TRADITIONAL VARIETY CONCERT
7:00pm Friday 6th November 2026 – Tommy Makem Arts & Community Centre, Keady
We are thrilled to welcome traditional music legends to headline our concert. Seven-time All-Ireland button accordion champion John Whelan brings over 50 years of world-class artistry, paired with the brilliant, spirited fiddle playing of Matt Mancuso, a veteran of Lord of the Dance and now tutor at the Armagh Pipers Club. An unmissable night of music and passion.
MATT MANCUSO
New York born, Matt Mancuso is an extraordinary musician. His playing is spirited and exuberant, yet underpinned by deep technical mastery. As a young child, Matt was introduced to Irish Music by his father Pete, a respected guitarist. Matt studied with the renowned musician and teacher Maureen Glynn and with Tony De Marco Matt went on to compete in the prestigious All Ireland competitions. Matthew was placed highly 7 years in a row in solo and group competitions.
Matthew has toured the world with Lord of the dance (2002-2005), Europe and U.S. with Grada (2005-2008) The Cathie Ryan band (2006- 2015) Eileen Ivers (2016-2021) The Jeremiah’s (2022-2025) The Murphy & Mancuso band (2025-present) Mathew has also taught Irish traditional fiddle workshops at Irish arts week , St. Louis Tionol , NY Tionol , and all major US festivals and Europe. Since moving to Ireland Matt teaches fiddle at the prestigious Armagh pipers club.
JOHN WHELAN
For over 50 years John Whelan has been hailed as one of the world’s best living Irish button accordion players. Originally from England and now based on the US West Coast, the seven-time All-Ireland champion fearlessly explores the creative reaches of music, artistry, and expression while carefully preserving the musical roots from which he originally flourished, and passing those on to the next generation.
As a celebrated recording artist, John has recorded more than 15 CDs, appeared on more than30 albums with other artists, and spent several weeks in the top 10 of the Billboard World Music Charts. John is also a sought-after composer and producer and has written more than 65original tunes, many of which have been recorded and performed by artists all over the world. He is widely recognized for forming the John Whelan Band, and also his duo performances with Grammy Award-winning fiddle player Eileen Ivers during the first years of Riverdance.
Find out more about John Whelan at www.johnwhelanmusic.com
Don’t miss your chance to experience these world-class headliners live on stage. Alongside Matt and John the evening will showcase a spectacular lineup of local singers, dancers, and storytellers, celebrating the very best of our traditional arts. Secure your ticket today for an unforgettable night of music and culture!
BLAITHIN MHIC CANA
Bláithín Mhic Cana is a sean-nós singer, songwriter and teacher from South Armagh. Deeply rooted in the rich singing tradition of Oirialla, she is passionate about the revival and sharing of traditional song through performance, teaching and community arts.
Through her teaching and community work, Bláithín has helped foster a vibrant new generation of young Irish-speaking singers in South Armagh, many of whom are now making their own mark in the sean-nós singing community. In recognition of her contribution to the tradition, she was awarded the Gradam Shean Nós Cois Life in 2024. A multiple award winner at Oireachtas na Samhna, she performs and teaches regularly at festivals and cultural events throughout Ireland and internationally, while also composing original songs in Irish and English inspired by the landscape, history and people of her home. She recently completed an MA in Traditional Arts and Irish at Maynooth University.
Bláithín is also a member of the acclaimed Ulster folk group Tempest, whose energetic performances are rooted in the songs and music of Ulster.
FRANCES KENNEDY
Francis Kennedy, born in Co Cork but now home as a Kerry woman, has many strings to her bow from storytelling to comedy with her one woman show, to singing and creating wonderful funny songs. She has travelled the country and beyond bringing joy and laughter to all her audiences with her amazing talent along with her husband patsy and no matter where she goes laughter follows.