This brilliant Irish trad band from Sligo has been selling out international shows for decades, turning each concert stage into a mighty pub session. The Irish Times puts them in the same class with The Bothy Band and The Chieftains. Get tickets early for this one!

Dervish began in 1989, formed by five musicians from County Sligo’s pub session scene, with Roscommon-born singer and bodhran player Cathy Jordan joining them in 1990. Building a local fan base in Ireland through local gigs and word of mouth, they hit the international scene in 1996 with their chart-topping third studio album, At the End of the Day.

The band’s sound is anchored in the traditional music of northwestern Ireland: fast, fluid, powerful and intricate. They remain steadfastly true to Irish tradition — time-polished tunes learned by ear from generations before, regional nuances of playing soaked into the bone, and the deep familiarity of making music together for decades.

The Irish Times says their “integrity makes the group a formidable heir to the throne abandoned by The Bothy Band, if not a serious contender for The Chieftains’ international space.” While innovative in their arrangements, Dervish has never embraced the “world music pop Celtic” vibe or studio-polished mystique. They are the pure drop.

After 36 years, both their lineup and their sound are largely unchanged. Their performances and recordings have all the fire and drive of a fantastic pub session.

Longtime Susquehanna Folkies might remember seeing Dervish on our stage in 1999 and 2004! It’s been a long time. We are so thrilled to host them again.