Tech Amergin Arts Centre, Waterville, Co Kerry Tonight 8.15pm 15/12 066-9478956; St John’s Church, Knockainey, Co Limerick Tomorrow 8.30pm 10 087-6803087; St Mary’s Church, New Ross, Co Wexford Sun 3.30pm 15/8 051-421766; The Coach House, Dublin Castle Tues 8pm 40 (family)/15/10 01-6719429; Tuar Ard Arts Centre, Moate, Co Westmeath Wed 8.30pm 12/10 090-6482042; Linenhall Arts Centre, Castlebar, Co Mayo Thurs 8pm 15/12 094-9023733
With a voice that calls to mind the simple sensuality of Natalie Merchant, Dublin singer-songwriter Susan McKeown (pictured) has quietly carved a niche for herself in her adopted home of New York as an artist with something worth saying.
This month McKeown embarks on the aptly named Homecoming tour, along with a trio of fellow exiles: Lúnasa piper and low whistle player Cillian Vallely, box player Paddy O’Brien and guitarist Aidan Brennan.
McKeown's collaborative spirit, always strong, reached a peak with her contribution to the Grammy-winning 2006 Klezmatics album, Wonder Wheel. McKeown is equally at home with both Irish- and English-language traditional songs (her reading of An Droighneán Donnis glorious), and her vocal fluidity should make an interesting foil for Vallely's deep-throated pipes and O'Brien's ever-inventive accordion playing. Brennan (who has worked with Martin Hayes and Loreena McKennitt) might add a cast of some licks to the mix as well.
