Trad/roots

Andy Irvine & Donal LunnyThe two former Planxty men get together again, despite being so busy with their own individual careers. The last time Irvine and Lunny got together, another former Planxty member, Christy Moore, got up on stage with them. Whelans, December 4th. (01-4780766)

Frances BlackOne of Ireland's most popular interpretative singers continues her well-received Irish tour. Hayden's Hotel, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway tonight; South Court, Limerick, December 7th; Parkway Hotel, Dunmanway, December 8th; and Arts Centre, Mullingar, December 10th. £12.50.

Juliet TurnerPossibly the major success story of the year (singer/songwriter division), Turner continues her not-to-be-missed Irish tour. The Stables, Mullingar, December 2nd; The Forum, Waterford, December 7th; The Venue, Sligo, December 9th; The Brewery, Monaghan, December 13th; Tuar Ara Theatre, Moate, December 16th; and Roisin Dubh, Galway, December 18th/19th. (ticket prices from Derek Nally 041 9842240/087 6493264).

Billy BraggThe man who has been responsible for the upswing in awareness and popularity of the back catalogue of Woody Guthrie, it's Bragg by name but not by nature. Vicar Street, December 10th. £15.50 (014546656)

Kurt WagnerThe frontman of neo-alt.country ensemble Lambchop returns to Ireland for a much anticipated solo gig. Vicar Street, December 12th. £13.50 (014546656)

ScullionPhillip King, Sonny Condell, Robbie Overson and Garvan Gallagher step into the breach once again as they play a preXmas three-night residency. The Cobblestone, Smithfield, December 15th/16th/17th. Tickets: £12. (018721799)

Paddy CaseyA one-off concert from the boy Casey sees him sing songs from his debut album, Amen (So Be It). A fine, talented singer/songwriter, Casey's second album is due out early next year. Olympia Theatre, December 17th. Tickets: £13/£12. (01-6777744)

Lucy KaplanskyPlaying one of the best acoustic gigs of recent times, this US psychiatrist-turnedsinger/songwriter is a joy to hear. Whelans, December 22nd. Tickets: £9.50. (014780766)

Three-in-OneThe first in a series of concerts celebrating singer/songwriters, this inaugural gig features Thom Moore, John Spillane and Sonny Condell. The Cobblestone, December 28th. Tickets: £10. (018721799)