The Barleyshakes are from Ireland and Australia and are thrilled to bring their music to the Bent Horseshoe Cafe in Palmerston North for the very first time as part of their Summer 2025 tour.
“Get ready for an extraordinary journey that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the power and beauty of Celtic music.”
Meet the Barleyshakes
Alan & Kristin Kelly are two founding members of the well-known Irish powerhouse band, the Barleyshakes. Together, they bring the upbeat sounds of Ireland to life with sweet and vibrant fiddle and spirited guitar. As recipients of the Queensland Music Award for World Music, the Barleyshakes have gained international recognition. Notably, Alan Kelly recorded as a bodhrán soloist on the Lord of the Rings soundtrack, showcasing his exceptional talent.
Upcoming New Zealand Tour
Fresh from their performances at the Woodford Folk Festival in Australia, the Barleyshakes are set to tour New Zealand from January to March 2025. This tour includes a special performance at the Auckland Folk Festival. With their dynamic presence, the Shakes will captivate audiences with a blend of traditional and contemporary Celtic music.
A Musical Journey
Having performed at concert halls, clubs, and festivals in over 20 countries, the Barleyshakes invite you on a journey through Ireland's rich musical history. Their repertoire spans from Ireland’s happier pre-famine days to songs of emigration, desperation, resilience, and struggle. Audiences can expect to have their spirits lifted by haunting compositions and humorous tales, as well as sprightly polkas, jigs, and reels.
Modern Celtic Fusion
In addition to traditional Irish tunes, the Barleyshakes' live performances feature a modern Irish movement with dance grooves that honour the tradition of Irish music. Alan Kelly, hailing from Dublin, brings an X factor to the stage with his heartfelt singing and guitar playing. Kristin Kelly adds a rich warmth with her fiddle, weaving between vibrant speed and smooth, sweet tones with skilled sensitivity.
Diverse Influences
The Barleyshakes' music also includes Scottish, Canadian, and Eastern European compositions, alongside original and traditional Irish tunes and songs. Their lifelong passion and skill ensure that every performance is an emotional experience that will make you laugh, cry, sing, and dance.
For tour dates and ticketing links, visit http://www.barleyshakes.com.
