Over the past year, Belfast’s ‘tradtronica’ band Huartan have been breathing new life into ancient words and melodies. The group consists of three Irish traditional musicians: Catriona Ní Ghribín, Múlú, and Stiofán Ó Luachrain, who also serves as the band’s producer. They aim to reintroduce the oral singing traditions of Ulster to a wider audience.
Huartan’s live performances are striking and otherworldly, with high-energy dancers Anan Poloni and Micheál Ó Coighligh embodying the ethereal presence of sióga/shapeshifters, playfully reimagining the spirit of a pagan Ireland. In just this short time, they have gained significant traction, selling out their Samhain show at The Empire Music Hall and a nomination for Best Live Act at the NI Music Prize (announced November 2024). Earlier this year, they were also awarded ‘Newcomer of the Year’ by Gradaim Nós, and their debut single, ‘Bean Udaí Thall,’ was named ‘Amhrán na Laoch’ by Hot Press Magazine.
“Belfast’s tradtronica band Huartan have been one of the key voices in a serious ‘realignment’ of modern Irish music and culture” – HotPress Magazine
Cigire na bPuntaí creates a new and exciting perspective on modern Gaeltacht life, through a powerful fusion of electronic and trad music with famous quotes and phrases in the Irish language. This new-age form of storytelling tells the story of the Gaeltacht like it has never been told before!
Trad Week Letterkenny is presented by the Regional Cultural Centre & An Grianán Theatre with the kind support of Donegal County Council & Arts Council Ireland.
