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Belfast TradFest is proud to present the Michael McGoldrick Big Band as part of our concert line-up for Belfast TradFest 2026. Led by flute, whistle and uilleann pipes master Michael McGoldrick, this all-star ensemble brings together leading voices from the traditional, folk and jazz worlds for a bold, large-scale musical collaboration. Expect driving rhythms, intricate textures and world-class improvisation rooted in tradition but expanded through contemporary sound. Line-up;
Michael McGoldrick – flute, whistles, uilleann pipes
One of the most influential figures in contemporary traditional music, Manchester legend McGoldrick is a founding member of Flook and Lúnasa, as well as a key collaborator with Capercaillie & Mark Knopfler, renowned for his distinctive tone and genre-defining approach to flute and pipes.
Donald Shaw – piano, keyboards
Founding member of Capercaillie and current Artistic Director of Glasgow's Celtic Connections, Shaw is a leading composer, producer and cultural figure in Scottish music.
Alan Kelly – piano accordion
One of Ireland’s leading piano accordionists, Kelly is from County Roscommon and is widely respected for his solo work and collaborations with Eddi Reader, Arty McGlynn & Dé Dannan.
Dezi Donnelly – fiddle
A highly expressive fiddler from Manchester with deep County Tyrone family roots, Donnelly is known for his powerful tone, rhythmic drive and long-standing contribution to Irish traditional music.
Parvinder Bharat – tabla, Indian percussion
A master tabla player, Bharat has performed internationally across major crossover and touring projects, including appearances with Stevie Wonder and the Mighty Dhol Foundation, bringing dynamic rhythmic depth and global influence to the ensemble.
Ed Boyd – guitar
A long-standing member of Flook and Lúnasa, Boyd is one of the most respected accompanists in contemporary traditional music, known for his subtle, rhythmically rich guitar style.
Alyn Cosker – drums, percussion
One of Scotland’s leading drummers, Cosker is widely respected across jazz and folk scenes for his power, precision and musical sensitivity.
Duncan Lyall – bass, synths
A key figure in modern Scottish music, Lyall is a composer, producer and member of Treacherous Orchestra, working across orchestral, folk and electronic contexts.
James Macintosh – drums, percussion
A highly regarded percussionist, Macintosh is known for his work with Blazin’ Fiddles, Capercaillie and across the wider Scottish traditional and contemporary music scene.
Graeme Blevins – saxophones, woodwinds
A leading voice in Irish & British jazz and contemporary music, from Lisburn County Antrim, Blevins is recognised for his distinctive sound and cross-genre versatility.
Sorren Maclean – guitar, vocals
Guitarist, vocalist and songwriter from the Isle of Mull, Maclean is an in-demand collaborator who has worked with artists including Dougie MacLean, Karen Matheson and King Creosote.
For their first gig in Belfast in over 20 years, Michael McGoldrick’s Big Bandreturns with a star-studded, powerhouse ensemble blending Irish tradition with jazz, funk, and global rhythms. A rare one-off concert that will surely blow the roof off the Mandel Hall!
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Event Venue
Mandela Hall, Speakeasy Saturdays, University Road, Belfast, BT7 1EB, United Kingdom
Tickets
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