The Coleman Heritage Centre in Gurteen will welcome one of Ireland’s most celebrated traditional music ensembles – ‘At the Racket’, for a special concert on Saturday, August 15th at 8.00pm, in what promises to be a memorable homecoming occasion for local musician Séamus O’Donnell.
Living just outside Gurteen, O’Donnell is widely regarded as one of Ireland’s most versatile traditional musicians. This special concert sees him bring At the Racket to his own locality, performing alongside an outstanding line-up featuring John Carty, Brian McGrath, and Michael McCague. It is a fitting occasion for South Sligo audiences to experience one of Ireland’s most distinctive traditional music groups in the heart of a region renowned for its rich musical heritage.
Formed in 1996 by the renowned fiddle and banjo player John Carty, At the Racket has earned a reputation for its exuberant sound, infectious energy, and unique revival of the Irish and Irish-American dance-band style of the 1920s and 1930s. Drawing inspiration from pioneering groups such as the Flanagan Brothers, the band brings together traditional Irish music, popular song, jazz influences and the lively spirit of the dance hall.
The band’s current line-up features John Carty on fiddle and banjo, Brian McGrath on piano and banjo, Séamus O’Donnell on flute, saxophone and vocals, and Michael McCague on guitar and bouzouki. Together they create a rich and dynamic sound that combines virtuoso musicianship with an obvious enjoyment of playing together.
At the Racket’s repertoire draws heavily on rare recordings made by Irish emigrant musicians in America during the early twentieth century. Rather than simply recreating these recordings, the band reimagines them with fresh arrangements and contemporary energy, introducing audiences to a fascinating and often overlooked chapter of Irish musical history.
Over nearly three decades, the group has performed at festivals, arts centres and traditional music events throughout Ireland and internationally, earning widespread praise for its creativity, authenticity and engaging live performances. Their work has helped revive interest in the rich legacy of Irish-American dance-band music while celebrating the enduring vitality of Irish traditional music.
The setting of the Coleman Heritage Centre makes this concert especially appropriate. Situated in the birthplace of the legendary Michael Coleman and at the centre of South Sligo’s musical tradition, the venue provides the perfect backdrop for a band whose music bridges local tradition, Irish-American history and contemporary performance.
With its combination of historical insight, exceptional musicianship, humour and energy, At the Racket promises an evening of outstanding entertainment for traditional music enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
