About this Event
The Irish American Heritage Museum proudly welcomes back Máire Ní Chathasaigh & Chris Newman to IAHM's Flanagan Theater, for the Museum's May installment of the 2026 Trad/Folk Performance Series concert.
Máire Ní Chathasaigh & Chris Newman
The “celebrated partnership” of a “brilliant English master of the acoustic guitar” (The Daily Telegraph) with “the doyenne of Irish harpers” (Scotland on Sunday) has presented its unique musical vision in twenty-four countries on five continents to venues ranging from the tiniest of village halls to palaces in Kyoto and Istanbul, London’s Barbican, Cologne's Philharmonie, and Town Halls from Sydney to Seattle.
Chris Newman has toured and recorded with many luminaries of the folk and jazz worlds, among them Boys of the Lough, Aly Bain and Stéphane Grappelli, and Máire Ní Chathasaigh - "an absolute legend" (The Irish Echo) - is a recipient of Irish music’s most prestigious award, Musician of the Year (Gradam Ceoil TG4).
Expect a breathtaking blend of traditional Irish music, hot jazz, bluegrass and baroque, striking new compositions, and pieces from Chris’ groundbreaking solo album Breaking Bach.
"Dazzling ... utterly breathtaking ... a triumph.” Folk Wales
“A colossal achievement.” RnR Magazine, The Scotsman
“Máire is an absolute legend... a game-changer in the world of harp-music… truly ground-breaking.” The Irish Echo
“Blazing guitar and dancing harp.” Dirty Linen (USA)
“Magnificent … outstanding.” Scotland on Sunday
“Brilliant, innovative harping and guitar-playing of astonishing virtuosity and versatility.” Songlines
“Fire and brilliance.” The Irish Times
“This virtuoso guitar/harp duo test the limits of Irish music with touches of calypso, bluegrass and 40s-style swing. Newman’s hot guitar licks and Ní Chathasaigh’s bell-toned harp are delights … ” Sing Out (USA)
“An eclecticism and spirit of adventure that is quite thrilling.” The Times
“This celebrated duo took the place by storm. Stately Carolan tunes, jazzy Django-ish numbers, dazzling Doc Watson style flat picking fliers, driving Irish dance tunes - this pair can nonchalantly do the lot. Guitar players applauded and went sadly home to burn their instruments!” The Belfast Telegraph
“Dazzling virtuosity.” The Daily Telegraph
IAHM is just thrilled to welcome Máire and Chris back. Please: bring your family and join us for this festive, Irish evening. The songs and tunes will be mighty, and will move you.
IAHM is grateful to sponsors of this event: Metroland Now, Common Roots Brewing Company, ParkAlbany and the Flanagan family.
Show your ticket the day of the show at Common Roots Brewing Company and get the Common Roots’ special “IAHM Buy One / Get One” beverage deal!!!
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Irish American Heritage Museum, 21 Quackenbush Square, Albany, United States
USD 33.42
