About
Lau present their Unplugged show, a concert of two halves in which they return to their instruments’ natural soundscapes for an evening’s exploration of re-arranged and re-created material from across their catalogue. A stripped down performance without pedalboards or electronics, just voice, fiddle, guitar and accordion, and a 4 track tape recorder. Kris Drever (guitar and vocals), Martin Green (accordion, Wurlitzer, keys, electronics) and Aidan O'Rourke (fiddle) are back to present music that is complex, accessible, challenging, comforting and delivered with spiritual conviction. They come from the legendary melting pot of the Edinburgh trad scene at the turn of the century and have created a mix from the fabric of Scottish and Irish musical heritage, progressive art rock ideas and a playful sense of theatre. They've won all sorts of plaudits nationally and internationally and sold out venues worldwide. After almost 18 years in existence, they're still in love with the music they get to make and practising the art of sharing it.
"Lau are a remarkable band – the most musically adventurous trio in British folk
exquisite and hypnotic, musicianship at its best."- THE GUARDIAN
Clare Sands
Channeling the music of her ancestors, Clare Sands is a unique force in Irish music. Weaving traditional roots with Contemporary sounds and influences, Sands sings for the young and the old, brave and the bold. By day, the award-winning young artist has an ever evolving and extraordinary eclectic musical career, whilst by night, Sands is an open water swimmer and black belt, holding several world medals representing Ireland in martial arts!
With deep family roots in Co.Wexford and the North of Ireland, Sands took up the fiddle at the age of three, learning Irish traditional tunes from her father Seamus on a weekly basis, while her mother Susan introduced her to the Blues. After school, Clare went on to study Music & Italian in UCC, and a Masters in Composition & Creative Practice at the Irish World Academy, receiving first class honours. While at university, Clare developed her skills as a bilingual songwriter, composer, and multi-instrumentalist, playing ten + instruments!
Since then, Sands has been wowing audiences around the world with her groundbreaking Fearless Folk style and infinite warrior energy. These electrifying and raw performances see Clare on fiddle, guitar, percussion, vocals & cassette recordings. An unmissable, live performer, she brings her audience on an exhilarating journey of celebration, resilience and hope. Performing with the likes of Hothouse Flowers, her musical soul brothers, as well as Kíla, Brian Finnegan, Mary Coughlan & many more – Clare’s free and fearless spirit is never shy.
Throughout 2021 Clare collaborated with Ireland’s finest Folk & Traditional musicians – Susan O’Neill, Steve Cooney & Tommy Sands, Brídín & Liam Ó Maonlaí. This unique project ‘Tírdhreacha agus Fuaimdhreacha’ was described by The Folk Show, BBC2 as ‘Hypnotic, Tribal, and Full of Life.’
2022 saw the release of Clare’s highly anticipated self-titled album. Earning her a ‘Best Folk Singer’ nomination at the Irish Folk Awards, Irish Times Top 5 Folk albums of 2022, No.1 single ‘Sail On’ featuring on RTÉ 1 and Spotify’s ‘A Breath of Fresh Éire’ playlist, and highly acclaimed praise from the BBC, Songlines Magazine & Folker (DL). Following stand out performances at Glastonbury Festival, Celtic Connections & the Irish Arts Centre NYC last year, Clare will continue to carry her song throughout the UK, Europe & USA in 2023.
