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:

The Black Romantics were formed in Howth by Martin (Ginger) O’Keefe and Brian Lynch. They first approached Paul Byrne to be their singer but Paul suggested that a far better option for signing Brel would be the young Jack L, who was being managed by Paul’s In Tua Nua band mate Martin Clancy and who was writing and recording with Paul in Howth at his Yellow Moon Studios, the legendary Porta Cabin that produced so much music in the early 90s. Paul also suggested that his sister Jeannette Byrne produce the show and perform as Jack’s chanteuse. And so 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

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

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.

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?”

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.

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

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

Paul Byrne was the drummer and songwriter with highly successful 80s rock band from
Ireland ‘In Tua Nua’ with whom he opened for Bob Dylan, U2, Simple Minds, Fleetwood Mac and many more.

Widely known for his unique singing-drummer skills, he has worked with many acts including Shane MacGowan, The Texas Kellys, The Drays, The Guilty Party and The Unelectables. Paul features in the new Sinead O’Connor documentary ‘Nothing Compares’ as it was he who first spotted her talent.

Paul sang lead vocal on the title track of ITN’s US breakthrough album ‘The Long Acre’
and co-wrote the album. In 2014 Paul released his debut solo album ‘Cruel & Tender
Ways’ co-produced by Paul and his long time collaborator Conor O’Farrell Brady which
included the very popular single ‘I’ve Got You’. Paul runs the ‘Howth Roots and Blues
Festival’ in the fishing village of Howth, Dublin.

FUH (I Can’t Stop Falling) is his new single. It was written, recorded and produced by
Paul in his home studio in Howth, county Dublin. The guitar solo was performed by
Paul’s long time music collaborator Conor O’Farrell (Brady) of The Blades.

Paul was originally going to call the song ‘Fucked’ but was concerned that it would prevent the song from being widely heard. Then during Glastonbury ‘22 he saw that Paul McCartney
had a song called ‘Fuh You’ and discovered that Macca, in the same predicament
changing Fuck to Fuh. As a huge Beatles fan the decision was made easy, he had to
rename the song.

About The Song
“We all have that friend who falls for totally the wrong person who is either mean to
them or plain doesn't like them, and even though everyone else can see it they
themselves cannot. Their obsession or lust blinds them so that they just keep taking crap
in the certainty that things will turn around. My protagonist takes it a step further and
keeps repeating the same mistake again and again. Maybe they like being mistreated.
Who knows?...its just a song!”

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

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

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!

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

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’.