Renowned Anglo-Irish folk ensemble The Haar are set to perform in Bristol, London, Edinburgh, and Aberdeen this November, marking their maiden tour of Scotland with a series of captivating gigs.
The band features the remarkable All-Ireland Scór na nÓg winner Molly Donnery, alongside three of the folk and traditional music scene’s most exciting instrumentalists: Cormac Byrne (Show of Hands, Seth Lakeman), Adam Summerhayes (Zum, Red Priest, Dodo Street Band, The Ciderhouse Rebellion), and Murray Grainger (Piers Adams, Miranda Sykes, Martin Allcock, The Ciderhouse Rebellion).
Known for pushing musical boundaries while staying rooted in tradition, The Haar create a unique blend of spontaneous improvisation and structured traditional music, captivating audiences with their ‘live reactive composition’ approach. Their self-titled debut album, released in June 2020, is a collection of traditional Irish songs exploring themes of love, poverty, and oppression. It earned praise from Folk Radio UK as “a splendid balance of swirling instrumental magic and beautifully sung narratives,” with Mike Harding calling it “absolutely amazing.”
Their latest album, Where Old Ghosts Meet, continues to receive glowing reviews, cementing their reputation as a must-see live act on prestigious stages.
Accordionist Murray Grainger expressed his excitement about the tour: “I’m really looking forward to playing in Scotland, the land of my ancestors.” Cormac Byrne added, “Scotland’s vibrant folk culture is unparalleled, and we can’t wait to tour there this November.”
Vocalist Molly Donnery quipped, “I’m excited to hear different versions of our songs and, of course, indulge in a deep-fried Mars bar!”