What a treat it was to chat with The Irish Descendants’ founding member Con O’Brien on SEA AND BE SCENE… And HEARD this week. You can listen to the podcast version of that chat HERE, and get the scoop on their forthcoming Christmas tour below.
Stay tuned for news on The Irish Descendants 35th Anniversary Box Set and pre-order yours here.
Official Press Release
(St. John, NL) – Enjoy festive tunes, tales and merriment in The Irish Descendants Christmas 2024 starring multi award-winning Newfoundland folk group, The Irish Descendants with longtime front man Con O’Brien. The group will be joined by Mark Manning and Aaron Collis of the popular Newfoundland folk band, Rum Ragged, creating a powerful ensemble that will tour throughout Atlantic Canada and Ontario, November 22 – December 22.
Upcoming Shows:
November 22 Liverpool, NS Astor Theatre
November 23 Halifax, NS Rebecca Cohn Auditorium
November 24 Amherst, NS Wandlyn Convention Centre
November 26 Wolfville, NS Old Orchard Inn
November 27 Pictou, NS deCoste Entertainment Centre
November 29 Corner Brook, NL Arts and Culture Centre
November 30 Stephenville, NL Arts and Culture Centre
December 1 Corner Brook, NL Arts and Culture Centre
December 3 Toronto, ON Hugh’s Room
December 4 Toronto, ON Hugh’s Room
December 5 Ottawa, ON National Arts Centre
December 6 Truro, NS Marigold Arts Centre
December 7 Charlottetown, PE Confederation Centre of the Arts
December 8 Grand Falls, NL Arts & Culture Centre
December 10 Labrador West, NL Arts & Culture Centre
December 11 Labrador West, NL Arts & Culture Centre
December 12 Goose Bay, NL Lawrence O’Brien Arts Centre
December 13 Goose Bay, NL Lawrence O’Brien Arts Centre
December 15 Carbonear, NL Princess Sheila NaGeira Theatre
December 16 Carbonear, NL Princess Sheila NaGeira Theatre
December 17 Bonavista, NL The Garrick Theatre
December 19 Gander, NL Arts & Culture Centre
December 21 St. John’s, NL Arts & Culture Centre
December 22 Clarenville, NL Eastlink Events Centre
Tickets and full details here: theirishdescendants.com
The Irish Descendants are Con O’Brien on lead vocals and guitar, Rowan Sherlock on mandolin, fiddle, piano and vocals, Jeff Kinsman on bass and vocals, and Madeline Carter on fiddle and vocals. They will be joined on stage by the talented founding members of Rum Ragged, Mark Manning on vocals and guitar and Aaron Collis on accordion and vocals.
Heading into its fifteenth year, The Irish Descendants Christmasis reminiscent of long-lived old-time Newfoundland and Labrador seasonal celebrations.
“The rich traditions that surround the Christmas season in our typical outport homes are centuries old,” says Con O’Brien. “The show pays homage to these sacred family and community gatherings which have greatly inspired us.”
The show will present songs from The Irish Descendants two Christmas albums, including The Gift (released in 2001), and An Irish Descendants Christmas (released in 2023) plus more festive favourites.
“The Irish Descendants Christmas will be an evening of top calibre music combined with classic family stories that will warm the cockles of your heart, adds O’Brien. “It will surely be a memorable show that will kick off your Christmas, “Newfoundland style.”
About The Irish Descendants
From the rocky coastal outports of the Island of Newfoundland, The Irish Descendants formed in May 1990 and have carved a prestigious reputation over nearly 35 years of performing. This iconic Canadian folk group guided by the leadership of Con O’Brien have toured throughout North America and beyond, sharing the music of their ancestral Irish home and that of their beloved Newfoundland and Labrador. With impeccable musicianship and vocal prowess, combined with amazing stories and wit, the group continually deliver vivid memories of who they are and where they come from to satisfied audiences wherever they hit a stage.
The Irish Descendants were the first band from their home province to sign a five-album record deal with an international recording label and distributor Warner Music Canada. The band’s discography includes 14 studio recordings, with two certified Canadian Gold Albums, a JUNO Award along with three East Coast Music Awards.
For more information on The Irish Descendants, visit: theirishdescendants.com