Johnny Quinn Macs (Supported by Barry Kerr)
August 7 AT 7:30 pm
Johnny Quinn Macs. Three exceptional musicians who first performed together at Belfast’s Féile Trad Trail in August 2022, The Johnny Quinn Macs bring world-class pedigree and dynamic energy in this new trio format. John McSherry is a globally renowned Uilleann piper, composer, and producer who has worked with artists including Sinéad O’Connor, Rod Stewart, The Corrs, and Clannad, and co-founded leading trad bands such as Lúnasa and olllam. Brendán Quinn is an internationally touring singer-songwriter known for his expressive, story-driven style rooted in Irish tradition. Francis McIlduff, of the legendary McPeake family, has performed with Clann McPeake and At First Light. Their 2023 album FÉILE LIVE, recorded in 16 hours, captures their powerful live sound.
Barry Kerr is an acclaimed composer, singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and visual artist whose work captures the essence of Irish life. Originally from the southern shores of Lough Neagh and now living in Connemara, he has built a distinguished career as a touring musician, sharing stages with some of Ireland’s most renowned performers over the past two decades. Since recording his debut album at age seventeen, Barry has toured internationally asa solo artist and has collaborated with celebrated musicians such as Steve Cooney, Cara Dillon, Julie Fowlis, Lumiere, and Dervish. His compositions have been performed and recorded by acclaimed artists including Karan Casey, Flook, Jiggy, Beoga, Brian Finnegan, Damian O’Kane,and Kate Rusby, among others. An award-winning musician, Barry received the prestigious innaugral Liam O’Flynn award from the National Concert Hall and the Arts Council in 2020. In 2023, he served as the Traditional Musician in Residence at University College Cork. His recent work explores the intersection of visual art and music, exemplified in his film Fuascail, a contemplative piece on Ireland’s decade of centenaries, which aired on TG4 in December 2022. His seventh studio album, Curlew’s Cry, is a hauntingly beautiful collection of original and traditional songs inspired by Irish folklore, personal memories, and the natural world.
In 2025 Barry’s album ‘Curlew’s Cry’ was crowned Folk Album of the Year by both Songlines Magazine and Sound Roots.
