Curated by Grammy Award-winner Susan McKeown

SongLives showcases some of Ireland and North America’s most exciting contemporary songwriters, bringing the rich tradition of busking on Dublin’s Grafton Street and beyond to New York City.

Ultan Conlon and James Maddock

Thursday, March 26
Doors Open at 7 pm | Show at 8 pm

Ultan Conlon

“The most impressive Irish debut since Damien Rice’sO.” – The Evening Herald.

Galway-born singer Ultan Conlon wraps common themes and familiar situations around musical styles rooted deeply in traditional rock and roll, country and folk. His music has received extensive airplay in Ireland, the UK and Europe and is featured in the film Songs For Amy. He has opened for artists such as John Martyn, John Grant, Eddi Reader, Patty Griffin and Richard Hawley, and shared duets with both John Martyn and Glen Hansard. Love and regret, heartbreak and hope are presented candidly and engagingly through Ultan’s comforting, uncontrived vocal style.

James Maddock

“A revolutionary performer. – The Daily Record

Award-winning singer/songwriter James Maddock is a fixture on the Folk and Americana scene and bridges the mainstream appeal of songwriters like Jesse Harris and Norah Jones and the quirkier sensibility of Loudon Wainwright. The charm of Maddock, to somehow access all that is timeless and make an immediate and lasting connection, is the product of years of honing his craft. After fronting the band Wood, whose hit song “Stay You” was included in the show Dawson’s Creek, Maddock moved from England to New York City. He’s performed with Bruce Springsteen, Dave Immergluck of Counting Crows, Spin Doctors & Willie Nile, among many others, has been featured on National Public Radio and Mountain Stage and is a resident artist at Rockwood Music Hall. According to radio legend Vin Scelsa, Maddock’s “heartbreakingly beautiful and exquisitely crafted music touches the soul.”

Visit irishartscenter.org for more!