The concerts are part of a weekend of music called ‘Free Reed Gathering’ in the town. The festival is focused on the harmonica and other ‘free reed’ instruments such as the concertina, accordion and church organ. This year boasts concerts and workshops by some of the very best traditional Irish and blues musicians and the organisers hope that it will become an annual event.

On Friday evening there’s a very special double-bill with two of Ireland’s greatest troubadours; Andy Irvine and Don Baker. Both artists will perform some of their favourite and best loved tunes in solo performances. And later, when these two get together on stage, just about anything could happen!

Saturday promises another great gig as Brendan Power, acknowledged as one of the world’s best harmonica players, takes to the amphitheatre stage. This is a rare Irish appearance by the UK-based harmonica maestro. On the night he will be accompanied by the excellent traditional Irish and blues guitarist, Seamie O’Dowd from Sligo.

Although a New Zealander, Brendan Power is an all-Ireland champion, so expect an exceptional traditional set with O’Dowd (formerly of trad super-group Dervish) on the strings. Both these men love the blues, and are hugely accomplished players, so its definitely going to swing later on!

These are the last concerts in an extraordinary year for the Cloughjordan Amphitheatre. The new venue has got off to a great start with the official opening by President Higgins in late April and a number of successful community and youth events over the Summer. The project has just been awarded additional funding from the Department of Arts Heritage and the Gaeltacht to continue development work over the winter.

There will be local support acts both nights. There are ticket available online and on the night with gates open at 7pm. People are asked to arrive early. Parking is available at the Enterprise Centre in the eco-village and people are asked to arrive early.

Admission to both concerts is €15 and tickets are available online through Eventbrite and on the Cloughjordan Amphitheatre Facebook page.

Special weekend pass covering admission to both shows and the workshops with Brendan Power, Cathal Johnson and Maciek (Magic!) Saworonek are priced at only €25!

These concerts are open-air at the Cloughjordan Amphitheatre and patrons are asked to dress appropriately. In the event of bad weather the event will be moved indoors.