A festival legend returns for the biggest party of the opening weekend! Multi-instrumentalist Michael McGoldrick - flute, whistle, and pipes virtuoso, and a member of both Capercaillie and Lúnasa, is known for his ubiquitous presence and incredible collaborations.
With his powerhouse band, McGoldrick leads a breathtaking journey through Celtic tradition fused with global rhythms, jazz, electronica, and funk. This is high-octane folk music: a masterclass in blistering reels and soulful tunes that pushes the boundaries of the tradition while remaining anchored in the heart of Irish music.
Expect a night of blistering energy and unparalleled musicianship from a genuine titan of the scene. The Old Fruitmarket on a Saturday night is the perfect home for the sheer, joyous power of the Michael McGoldrick Band.
The spirit of Sona Jobarteh’s musical work stands on the mighty shoulders of the West African griot tradition; she is a living archive of the Gambian people. With one ear on the family’s historic reputation, one ear on the all-important future legacy and her heart in both places, she is preparing a place today for the next generation. Her singing and Kora playing while fronting her band spring directly from this tradition. The extent of her recognition today is evidenced by more than 27 + million watchers on YouTube. All this despite singing in her native languages and keeping to her own path within the music industry.
Sona’s dedication to spreading powerful humanitarian messages through her songs and her stage performances makes her much more than a musician; she is active in social change and leads by her own example. Sona singlehandedly set up The Gambia Academy, a pioneering institution dedicated to achieving educational reform across the continent of Africa. This Academy is the first of its kind to deliver a mainstream academic curriculum at a high level, whilst also bringing the culture, traditions and history that belong to its students, to the front and centre of their everyday education. These efforts have gained her invitations to deliver speeches at high profile events around the world - including summits for the UN, the World Trade Organization and UNICEF.