Music To LA Ears: Ireland Week
The City of Angels is turning green this month, as a cohort of Ireland’s best established and up-and-coming musicians cross the Atlantic to bring their talents stateside.
Ireland Week is coming to the west coast city from 16-21 October, celebrating our rich and vibrant culture. An essential part of the Irish DNA, music is playing a special role in the week’s schedule and some of the most hotly anticipated events taking place are musical.
Here are some of the acts set to wow Los Angeles audiences throughout the Ireland Week festivities.
Lisa Hannigan
No stranger to the spotlight, Lisa Hannigan has already gained acclaim stateside appearing on several of America’s most popular shows, including The Colbert Report and The Tonight Show With Jay Leno. One of Ireland’s most popular exports, with Mercury Prize-nominated albums, captivating collaborations and contributions to film soundtracks like Irish animation Song of the Sea, Lisa’s arresting tones have been wowing audiences since her 2008 debut.
Brian Byrne
Golden Globe-nominee Brian Byrne is presenting a live version of his latest album Goldenhair, where he composed music to accompany the words of James Joyce. Stellar vocalists on the work include Glenn Close, Curtis Stigers, Kurt Elling, Declan O’Rourke and Andrew Strong. Based in LA since 2003, multi award winning film composer, songwriter, producer and conductor Byrne will no doubt enjoy a warm Irish and American welcome during Ireland Week.
The Strypes
Bursting onto the scene as teenagers just four years ago, The Strypes have already amassed a loyal following. Their debut album was met with widespread critical acclaim, luminaries like Dave Grohl, Jeff Beck and Elton John have all proclaimed themselves fans and three albums later their star keeps rising. Having supported indie rock royalty Arctic Monkeys in some of the most prestigious venues in the UK and Europe, LA can expect a rollicking show.
Elm
Exploring a new wave of gender fluidity, Elm uses avant-pop to tell their generation’s unique stories. Using traditional instruments – including cellos and guitars – alongside synths and drum machines, this up-and-coming band has already gained great international recognition and attention.
All Tvvins
After storming to the top of the Irish charts with recent releases and selling out gigs across the country, All Tvvins are taking to the stage in LA just after announcing their first official European tour. Their electrifying 2016 album IIVV solidified their place as one of Ireland’s most exciting new acts.
Ireland Week’s Music from Ireland showcase takes place in Los Angeles on 16 October and features Lisa Hannigan, The Strypes, Elm and All Tvvins. Brian Byrne’s LA performance is on 18 October.
Ireland Week is presented with support from Creative Ireland, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Irish Film Board, Culture Ireland, IDA Ireland, Tourism Ireland and Enterprise Ireland.