Sharon Shannon and Ali Levack Big Band

Irish musician and composer Sharon Shannon is a groundbreaking figure who redefined the role of the button accordion in traditional music. Hailing from County Clare, she is celebrated for her lively, lyrical playing and her fearless approach to genre.

A former member of seminal folk-rock band The Waterboys, Shannon's subsequent solo career exploded with her 1991 self-titled debut, which remains the best-selling album of traditional Irish music ever released in Ireland. While firmly rooted in traditional Irish music, Shannon's multi-platinum career is defined by her eclectic collaborations, fearlessly blending her sound with reggae, country, hip-hop, tango, and classical music. She has recorded and toured with a "who's who" of global talent, including Bono, Adam Clayton, John Prine, Steve Earle, Willie Nelson, and Shane MacGowan.

Known for her energetic and unpretentious live performances, Sharon Shannon is truly a national treasure whose dynamic stage presence and virtuosic talent continue to captivate audiences worldwide.

Hailing from Maryburgh, a small village in the northeast of Scotland, Ali Levack has firmly established himself as one of the most electrifying and influential instrumentalists in Scottish traditional music today.

As the frontman of the virtuosic indie-trad trio Project SMOK and one-half of the duo GLIN with acclaimed guitarist Craig Irving, Ali’s distinctive approach to the whistle and pipes has earned him a reputation as a trailblazer in the genre. Now, with the release of his long-awaited, self-titled debut album

featuring an exhilarating collection of original compositions and a stellar lineup of guest musicians-Ali continues to push the boundaries of traditional music, captivating audiences with his bold, innovative sound. For this album launch, Ali is bringing the full 11 piece band, including Chas MacKenzie (The Halton Quartet), Feargus Heatherington (The Kintigern Quartet), Graham MacKenzie (Assynt), Greg Barry (Elephant Sessions, Mec Lir), Innes Watson (Peatbog Faeries, Treacherous Orchestra), Pablo Lafuente (Project SMOK, Assynt), Roo Geddes (Roo & Neil, Awkward Family Portraits, The Black Denims, Darach), Rory Matheson (Trip, Fara), Ross Saunders (Federation of a Disco Pimp), and Su-a Lee (Mr. McFall's Chamber, Scottish Chamber Orchestra).