Fresh from receiving a standing ovation at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Clare Island’s Niall McCabe will perform at Monroe’s Live on Sunday, May 19, at 8pm.
The singer-songwriter performed at the iconic Nashville venue during its historic 100th anniversary year, in what he describes as a surreal moment in his career.
Support on Sunday will be from award-winning multi-instrumentalist Alannah Thornburgh, who reimagines ancient airs and tunes from the Irish harping and American folk and jazz traditions.
McCabe has toured across Ireland and Britain with the acclaimed Transatlantic Sessions, performing alongside some of the world’s most revered folk and roots musicians.
Inspired by Irish folk and Americana with country elements, McCabe’s upcoming album Stranger, due for release later this month, explores themes of identity, grief, resilience, and belonging.
His work draws comparisons to Paul Brady, Van Morrison, and John Martyn. He is finding his way back to connection with himself and his hometown.
Born and raised on Clare Island, County Mayo, the singer-songwriter grew up in a family-run pub filled with music and live sessions.
His father and uncles were fans of greats like Willie Nelson, Marty Robbins, and Kris Kristofferson, while he was inspired by Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, and Van Morrison.
That mix of traditional Irish, rock, and country music created a foundation that continues to influence his sound today.
He developed a songwriting style that brings together folk, Americana, and contemporary acoustic elements.
His debut album Rituals introduced him as a compelling new voice, performing alongside artists including Foy Vance, Sharon Shannon, Mary Black, Ariel Posen, and Beoga.
His new work, Strangers, brings together folk with Americana and traditional Irish instrumentation, including pedal steel, pipes, low whistle, accordion, fiddle, and strings.
The album includes previously released singles ‘Darker Love’, ‘Crescendo’, and ‘Valentine’s Day 1981’ with each track holding space for discomfort and memory.
Tickets €22.50 from www.monroes.ie
