FREE EVENT - EVERYONE WELCOME!
A joyful day of family-friendly arts and crafts, music, conversation, and food to wrap up the takeover weekend in true Duncairn-Levis’ style.

A rich and varied night featuring performances and work from members of the Duncairn Creative Collective & special guests—an evening of multidisciplinary talent, from music and poetry to visual storytelling.

A showcase of four emerging artists from the Duncairn community: Rua, Sammy Copley, Luke Howard, Polar Bolero and a headline performance from the Joshua Burnside Trio.

FREE ADMISSION - EVERYONE WELCOME!

As artists start arriving into the village of Ballydehob to start the Takeover, some of our young Belfast musicians, writers & poets will host an informal session in Levis’ front bar.  Local Cork musicians are very welcome to join the session and share the tunes, songs and stories of both areas with each other.

STRICTLY 18+ - BYO

Suaimhneas is the Irish word for peace, calm, tranquility. That is exactly the vibe we try to create. With low lighting, soft furnishings and a chilled out soundtrack to help you relax and forget about the stresses of everyday life, this edition of Suaimhneas will have you chilled out to the max. The instrumentalists setting the tone for the night are some of our favourites here at the Duncairn, and we look forward to welcoming you into an evening of meditative melodies.

Aisling Urwin is a harper-songwriter-teacher from Kenmare in the South West of Ireland.With a background in Irish Traditional Music, Aisling strives to paint the harp in new colours, challenging traditional views in an effort to stretch people's preconceptions of what the harp should sound like, taking it into new sonic space

She will be joined by fellow harper, Niamh O'Brien.

Niamh is harp player, singer and composer from County Limerick who has undertaken worldwide touring with various groups including AnTara, Alyth McCormack, The Chieftains and contemporary trad trio, Hoodman Blind.

Daniel Luke is a pianist, composer, and arranger from Dublin. In March 2025, he unveiled his most recent single for piano and cello, My Father's Son. A deeply personal composition, My Father's Son marks a significant evolution in his musical journey -  an intimate reflection on his relationship with his late father, it marks the artists’ first release beyond solo piano.

ALL AGES - FREE ADMISSION - ALL WELCOME!

DOORS 15.30

Presented as part of Cruinniú na nÓg day of creativity for children & young people.
This event is strictly NO ALCOHOL

The Duncairn and Levis’ in Ballydehob are joining forces to support music, art and creativity for young people at two ends of the island! With the support of Creative Communities and Cork County Council, we are running a joint project for this year’s Cruinniú na nÓg – a national day of free creativity for children and young people under 18 – on June 7th. We’re inviting young artists and musicians aged 14-17 to get involved, to receive workshops and mentorship in Irish Traditional and Folk music, song-writing and spoken word, and join Belfast and Cork-based artists for an all ages concert on June 7th.

These events will provide young people with a fun, social opportunity to enjoy top-class music in acclaimed venues and community hubs. We hope this project will forge lasting friendships — both socially and professionally — and inspire these young musicians and artists to continue collaborating long into the future. This concert embraces music and art in a family friendly environment, offering children, from babies to toddlers to teens, the chance to experience high-quality music in a family-friendly setting. This event is BYOB – Bring your own Buggy!

STRICTLY 18+ - BYO

John Spillane is a musician, songwriter, performer, recording artist, storyteller, poet and dreamer. Rooted in people, place and story, his music transports the listener and his live performances captivate audiences around the world.

John Spillane shared his most artistically ambitious work to date: Fíoruisce – The Legend of the Lough, on Friday 13th September 2024. The concept album, which was released on double CD and digital, features John alongside a stellar cast of collaborators: Ríoghnach Connolly, Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin, Niamh Farrell, Nell Ní Chróinín, and more.

Presented by The International Music Exchange.

Doors 2pm for 2:30pm start - No BYO permitted

The Gustavus Jazz Ensemble, directed by Dr. Dave Stamps, is the premier 21-member concert jazz ensemble at Gustavus Adolphus College. Formerly known as the Gustavus Jazz Lab Band and Gustavus Stage Band, the Gustavus Jazz Ensemble recently celebrated its 50th year of excellence.

Founded in 1970 by Dr. Mark Lammers, the ensemble is comprised of students majoring in a diverse array of academic disciplines. The ensemble, affectionately known as GJAZZ, prides itself on its multifaceted repertoire of classic big band works and cutting-edge arrangements by today’s leading jazz composers. GJAZZ often features faculty soloists and renowned guest artists from throughout the United States. Guests have included GRAMMY- winning vocalist Kurt Elling (an alum!), GRAMMY-nominated violinist Sara Caswell and virtuoso saxophonist Jon Irabagon.

The ensemble has performed regionally at the Minnesota Music Educators Association Mid- Winter Clinic, onstage at A Prairie Home Companion, and participated at the Elmhurst, Notre Dame, and Eau Claire Jazz Festivals (Big Band category winner at Eau Claire in 2015), in addition to touring extensively throughout the United States. When possible, the Gustavus Jazz Ensemble tours with the Gustavus Symphony Orchestra, allowing the two groups to combine to form a studio orchestra. This fairly unique collaboration took the ensembles to Greece and Macedonia in 2016 and Malaysia and Singapore in 2020.

The Gustavus Jazz Ensemble is part of a vibrant jazz program at Gustavus. The jazz program includes both large and small performance ensembles (instrumental and vocal) in addition to courses in jazz history, improvisation, recording techniques, music industry & entrepreneurship, as well as independent studies in jazz composition and arranging. The program also hosts the Gustavus Jazz Jamboree each year that welcomes more than 200 high school students to campus to perform, learn, and collaborate. Dr. Dave Stamps has led the program since fall of 2014.

Repertoire

• Four-Five-Six composed and arranged by Frank Foster

• Mercy Dance composed by Nadje Noordhuis and arranged by Vanessa Perica

• On Green Dolphin Street composed by Bronislau Caper and arranged by Frank Mantooth

• Cannonball Run composed and arranged by Gordon Goodwin

• Smoke Gets In Your Eyes composed by Jerome Kern and arranged by Michael Philip Mossman

• Recorda Me composed by Joe Henderson and arranged by Eric Richards

• I Can’t Stop Loving You composed by Don Gibson and arranged by Quincy Jones

• El Caborojeno composed and arranged by Bob Mintzer

• A Walkin’ Thing composed by Benny Carter and arranged by Vince Norman

• That’s Life words/music by Dean Kay & Kelly Gordon and transcribed by Jon Harpin

• Something’s GoƩa Give words/music by Johnny Mercer and arranged by Dave Wolpe

• All of Me words/music by Seymour Simons & Gerald Marks and arranged by Rick SƟtzel

• All I Do is Dream of You words/music by Arthur Freed & Nacio Herb Brown and arranged by Pete King

• New Rochelle composed and arranged by Bob Mintzer

• Movin’ Uptown composed and arranged by Benny Carter

STRICTLY 18+ - BYO

Lewis McLaughlin began writing songs in secret at the age of 14, honing his craft through intimate pub gigs and local performances in Edinburgh before making the leap to Glasgow. There, he collaborated with Andy Monaghan of Frightened Rabbit fame on his debut album,Feel the Ground You Walk Upon, released in 2022 to widespread acclaim. The album marked McLaughlin's emergence as a significant voice in the indie music scene, with his introspective, narrative-driven songwriting resonating with audiences and earning praise from artists like Chris Martin and George Ezra. Winning the Glastonbury Emerging Talent Competition that same year with his song "Summer" solidified his rising status, and the track connected with listeners across the UK and beyond.

Since his debut, McLaughlin has toured extensively throughout the UK, gracing the stages of festivals such as Glastonbury, Latitude, Belladrum, and Moseley Folk Festival, while also supporting acts like Rachel Sermanni and Flyte. His work has been championed by BBC Radio 2, BBC 6 Music, and BBC Radio Scotland, with appearances on BBC 2’s Glastonbury coverage and BBC Scotland’sThe Quay Sessions. Now based in Glasgow and working again with long-term collaborator Monaghan, McLaughlin continues to push creative boundaries with his latest album,A Hope In Fear. The record captures a raw, live energy and explores themes of self-discovery and resilience through tracks like the anthemic "Pressure" and the romantic "Autumn," all brought to life by a stellar lineup of musicians. As the BBC’s Phoebe IH raves, McLaughlin’s masterful songwriting and daring sound cement his place as a defining voice of his generation.

STRICTLY 18+ - BYO

James Yorkston returns to Ireland for his first run of solo shows since his 2023 album The Great White Sea Eagle (Domino Records) and the accompanying tour he undertook with Nina Person (The Cardigans).

James will be playing solo, with old songs and new, including tracks from his not-yet-announced 2025 album for Domino Records. He'll also be dipping into his two most recent novels, including The Book of The Gaels which is set in West Cork and Dublin and was a Times Newspaper Book of the Month and one of their Historical Fiction Books of the Year.

Few artists work from as broad and eclectic a platform as James Yorkston. Growing up in the village of Kingsbarns in Fife, James has been releasing a series of much acclaimed albums on Domino Records since 2002 - His debut album 'Moving Up Country' was 'Rough Trade Album of the Year'.

James' break came a year previously, after he sent a demo cassette to folk-rock legend John Martyn asking for a support slot on the Edinburgh date of John's upcoming tour, only for John to hear the cassette and offer James all 31 dates of the tour.

James was an integral original member of the much lauded and hugely influential Fence Collective (King Creosote, Pictish Trail, KT Tunstall, Beta Band etc) and his style shows a mastery of folk traditions, often drawing on traditional songs, which has seen him collaborate with such heritage artists as the Waterson family, Martin Carthy and the late Bert Jansch, whilst producing his own albums alongside contemporary artists such as Four Tet, Rustin Man, David Wrench and Alexis Taylor (Hot Chip).

Under the Radar - "On The Great White Sea Eagle, Yorkston shows again that he is a significant 21st century songwriter. It's a beautiful, hand-made collection of natural and unforced songs to be treasured."

All Music 9/10- "Some of the most beautiful and moving music he's made, which is high praise indeed"

Clash - "A work of real refinement, 'The Great White Sea Eagle' is peppered with jewels."

STRICTLY 18+ - BYO
Presented by Moving on Music

Weaving intricate fiddle, flute and accordion lines, gorgeous vocal harmonies, subtle guitar textures and exhilarating foot percussion, the pleasure that these three musicians have creating and playing together is palpable, both in the studio and on the concert stage.
For over twenty years, the trio has earned a place of privilege on world, traditional, folk and Celtic music stages. Known for their unbridled energy, their musicianship and their magnetic stage presence, the trio has won over audiences at such prestigious events as Celtic Connections in Scotland, the Tønder Folk Festival in Denmark, the National Folk Festival in Australia, the Independent Music Festival in Alexandria, Egypt, the Rain Forest Festival in Malaysia, as well as countless venues across North America.
In French, to describe the chemistry between people, you say they have atomes crochus— literally, that their atoms are interlaced. There’s no better way to talk about Genticorum. The trio’s connection is magnetic.
At its root, this is social music, and audiences can’t help but feel the pleasure these three musicians get from playing together. With impeccable musicianship and infectious joie de vivre, Genticorum is bound to draw you in.

2024 Canadian Folk Music Awards ‘Ensemble of the Year’

“The flute, guitar and foot percussion weave around the fiddle and their ensemble playing possesses a synergetic, drive and delicacy, so that the songs aren’t overwhelmed, but open. Total immersion is recommended.” Songlines Magazine

“An intoxicating mix of flute, fiddle, feet, guitar and three-part harmonies.” The Independent

“…which is the beauty of Genticorum. Their joyous attack on any subject is transformed by their overall energy and style of playing. It’s feel-good music that transcends any lyric and the chance to see these merry wizards deliver the goods live is about as good as music gets.” Roots Music Canada

“Genticorum have a rightful place amongst the new generation of internationally recognized Quebequois bands. Beautifully presented recording…harmonising brilliantly.” The Living Tradition

Saturday 17th May

11am – 2pm

Cost: £50

Materials included.

Join Redsmith's Forge for a unique and hands-on workshop where you'll create copper cuffs.

In 3 hours, you'll learn the techniques and skills needed to shape your own stunning cuffs and you'll take home beautifully crafted accessories that reflect your personal style.

No experience necessary, just a willingness to get creative and have fun!

Saturday 17th May

11am – 2pm

Cost £25

Materials included

This beautiful workshop with Lucy allows you to explore a lovely new skill, while completely immersing yourself in creativity for an afternoon.

Three different book techniques will be explored and your Keepsake Book will be unique to you, completed on the day to take away. Choose, cut and glue your covers, select or create a fastening and take away your gorgeous book.

Once you’ve done this workshop, you’ll have the skills to make more at home or just revel in the joy of using your own creations. The perfect gift for that special friend, or a treat for you; a handmade book for photos, recipes, Mother’s day memories or any special day.

STRICTLY 18+ - BYO

Multi-platinum selling singer-songwriter and absolute gentleman, Mick Flannery needs no introduction, but here’s a few lines on what he’s been up to recently if you haven’t kept up. We can’t wait to welcome him back to the Duncairn!

Mick Flannery writes songs with fluency, expressing layered aspects of the human condition, its flaws, triumphs, and general uncertainty. Mick’s latest offering — Goodtime Charlie, marks his eighth studio album and  is no exception.  

The last couple of years saw the release of an album inspired by the world’s most famous chess matches, and a duet album with Susan O’Neill that blossomed into In The Game- the biggest selling Irish independent album of 2021.  Now, a new collection of songs that summon up characters and scenes and give voice to emotions that have transformed into the album — Goodtime Charlie.

STRICTLY 18+ - BYO

Alannah Thornburgh is an award-winning instrumentalist and composer from the wild west of Ireland with a focus on traditional Irish harp. Alannah’s music explores her family heritage, reimagining melodies from the Irish harping and American folk & jazz traditions. This cross-genre interaction and juxtaposition of old melodies with contemporary harmonies and technique is interwoven throughout her music, described as being ‘unforced, fluid and utterly at home in her own sound’ (The Irish Times). Alannah will release her debut solo album ‘Shapeshifter’ on February 12th 2025 - a collection of compositions inspired by fairy folklore & mythology in rural Ireland, specifically her native Co. Mayo.

Alannah was nominated for two awards at both the 2022 and 2021 RTÉ Folk Awards - Best Emerging Artist and Best Folk Instrumentalist. She featured on an RTÉ 1 Documentary ‘A Note for Nature’ in collaboration with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, performing her interpretation of a Conor Walsh composition ‘One Swallow’. Her compositions have featured on RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta podcast series ‘Scéalta’. Alannah is also a recipient of the Arts Council’s Next Generation Award 21/22.

Alannah is a founding member of Alfi, a trio who combine traditional Irish and Appalachian music and song, winners of the 2020 US Embassy Creative Minds Award. Alfi released their debut album ‘Say Old Man’ in July 2023 to great critical acclaim - ‘the album captures the organic, full-bodied spirit of their live shows, as well as the distinctive personalities of the players – and marks Alfi as a vital force in Ireland’s ever-diversifying folk scene’ (Hot Press). Alannah has performed, recorded & collaborated with many artists in the folk & traditional music scene including Anna Mieke, Brían Mac Gloinn (Ye Vagabonds), Lemoncello, Loah, Niamh Bury, Colm Mac Con Iomaire, Brigid Mae Power, Jiggy, David Keenan, Paddy McKeown, Conor Caldwell and Varo.

STRICTLY 18+ - BYO

Carsie Blanton is a songwriter with hooks, chutzpah, and revolutionary optimism. Inspired by artist-activists including Nina Simone and Woody Guthrie, her catalog careens through American popular song from folk and swing to pop-punk protest anthems. 

With a unique mix of humor, political wit, and fifteen-plus years on the road, Blanton has amassed a dedicated fan base and a small menagerie of viral hits (Rich People, Ugly Nasty Commie Bitch, Fishin’ With You). In 2024 she released two albums: After the Revolution (produced by Grammy-winner Tyler Chester) and The Red Album (an acoustic EP of protest songs).

STRICTLY 18+ - BYO

Zoé Basha's much-awaited forthcoming debut album Gamble is a riveting collection blending folk, blues, americana, jazz, and Irish influences. Zoé’s debut promises to be an intimate exploration of identity, grief, the deconstructing of societal norms, and the complexities of human connection, all delivered with a mesmerising voice that echoes the vulnerability and depth of her diverse influences. Inspired by the greats of times passed, such as Billie Holiday, The Mills Brothers, Jimmie Rodgers, Joni Mitchell, Texas Gladden, Edith Piaf and The Steve Miller Band– as well as her peers in the contemporary Irish folk music scene, Zoé Basha savours the sounds of golden eras with contemporary nuance and shameless honesty. For the album release tour, Zoé Basha will be accompanied by musicians Ultan Lavery on keys and organ (Trá Pháidín, Esther Ensemble) and James Christie on drums (Nudyboy Nature, The Bonk).

Traveling by thumb, freight trains, and taking the scenic route with rust-bucket vans, Zoé Basha played music in the streets for years to sustain the journey. Of French and American origins, but with some pretty persistent traveling shoes, she was pulled between Ireland and the traveling life for the last decade. For a while, she had a persistent feeling that music wasn't the most useful endeavour for the world, so Zoé turned to working in traditional French timber framing.

With her passion for music revived through trio Rufous Nightjar starting in 2020, Zoé moved all her tools, her own rust-bucket van, and her dreams back to Ireland.

Now having recorded her first solo album with songs that tell the stories of these roamings - through adventures and musings of intimacy, sorrow, identity, celebrating the fleeting, and questioning the whole lot - she’ll be touring it throughout 2025, returning to the towns and cities of her travels. 

Gamble is a collection that reflects Zoé’s distinctive style blending the rich storytelling traditions of Appalachian Mountain songs, the solemn ornamentation of Irish traditional music, and the rhythmic fervor of American blues and ragtime. The album was produced by Zoé Basha, with mixing and mastering by Grammy Award-winning engineer Ben Rawlins. With a combination of guitar, fiddle, organ, upright bass, and a voice that’s often been compared to the sounds of old jazz records, the album is expected to cause a mighty stir in the world of contemporary folk music.

STRICTLY 18+ - BYO

Irish electro-punk folk man Jinx Lennon is set to release his new album,The Hate Agent Leers at the Last Isle of Hope, this April, accompanied by an Ireland/UK tour.

Jinx has been on the periphery of the Irish music scene since the mid-1980s, playing in garage bands like Novena Babes, Silver Seeds, Sneaky Pete, and The Ostrich. Since going solo in 1999, Jinx has been crafting songs inspired by his daily A-to-Z, covering topics like work, personal struggles, local oddballs, the drama, and the characters of northeast border life and beyond. He has toured with legends such as The Fall and John Cooper Clarke and has supported folk icon Christy Moore.

Jinx has released several albums, includingKnow Your Station Gouger Nation!!!,Border Schizo Fffolk Songs for the Fuc**d,Grow a Pair,Liferafts for Latchicos, and more. Fan favorites among his tracks includeStop Giving Out About Nigerians,Newry Bird,We Don’t See Anything Out Here,300 Pianos,Forgive the C**ts, and many others.

Last year, Jinx performed two nights at Glastonbury, played at a festival aboard the Hamburg-based MS Stubnitz, completed two Irish tours, and appeared at the Electric Picnic. Recently, Jinx has been performing as part of a three-piece band alongside Jamie Muckno and his album producer, Chris Barry, who runs Ailfionn Studios in Dublin. Chris has worked with prominent artists such as Junior Brother and Mary Wallopers.

Jinx’s forthcoming album,The Hate Agent Leers at the Last Isle of Hope, features contributions from Rois (Rose Connelly), Conor McAuley, and Jamie Bishop (Muckno, Shamrock Showband).

RARE WITCH

Rare Witch is an artist, animator, film-maker and musician based in Belfast. His music combines a chaotic fusion of abstract comedy, local social commentary, and overhand banjo playing.

Formed in mid-2017, Buí is a collaborative musical project based around the music of singer songwriter Josh Healy.

The Belfast indie-folk outfit return to The Duncairn for their first gig in over two years.

The band will be playing alongside the release of their new album '24,' which was recorded and produced at home by singer Josh Healy over the course of last year.

With support from Esldeer and Mark Loughrey.

Elsdeer is carving a unique space in Berlin's dynamic Indie Folk scene. With a sound that seamlessly blends ethereal melodies and heartfelt storytelling, Elsdeer’s music is a deeply evocative exploration of longing, connection, and discovery. Her journey has captivated audiences across the globe, from California to Ireland, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, and throughout Europe.

Mark Loughrey is an Alt-Folk singer-songwriter born in the North of Ireland but currently living in Berlin. In October 2017, whilst living in Belfast, he self-released his debut album 'Treppenwitz' before moving to Germany. He released his self-produced E.P. 'On Through the Veil Anew' in 2020 and collaborations with Joey Gavin in 2023.

STRICTLY 18+ - BYO. Doors 7PM.. 

Saturday 12th April

10am – 1pm

Cost £40

Materials included.

Delighted to have Andrea back as we bounce into Spring.  Andrea is back with this incredibly popular hand building project, and this workshop sees you creating your gorgeous, one-of-a-kind Spring Jug.

Working with a cream clay you will be creating a unique design on your jug using letter and wooden stamps that are highlighted with hand painted colour.

This hand building clay workshop is perfect for beginners and anyone willing to try something new.

STRICTLY 18+ - BYO
Presented by Moving on Music

Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin is a Dublin-based singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist with his musical roots in sean-nós singing. He has recorded and performed with various bands including Skipper's Alley, Aon Teanga:Un Chengey, and Jiggy.
Ultan O’Brien is a fiddle player, violist and composer hailing from County Clare drawing from a rich background in traditional Irish music and improvised music. He plays as a soloist and in collaborative projects with Martin Green (Lau) , Nic Gareiss, Slow Moving Clouds, Skipper’s Alley, Neil Ó Lochlainn’s Cuar, and John Francis Flynn.

Together, Eoghan Ó Ceannabháín and Ultan O’Brien are a formidable duo. Their album ‘Solas an Lae’ (The Light of the Day), recorded at Watercolour Music in Lochaber, was awarded Best Folk Album at the RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards 2021, and their blend of voice, viola, flute, fiddle and drone mesmerises and ignites any room they play. Eoghan and Ultan have that rare and magical ability to silence any room and charge the heart of every listener. Two of the most articulate Irish musical voices on the scene today, this is not to be missed.