Frankie Gavin celebrates 50 years in Irish Traditional Music with Dolores Keane tribute shows

Frankie Gavin has announced three shows to celebrate his 50th anniversary in Irish traditional music. The shows will pay tribute to his fellow  De Dannan member Dolores Keane, who passed away in March 2026.

The first show will be at glór in Ennis, on February 19, 2027. The second show will be at the Solstice Arts Centre in Navan, on February 27, 2027. The third show will be at the Pavilion Theatre in Dún Laoghaire, on April 17, 2027. More concert dates are yet to be announced.

The original De Dannan band was formed by Frankie Gavin, Alec Finn, Johnny 'Ringo' McDonagh, and Charlie Piggott in 1975 in Spiddal, Co. Galway. The band have released several albums, with past members including Mary Black, Tommy Fleming, and Cara Dillon.

The album Jigs, Reels & Rock 'n' Roll by Frankie Gavin & De Dannan, released in 2010, saw Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood made a special appearance on the Irish traditional version of the rock song ‘Gasoline Alley’.

The newest iteration of the band formed in 2023, with Frankie Gavin on fiddle and flute, Catherine McHugh on piano, Ian Kinsella on guitar, Séan Garvey Jr. on Melodeon, and Kaitlin Cullen-Verhauz on vocals and cello.

Gavin has played the flute and the fiddle from an early age, he was inspired by Irish and Irish-American fiddle players like James Morrison. His unique style and performances have allowed Irish traditional music to evolve through the generations.

His work has enabled Ireland's musical tradition to reach a global audience. He has performed with the likes of The Rolling Stones, Yehudi Menuhin, and James Galway. Gavin has also performed for 4 US presidents: John F. Kennedy, Bill Clinton, George Bush, and Barack Obama.

Tickets for the shows go on sale on Friday, September 18, tickets can be found on the respective venues' websites.