. The stories are told with passion and sublime musicality. The songs are set against soundscapes that are joyous, vibrant and at times, gentle and mesmeric. They also weave their unique magic on the contemporary & traditional.