An Irish Celebration: Martin Hayes Quartet, Utsav Lal, piano, and Irish folk trio Ye Vagabonds

Wednesday, March 17, 2027
7:00 PM 9:00 PM 19:00 21:00

Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts 1601 Broadway Boulevard Kansas City, MO, 64108 United States (map)

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MUSIC & DANCE

An Irish Celebration

Martin Hayes Quartet:
Martin Hayes, fiddle
Liz Knowles, fiddle
Doug Weiselman, bass clarinet
Kyle Sanna, guitar

Utsav Lal, piano

Ye Vagabonds
Diarmuid Mac Gloinn
Brían Mac Gloinn
Alain McFadden

Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, Sean-nós singer and flute
Edwina Guckian, Sean-nós dance
Paula Meehan, Poet

Curated by the legendary fiddler Martin Hayes, An Irish Celebration is a rich and evocative journey through the many strands of Irish traditional and folk music, brought vividly to life by an exceptional cast of collaborators.

At the heart of the evening is the Martin Hayes Quartet, whose deeply expressive, boundary-pushing approach has redefined Irish traditional music for contemporary audiences. They are joined by the acclaimed pianist Utsav Lal; the luminous Irish folk trio Ye Vagabonds, comprising brothers Diarmuid Mac Gloinn and Brían Mac Gloinn with Alain McFadden; renowned sean-nós singer and flautist Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh; celebrated sean-nós dancer Edwina Guckian; and poet Paula Meehan, whose words add another layer of resonance to this vibrant celebration of Ireland’s musical and cultural heritage.

Spanning the weeks surrounding St. Patrick’s Day, this unique program celebrates both the depth of Ireland’s musical heritage and its enduring dialogue with American traditions. Through a seamless blend of solo performance, intimate collaboration, and expansive ensemble playing, the concert traces the emotional range and evolving spirit of this music, at once ancient and ever-new.

Both rooted and exploratory, An Irish Celebration offers audiences a rare opportunity to experience Irish music as a living, breathing art form, shaped by tradition, innovation, and the powerful cultural exchange between Ireland and the United States.

Martin Hayes is regarded as one of the most significant talents to emerge in the world of Irish traditional music. His unique sound, his mastery of his chosen instrument – the violin – his acknowledgement of the past and his shaping of the future of the music, combine to create a formidable artistic intelligence. Hayes has drawn inspiration from many musical genres but remains grounded in the music he grew up with in East County Clare. He has a unique ability to place the tradition within a wider contemporary context, creating a unique and insightful interpretation of Irish music.

The iconic Irish folk ensemble Ye Vagabonds, made up of brothers Diarmuid and Brían Mac Gloinn, are known for close vocal harmonies and stripped-back arrangements that draw deeply from the roots of Irish song, including centuries-old ballads and sean-nós traditions. Ye Vagabonds are considered carriers of a living musical lineage, bringing traditional folk to new audiences at home and abroad. This harmonious collaboration between all three groups of artists, alongside contemporary Irish dancers, will provide an immersive night of traditional music for everyone!