Leslie Dowdall and Flo McSweeney Unite for the First Time in “Natural Women”
– A Celebration of Timeless Music and Female Friendship

After decades of friendship, Irish eighties rock icons Leslie Dowdall and Flo McSweeney are
finally sharing the stage together for the very first time with their brand-new show, Natural Women

Backed by an all-star band and stunning visual projections, this uplifting and soulful performance pays homage to two of music’s greatest female voices — Linda Ronstadt and Carole King

Audiences can expect to hear unforgettable classics such as “Up on the Roof”, “You’re No Good”, “I Feel the Earth Move” and “It’s Too Late”

“This show is all about women celebrating women,” says Flo. “We’re not a tribute act — no wigs will be harmed!

It’s really about Leslie and me finally performing together after more than 30 years of friendship. It’s about still being here, still doing what we love and feeling ageless every time we step on stage”

For many, these songs were the soundtrack of the 1970s — and through Natural Women, Leslie and Flo bring them back to life with heart, authenticity and joy

Natural Women: Linda, Carole, Flo, and Leslie — four natural women, one unforgettable
show

Following his sold-out Olympia Theatre performance, acclaimed Irish singer-songwriter Jack Lukeman (Jack L) has announced a major new Irish tour for 2026 under the banner “Chez Jack L + All the Hits”, and thankfully Jack is coming to the Abbey Tavern Howth for an intimate solo performance as part of the tour

Renowned for his extraordinary voice, theatrical flair, and charismatic stage presence, Jack will bring audiences on an unforgettable musical journey through his celebrated career, performing fan favourites from Wax, Metropolis Blue, The Story So Far, and his most recent studio albums, Magic Days and Echo On

The show will also include highlights from his acclaimed project, Chez Jack L: Love, Sex, Death + More, with Jack’s powerful interpretations of songs by Jacques Brel, Leonard Cohen, and Kurt Weill, alongside his own original material

Audiences can expect an electrifying evening of song and storytelling — a signature blend of passion, humour, and drama that reaffirms Jack Lukeman as one of Ireland’s most compelling live performers. 
A multi-platinum artist from Athy, Co. Kildare, Jack has toured the world, sharing stages with Sting, Jools Holland, and Trevor Horn. His live shows have earned acclaim for their mix of powerful vocals, emotional storytelling, and theatrical invention — a rare and captivating experience for audiences everywhere.

A special local connection:

Jack L arrived on the scene as the singer in The Black Romantics show about Jaques Brel. The band were formed in Howth by Martin (Ginger) O’Keefe and Brian Lynch. They first approached Paul Byrne to be the singer but Paul suggested the young Jack L for the part. Of course Jack got the role and consequently the first ever performance by Jack L and The Black Romantics was held in the Royal Hotel, Howth.

‘What a voice... think Frank Sinatra, Scott Walker, Jacques Brel... yes, we’re talking that good!’
★★★★★ The Guardian
‘Mesmerising’
The Telegraph
‘The most magnificent and enigmatic of performers’
Edinburgh Spotlight Magazine

Bree Harris performed as part if the Women in Blues triple Bill at the 2025 Howth Roots & Blues Festival where sh rolled back the years with an incredible performance

Bree has been playing the Dublin circuit for some time now. Playing a programme of Blues, Rock, Folk and Soul interspersed with her own original material. She has delighted audiences with her renditions of artistes such as Tony Joe White, Leonard Cohen, Bonnie Raitt, John Prine and Bob Dylan

With her powerful voice exuding raw energy and emotion accompanied by some of Ireland's finest musicians, she is and always was a force to be reckoned with

Bobby Mc is a jazz and swing vocalist celebrated for his warm, timeless sound and magnetic stage presence. Over the past decade, he has carved out a respected place in the Irish music scene, performing everywhere from intimate clubs to major festival stages

Since 2019, Bobby has been a staple of the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival, while his past three years at the Derry Jazz Festival have further cemented his reputation as a crowd favourite. His smooth delivery and polished professionalism have made him a sought-after performer for high-profile corporate events, including bookings by Google, Facebook, Microsoft and Jameson. Whether fronting a full band or delivering a stripped-back set, Bobby Mc brings authenticity, elegance and swing to every performance

Colm Skwirbat is an emerging talent in the Irish music scene, crafting a distinctive sound rooted in his deep passion for Irish traditional music and original songwriting

His musical journey began with a diddley bow - a simple 1-string guitar his father built from a cigar box and a broomstick - which sparked a lifelong love for the history and storytelling present in different musical traditions. Inspired by artists like The Pogues, Leonard Cohen, and Robert Johnson, Colm weaves poetic lyricism and raw emotion into his work, creating songs that feel both timeless and deeply personal

His dynamic live performances, ranging from soft, introspective acoustic ballads to rousing drinking anthems, capture the spirit of his Irish musical heritage while pushing its boundaries. With appearances at renowned festivals like Electric Picnic and the International Rory Gallagher Festival, Colm’s energetic stage presence, raw vocals, and unique compositions make him a standout performer. His music reflects a dedication to honoring tradition while fearlessly exploring new horizons

Four seasoned session musicians, Crazycrow produce an energetic and dynamic sound that brings all their years of touring and recording experience to every performance

They were the first band to represent Ireland in the European Blues Awards in Malmo, Sweden and continue to write and record their own original material

Their music is informed by the blues, and the influence of John Hiatt, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton and Bonnie Raitt is distilled into the 12 original tracks on their first album, Movin’ On, written and recorded by the band…available on all digital platforms - iTunes, AppleMusic, Amazon, Spotify, CDbaby

Their second album “TheOld Dog For The Hard Road” features 13 original tracks written by the band, and is available on Bandcamp

They bring this dynamic sound to each performance, wowing audiences and peers with their straight-ahead, no-nonsense approach to live shows

Crazycrow is Gerry Hendrick (guitar, vocals), Denis Doran (vocals), Geoff Kirk (drums & percussion), Eric Coates (bass)

Between them they have played and recorded with some of Ireland’s top acts, including Sinead O’Connor, Glen Hansard, Andrew Strong (Commitments). and have toured extensively, opening for The Rolling Stones, Ray Charles, James Brown, Joan Armatrading and Jerry Lee Lewis

Deriving from Ireland’s original Guinness Jazz Band, so popular in the 80’s and 90’s, they have played and continue to play major jazz festivals, jazz clubs throughout Europe, with regular performances in Germany, Scandinavia, the UK, and Ireland. 

The band is led by the legendary Irish jazz drummer Des Hopkins together with a team of experienced musicians. They present a most enjoyable, exciting entertaining performance featuring top jazz musicians playing and singing the great music of the twenties, thirties, and forties, the ever popular hits from ‘The Jazz Age’ 

Des has led his band on every Cork international Guinness Jazz Festival for 45 years, truly a record! Always one of the most popular attractions at jazz venues proving through the years, their immense popularity for quality music and entertainment. 

DOGS, the inspired collaboration between Nick Kelly (The Fat Lady Sings, Alien Envoy) and Seán Millar (Dr Millar & The Cute Hoors), brings together two of Ireland’s most celebrated and creative musical forces.

Blending their distinctive talents, this duo has crafted a sound that is equal parts poetic, soulful, and thought-provoking, firmly establishing themselves as one of the most intriguing acts to emerge in recent years.

Known for their ability to push boundaries in both music and storytelling, Kelly and Millar create songs that resonate with emotional depth, melodic ingenuity, and lyrical artistry. Their music captures a spectrum of influences, from the shimmering echoes of Laurel Canyon to the raw power of folk and soul, enriched by their shared commitment to authenticity and connection.

Beyond their musical prowess, DOGS stands out for their commitment to sustainability and innovation. Their eco-conscious ethos was demonstrated during their 2022 journey to Glastonbury, traveling exclusively by bicycle and public transport to perform. This remarkable adventure is chronicled in The Song Cycle, the award-winning feature documentary directed by Kelly, which showcases the duo's passion for music, environmental responsibility, and community.

Nick Kelly, hailed as “Ireland’s most visual songwriter” by Hot Press, rose to prominence as the frontman of The Fat Lady Sings and has since become an acclaimed solo artist and filmmaker. His genre-defying approach to music is matched by his success in cinema, including the Oscar-shortlisted short film Shoe and the multi-award-winning feature The Drummer and The Keeper.

Seán Millar, often described as “Ireland’s greatest lyricist” by RTE Guide, has built a career as both a critically-acclaimed musician and an internationally-recognized theatre maker. His ability to weave intimate, poignant narratives through song and theatre has earned him a reputation as one of Ireland’s most compelling creative voices.

Prepare to have your heartstrings tugged and your spirits lifted!

The Howth Gospel Choir brings a soulful energy to every performance, blending powerful harmonies with heartfelt emotion. With a repertoire that spans gospel classics and contemporary favourites, their music resonates deeply, creating an atmosphere that’s both uplifting and unforgettable.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan of gospel or discovering its magic for the first time, the Howth Gospel Choir promises a performance that will make your heart melt and leave you humming with joy.

Martina and the Moons is an all-female four-piece band based in Dublin. They have recently supported the UK band Porridge Radio in Whelans Mainroom, as well as Thumper’ in a sold out Workmans Mainroom. In addition, they played at the female-fronted festival ‘We’ve Only Just Begun', and they filmed an acoustic set with Lips to Ears for their “Car Boot Sale” series, which can be found on Youtube.

The band consists of Martina Moon (vocals, songwriting), Sarah Morgan (guitar), Ruby Levins (bass), and Zahira Ellis (drums).

Their debut single, Emigrate, has accumulated over 7000 streams on Spotify, and has been featured on publications such as GCN Magazine or The Going Out Out Guide, and their second single, Omnibus Boners, was accompanied by an independently filmed fun and satirical music video which can be found on YouTube.

Their influences vary from the singer songwriters of the 60s and 70s such as Paul Simon, Carole King or Joni Mitchell, to the BritPop and rock bands of the 90s, such as Elastica, Catatonia, Radiohead or Blur. With lyrics about alienation and yearning for connection, they have been described by Strephen Byrne (Golden Plec) as ‘the latest example of Irish ladies delivering the goods’.

Paul McDonnell is a talented singer and musician from Dublin, Ireland. With over twenty years of experience, he is skilled in various musical styles and possesses a silky voice that ranges from Glen Campbell to Jack Johnson. Throughout Ireland, Paul performs regularly in bars, hotels, corporate events, and weddings, providing a mix of classic and modern hits for all ages to enjoy

In the early 2000s, Paul graced the stage as the lead vocalist and guitarist for traditional music legends De Danann. In 2017, he was a session guitarist for The Celtic Women during the Asian leg of their tour

Paul is an accomplished songwriter, earning awards and recognition for his work. He is the only double winner of the Christy Hennessy Award for songwriting, gaining victory over 400 artists in 2011 and 2014. He has written songs for various artists such as De Danan, Tommy Fleming, Lisa Lambe, and Leah McFall, and his work has been featured in film, TV, and advertising globally

Set lists include artists such as U2, The Police, The Lumineers, Abba, Jack Johnson, Lady Gaga etc etc

Eddi Reader, his support slot at the Olympia in Dublin, was impressed with his voice and songwriting, stating, "Have you ever heard such a beautiful voice and such wonderful songs?”

Sam Earlwood is a distinguished singer and guitarist whose classical training and extensive experience have established him as a prominent figure in the music industry.

From a young age, Sam was a key member of the renowned Palestrina Choir, performing across Europe, the United States, and beyond.

In his solo career his exceptional vocal talents have graced prestigious events, including corporate gatherings for global companies like Smurfit Kappa and EA Games, as well as high-profile occasions such as the American College Football Classic at Aviva Stadium.He was also a former resident musician at Dublins College Green Hotel (Formerly The Westin) and performs weekly in venues across Dublins City Centre and surrounding areas.

With a rich background in classical music, Sam’s artistry is marked by his technical skill, versatility, and a deep understanding of musical tradition. His performances reflect a unique blend of precision and passion, earning him recognition as both a seasoned professional and a dynamic performer in diverse musical settings.

If you haven’t heard of Shobsy then you probably soon will. After a whirlwind few months including performances in LA and London, signing an international publishing deal and announcing details of his signing to influential UK label SO Recordings, Shobsy announced the Fri 24th Oct release of his debut ‘Own The Night’ EP

‘Dance Or Cry’ (the first release from the ‘Own The Night’ EP) reached Number 4 on the Irish Radio Breakers Chart and achieved significant airplay on RTE Radio 1 and was ‘Track of the Week’ on RTE 2fm

You might have seen his performance on ‘The Late Late Show’ when he performed a special acoustic re-working of the Jimmy Somerville classic, 'Smalltown Boy’. It went viral online clocking up over 100k views in 12 hours

Shobsy has performed numerous times with the RTE Concert Orchestra performing songs from David Bowie, Phil Lynott at sold out shows at the 3 Arena, National Concert Hall and at the Bord Gais Energy Theatre. Fans of George Michael, David Bowie & The Weeknd are in for a treat as Shobsy’s new tracks embody each of them through the recordings genre-hopping rhythm, crossing the boundaries of synth pop into R&B.

This Dubliner’s natural vocal ability, showmanship yet grounded charismatic personable character has already gained him a legion of fans and we are so excited not just for you to hear his debut EP but also for us all to watch where this superb artist takes us next

The Blue Light Smugglers are going back to their roots for 2026 with a return to a focus on early
bluegrass classics from performers such as the Stanley Brothers, Bill Monroe and other stalwarts of
the genre.

The band have been playing and touring in Ireland since 2015 – having started life as a resident band
in the Blue Light Pub in the Dublin mountains. Since those humble beginnings, the band have
released an album of original tracks, played festivals across the country and gigged from Kerry to
Killiney to the Kilkenny Roots Festival

Luke Coffey (banjo, fiddle) is also a traditional Irish music player and plays regularly on the Dublin
trad scene, while Niall Hughes (double bass, guitar) gigs for the Guinness Storehouse and numerous
other gigs in Ireland and abroad. He recently played with the RTE Symphony Orchestra at the
National Concert Hall with this other band, Nava. Terence Cosgrave (guitar, harmonica) has been
writing and producing music for the band’s upcoming second album ‘Bootleg’ as well as appearing
with various artists in the Americana scene in Ireland.

“This year we are determined to play more classic bluegrass,” he says, “we have wandered into
many different corners of American country music, but it’s time to return to the pure form –
something that we all enjoy and what brought us together in the first place.”

“The music of the 1950s and 1960s was the blueprint for bluegrass and country music today but
people rarely keep it that simple. We want to return to those simple but classic tunes and feature
the three-part harmonies which is our call sign.”

The Blue Light Smugglers celebrate their ten year anniversary in 2025 and look forward to another
ten years of great acoustic music over the next decade.

Dublin-based jazz/ blues guitarist and vocalist Lee Meehan has been a vibrant presence on
the Irish music scene for over twenty years. Initially making his mark in blues, jazz and soul
circles, Lee went on and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Jazz Performance from Newpark
Music College/ DCU in June 2019.

Having played with many of the greats on the Irish and international blues and jazz scene, as
both a leader and sideman, Lee is now firmly established himself as one of the leading Irish
jazz/blues guitarists and vocalists. Playing regularly all over Ireland in venues such as Arthur’s
Blues and Jazz Club, Scotts Jazz Club, Sligo Jazz Festival, Limerick Jazz Festival, Bray Jazz
Festival and Cork Jazz Festival, Vicar Street, The Olympia and Electric Picnic.

In late 2023, Meehan released his critically acclaimed debut album, Some Of Us Are Looking
At The Stars. The album showcases his prowess not only as a guitarist but also as a composer
and arranger. Featuring six original compositions, the record also includes a rendition of Tadd
Dameron’s “On a Misty Night.” Meehan assembled a stellar lineup for the recording, including
tenor saxophonist Michael Buckley, pianist Scott Flanigan, bassist Dave Redmond and
drummer Darren Beckett. The album has been praised for its soulful melodies and cohesive
interplay among the musicians by renowned critic Scott Yanow (The Los Angeles Jazz Scene/
Downbeat Magazine) and was also voted as one the top album releases by Ian Patterson’s
Best Jazz (And Beyond) Albums Of 2024 - All About Jazz

Meehan continues to enrich Dublin’s jazz landscape, performing regularly and collaborating
with various ensembles.

“An impressive debut—beautifully co-produced by Meehan and Buckley—that uplifts as it
entertains. Meehan's own star is very much in the ascendancy”
Ian Patterson - ALL ABOUT JAZZ February 2024

“Lee Meehan … is an up-and-coming player who, on the evidence of Some Of Us Are Looking
At The Stars, will be heard from much more in the future”
Scott Yanow - DOWNBEAT MAGAZINE/ THE LOS ANGELES JAZZ SCENE December, 2023

“A strong statement of intent here from swinging Irish guitarist Lee Meehan…One of the best
Irish releases of the year”
Stephen Graham - MARLBANK September 2023

“Meehan is steeped in the tradition of players such as Wes Montgomery and is himself an
essential part the Irish jazz guitar lineage that goes back to the master, Louis Stewart; his
debut album is a mission statement to be proud of”
Billy O’Hanluain - THE GOO MAGAZINE - Dublin December 2023

The Richie Buckley Organ Quartet brings together four of Ireland’s finest jazz voices in a fresh, groove-driven organ-combo format

At the helm is saxophonist Richie Buckley – a self-taught virtuoso whose distinctive tone and emotional depth have earned him international recognition and collaborations with artists such as Van Morrison and Carlos Santana

Guitarist John Moriarty, organist Myles Drennan, and drummer Shane O’Donovan round out the ensemble with a blend of clarity, feel, and rhythmic energy. Moriarty’s focused melodic approach, Drennan’s warm and versatile organ work, and O’Donovan’s dynamic, modern drumming create a cohesive sound that supports and amplifies Buckley’s improvisational voice

Together, the quartet channels the classic soul-jazz organ-combo tradition—Hammond grooves, gritty guitar lines, and bold saxophone statements while bringing a contemporary edge and strong improvisational interplay

Expect a set of originals, re-imagined standards and a vibrant atmosphere ranging from laid-back groove to fiery swing

THE SAVAGE HEARTS are an Irish garage/rock ‘n’ roll band formed by former drummer with The Strypes, Evan Walsh. The Strypes considerable success included 4 Top 10 albums in the UK/Ireland/Japan, tours with major acts including Arctic Monkeys, Blur, Stone Roses, Liam Gallagher & Paul Weller, appearances at legendary festivals including Glastonbury, SXSW (USA) and Fuji Rock (Japan) as well as notable TV performances on ‘Late Night with David Letterman’ ‘Conan O’Brien’ and ‘Later with Jools Holland’. 

Now Evan has joined forces with seasoned musical talents to form THE SAVAGE HEARTS, working together to create a thrilling, no-holds-barred live sound fusing raw garage rock ‘n’ roll, psychedelic and R&B influences as well as paying homage and reverence to the strange, enigmatic rock ‘n’ roll phantom known only as Eddie Cruizer…

In the short time since forming THE SAVAGE HEARTS have already celebrated 5 No. 1 singles on the Irish Downloads Chart (released via Irish indie label Blowtorch Records) as well as gigging heavily around the UK and Ireland. Notable shows have included support slots with legendary acts The Boomtown Rats, Dr. Feelgood and The Undertones, festival slots at Electric Picnic, Sea Sessions most recently making a splash on the UK indie scene from gigs at legendary London venues Gaz’s Rockin’ Blues, Dublin Castle Camden, Hope & Anchor and The Hawley Arms to the world-famous Cavern Club in Liverpool. Now with their debut 4-track EP ‘RADIO SILENCE’ released on 13th December, THE SAVAGE HEARTS have only one message…EDDIE CRUIZER RULES O. K. 

SPOTIFY LINK: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0P9ejp1MT9rNQaufi5Rvq0?si=qpol5FhyScq0RxCubfJj_w

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/savageheartsband?igsh=MXE4YTZod240ZXRhNA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

‘THIS TIME TOMORROW’ LYRIC VIDEO: https://youtu.be/dc4Alkvy30Y

‘RADIO SILENCE’ VISUALISER: https://youtu.be/FbeLckcL5Po

Whistle is a lively and fun band who play Americana-style music, mixing original songs with a diverse catalogue of covers. They specialise in multi-part vocal harmonies and play guitar, banjo, violin, bass, mandolin and more

Whistle have been together for many years now, with extensive experience playing in venues and major festivals all over Ireland. They have six members in the band all of whom sing and play. The festivals they have performed at include Electric Picnic, Dunmore East bluegrass festival, Cahirsiveen Mountain Roots festival, Kilkenny roots and Howth Roots and Blues Fest. Other notable events include performing at a Garden party hosted by President Higgins and wife Sabine, Dunlaoire and SDCC summer live music shows and our regular sold-out gigs at the Cobblestone bar

As their band members also write some fine songs, around half of any set list can now comprise original songs which are always very well received

Influences range from Ricky Skaggs through Flatt & Scruggs to Johnny Cash, Old Crow Medicine Show, Lumineers, Crosby Stills & Nash, Warren Zevon, Tom Waits, Bruce Springsteen, the Avett Brothers and many more – these are big names and it must be agreed that there's something for everyone in there

The Yum-Yum string band are a Dublin based Old-time
string band which specialise in a heady mix of Old-time
Appalachian mountain music, rags and popular American
music from the early 20th Century

The Yum-Yum String band incorporate a selection of
musicians including: Les Keye (Guitar/Vox/ Harmonica),
Colm McCaughey (fiddle/Vox), Nora Artola (Banjo Uke,
Vox), Luke Deignan (fiddle), Sheila O’Sullivan (fiddle) and
Rosie Davis (Double Bass, Vox)

Collectively they generate harmonies and deep infectious
grooves which never cease to put smiles on faces, get toes
tapping and raise the roof of every venue they play!