Luka Bloom and Sanas

The Grand Social, Dublin Mon 8pm €20 01-8740076


The Grand Social, Dublin Mon 8pm €20 01-8740076

Novel coalitions aren’t the sole domain of political parties. Whether it’s the spur of these recessionary times or a newfound desire to twist and shout past conventional reels-and-jigs set lists, musicians are forging alliances of every hue and shade these days.

Fresh from an initial brace of appearances at Belgium’s Dranouter Festival and Kilkenny Arts Festival, Luka Bloom and his impromptu quartet, Sanas (old Irish for ancient wisdom, cool breeze and quiet counsel), are anchored by Galwegian accordionist without compare, Máirtín O’Connor, who plays alongside the irrepressible Steve Cooney on guitar and didgeridoo, Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh on fiddles, and Luka’s nephew, music impresario Conor Byrne on flute.

These boys admit to a lot of bromance, with nary the remotest interest in long-term musical ties. This is a fleeting opportunty to get a taste of Bloom’s and Sanas’s music before all the members return to their other projects.