Super- talented musician Sharon’s Ayrshire boost
World famous accordionist Sharon Shannon is set to play the Harbour Arts Centre in Irvine.
Ayrshire music promoters Plan B Events confirmed the gig for Wednesday October 2.
For those who know her music they’ll tell you that Sharon is an Irish musician best known for her work with the accordion and for her fiddle technique also playing the tin whistle and melodeon.
Her 1991 album Sharon Shannon was the best- selling album of traditional Irish music ever released.
Sharon, from County Clare, played accordion and fiddle from an early age along with other members of her family.
She has toured with The Waterboys and released her best selling eponymous album, ‘ Sharon Shannon’ in 1991.
In 2000 she recorded the world No. 1 song ‘ Galway Girl’ with Steve Earle that was to feature on the international film P. S I Love You and in March 2009 she was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the prestigious Meteor Music Achievements ceremony in Dublin.
Beginning with Irish folk music, her work demonstrates a wide- ranging number of musical influences, including reggae, cajun music, Portuguese music, and French Canadian music.
Her single What You Make It ( da, da, da, da) featured hip hop music artists.
Sharon began her own recording career in 1989, working with producer John Dunford and musicians such as Adam Clayton, Mike Scott and Steve Wickham. This led to Shannon’s joining their band, The Waterboys.
She was with the band for 18 months, and contributed both accordion and fiddle to their Room to Roam album.
Her first world tour was with The Waterboys.
Her new album, Sacred Ground features the usual exploration and for the first time a venture into African influences.
Sharon Shannon is a musician who likes to surprise.
While she is known for her arrangements of traditional Irish tunes and Irish- influenced compositions, she has always been eager to explore new styles.
And she loves to meet and work with other musicians.
There are Irish influences here, of course.
But these are cheerfully mixed in with often unexpected styles from around the world, including Africa.
Promotor Iain McCaig said: “This is yet another sign that the Ayrshire live music scene has life left in it yet.”
A limited number of tickets are available from the Harbour Arts Centre in Irvine or online from www. southbeachsessions. co. uk
Critically acclaimed Scottish Singer songwriter Findlay Napier visits Malin Court, Maidens on Friday October 4 , 7.30pm, supported by Dave Hunter and Beatrice Clark, tickets £ 12.