Much like our excitement in having the young Irish group, HighTime, to the Festival this year, we feel equally excited that the Conifers will be making their debut. The Conifers is made up of five young musicians, all of whom are rooted in a strong musical background (for example, guitarist and singer Marty Barry is the great grandson of legendary Irish Traveller singer, Margaret Barry). While their music is energetic, lively and has a wholesome sound, the band members strive to remain true to a traditional repertoire rooted in the regions of Clare, Sliabh luachra and Donegal. This is also shown through their repertoire of songs both in English and Irish. The Conifers met while studying traditional music at the University of Limerick and have since developed a lasting friendship, which is evident in their music. In 2018 they won first place in the prestigious Michigan Irish Music Initiative competition in Dundalk. We hope that you will join us in discovering this fresh young group of musicians!
