Emer Dunne returns to Mayo with new show

A SPECIAL evening is in store for Mayo audiences at Ballina Arts Centre on Saturday, September 30, as folk singer Emer Dunne, together with her musicians, hits the stage as part of her autumn tour, Folk Threads.

After a successful show in Áras Inis Gluaire in Belmullet last March, Emer and her musicians will bring a fantastic new folk show that ties the threads of Irish, Scottish, English and American folk music together. Emer will perform some timeless and meaningful songs such as ‘Sweet Sixteen’ and ‘Grace’ and also some lively contemporary folk numbers and surprises - this trio really has something for all to enjoy!

But who is this talented songstress? Well some of you may catch her interview with Tommy Marren on MidWest Radio (Friday, September 15, at 10.45) - if not you can still hop over and check out the podcast.

Emer Dunne is a folk singer from Laois, who has been making a name for herself in Ireland over the past couple of years since the release of her debut album, Hourglass, produced by Bill Shanley (Bill works with luminaries such as Mary Black, Gilbert Sullivan and Paul Brady). Deemed by Irish Music Magazine as ‘A definite Rising Star’, we are fortunate to hear this ethereal voice backed by such talented professional musicians live in Ballina.

Said Emer: “I’m very excited to perform my first show in Ballina Arts Centre, especially at this time of celebration for their 300th year. It is great to reach out to the people of Ballina. This is a beautiful tiered theatre setting, where we hope the people of Ballina and surrounding towns will come out to support and enjoy the songs and music, to listen and perhaps sing along with us.”

Post pandemic, Emer got back to the stage in the spring of ‘22 with her Hourglass Tour, where she reached some theatres and venues around the country. Continuing on this success, 2023 so far saw Emer invited on tour with folk legends The Fureys.

The highlight for the summer months for Emer was performing at Forest Fest Festival, sharing the stage with a host of great acts including Sharon Shannon, Paul Brady, Stockton’s Wing and more.

Emer’s voice has already featured on the national and regional airwaves over the past few years with Ronan Collins and RTÉ 1’s ‘Rising Time’ alongside BBC Ulster and more coming on board. However this girl has in fact many accolades, from being approached by the management of Leonard Cohen, praising her version of his famous song, ‘Hallelujah’, to two No. 1 singles and a No. 1 album in the Irish charts.

Back to the upcoming Ballina show, doors open at 7.30 p.m. and the show kicks off at 8 p.m. Tickets can be booked online from the Ballina Arts Centre at https://ballinaartscentre.com/ or contact Ballina Arts Centre on (096) 73593.

For more information on Emer check out https://emerdunne.com/ or join her on Facebook and Instagram on @emerdunnesinger.