Get ready for an amazing night of music as the talented John Spillane takes the stage on 5th of May and Maria Byrne is opening up at the show at Sea Church Ballycotton as part of the Ballycotton Folk, Alternative & Traditional Music Festival 2024.

John Spillane is a musician, songwriter, performer, recording artist, storyteller, poet and dreamer. Rooted in people, place and story, his music transports the listener and his live performances captivate audiences around the world.

As an artist his music appeals to listeners across many genres and generations. His vocal style has a unique almost sean-nós like quality and his performances shimmer with the magic realism that permeates many of his songs as he effortlessly flits between beautiful poetry tinged with melancholy to roguish, irreverent humour. John has the ability to charm, mesmerise and entertain in equal measure.

A native of Cork, the County he lovingly describes as “the centre of the universe” and a source of huge creative influence throughout his career. John’s music is inspired by and encapsulates Irish traditional music in its contemporary form – a reflection of Ireland today.

A two-time Meteor Award winner for Best Folk/Trad act John is one of the most accomplished songwriters in Ireland. With an extensive back catalogue beginning with the 1997 album The Wells of the World, his songs have been covered by Christy Moore, Sharon Shannon, Sean Keane and many others. Twelve albums later in April 2021, John released his first independent album in 20 years, 100 Snow
White Horses.

In October 2022, John released ‘In Another Light’ a career spanning album recorded live at the Right Here Right Now Festival recorded at Cork Opera House in November 2021.

In Another Light Blurb

In Another Light is a career spanning album, the songs ranging from 1983 right up to John’s most recent release in 2020. This album is a result of a live concert with the Cork Opera House Concert Orchestra in November 2021 as part of the Right Here Right Now festival.

Every person involved with the concert experienced these songs in a different way. For John and Pauline, who have been performing these pieces for years, it meant learning them anew, in collaboration with the orchestra. For the orchestra, playing newly orchestrated pieces brings new challenges and excitement.

For the audience members, they could sit back and experience these well known and much loved songs as they have never heard them before.

The resulting recordings are a perfect marriage of true lyrical and melodical brilliance of the songs, lifted by the perfect accompaniment of a professional orchestra.

There is a true sense of family and community around this album, how many people does it take to put a show of this scale on a stage? How many people does a musician such as John meet on his journey?

We want to welcome everyone into this community, experience these songs with us, hear these tracks that you know and love, In Another Light.

Press Quotes

… glorious technicolour hues that transcend linguistic boundaries; world music for a new world.
Irish Times

John Spillane, startlingly alive to the breath of nature, is among the last of the great bards. 100 Snow White Horses is a balm to soothe sore souls… 9/10
Hot Press

John writes catchy, heartfelt folk-pop songs with the bonus of actually meaning something.
The Sunday Business Post

John’s songs are the heart and soul of our island and they’ll be sung around the world for as long as there is song.
Damien Dempsey

Well-structured, melodious folk songs that resonate with specific, acutely observed Irish storylines. (100 Snow White Horses, 2021).
Tony Clayton Lea, Sunday Business Post

I sing John Spillane songs everywhere I go. John has been my favourite songwriter for the past ten years.
Christy Moore

The talented and inspired Cork singer songwriter John Spillane is a much loved musician whom the people of Cork have taken to their hearts.
Mícheál ÓSúilleabháin

John Spillane is a Singer Songwriter from Cork, but he is a fellow who has touched my heart big time with his music.
PáidíÓSé The real bard of Cork.
Patrick Galvin

Inspired by the bardic tradition, Spillane penned his 12th album in gratitude to patronage found on the road…this is perhaps Spillane’s best set of songs since Will We Be brilliant or What? In 2001. (100 Snow
White Horses, 2021).
Steve Cummins, Sunday Times

100 Snow White Horses is a rich, molten cauldron of emotional blissed-out balladry blessed with poetic intimacy and a collection of story-songs that begs immediate listening. A masterclass of eloquent
romanticism delivered by a poet of song.
Folk Radio UK

Don’t miss the opportunity to witness Maria Byrne’s incredible talent as she opens up for John Spillane!

Maria Byrne began her musical journey when she moved to London in 2006. In 2009, she released her debut EP ‘All You Need’. This was followed in 2012 with LP ‘Little Basement’ and a mini album ‘Back To You’ in 2014. She recorded all her music in Dublin with renowned Irish producer Karl Odlum (Mic Christopher, Gemma Hayes, David Kitt).

Maria’s songs have since made their way to national UK radio coverage thanks to Jo Whiley on BBC Radio 2, Huw Stephens and Rob Da Bank on BBC Radio 1 and in Ireland Alison Curtis on Today FM and John Creedon on RTE Radio 1.

Her version of the Genesis classic ‘Follow You Follow Me’ was featured on the Bank of Ireland national TV advert in 2018.Maria has once again reunited with Karl to create her best songs yet – a journey of love in all its forms with her EP ‘One More Day’ released on 20th October 2023. 

Also available…

An amazing package for 2 with delightful food at Cush and this amazing show at Sea Church is on sale now!

Experience an evening of pure delight with our exclusive package for two at the renowned Restaurant Cush located in The Pier, Ballycotton. Indulge in a delectable Early Bird Menu at Cush, accompanied by this captivating show that will transport you to a world of pure enchantment at Sea Church.

First, immerse yourself in a culinary journey like no other. Cush’s Early Bird Menu boasts a carefully curated selection of dishes, designed to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more. With three enticing options for starters, main courses, and desserts, you and your companion will have the opportunity to explore a variety of flavors and textures that will leave a lasting impression.

Curious about the full menu? Look no further! You can find all the tempting details by visiting our website at https://cush.ie/menus/#tasting-menu
Feast your eyes on the array of culinary wonders that await you, and prepare to embark on an unforgettable evening of exquisite food and sensational entertainment.

Don’t let this opportunity slip away. Book your package for two now and immerse yourself in the perfect harmony of delightful food at Cush and entertainment at Sea Church in Ballycotton. Experience the magic that awaits you!

Add to Google Calendar

Add to iCalendar