Belfast TradFest presents a spectacular double bill, Dervish and NOTIFY, in what promises to be an unforgettable night at the iconic Ulster Hall in Belfast on 27 July 2025!
Belfast TradFest is delighted to present this spectacular double bill featuring Dervish, a global phenomenon in traditional music, alongside the ground-breaking ensemble NOTIFY, who will be joined by the Irish Concertina Orchestra, Cormac McCarthy, and the MGCE Concert Orchestra for an unforgettable night at Belfast’s iconic Ulster Hall.
Dervish has been at the forefront of Irish traditional music innovation since 1989 when four of its founding members met at a pub session in Sligo.
Fronted by one of Ireland’s best-known singers, Cathy Jordan, the band also features Shane Mitchell (accordion), Liam Kelly (flute/whistle), Tom Morrow (fiddle), Brian McDonagh (mandola/mandolin), and Seán Óg Graham (guitar). Steeped in the musical traditions of Sligo and Leitrim in northwestern Ireland, their sound reflects a landscape where the Atlantic coastline meets storied mountains and rural beauty.
Dervish has performed in sold-out venues across the globe. With 13 albums to their name, they boast an outstanding catalogue of Irish music, earning them prestigious honors such as the Freedom of Sligo City (2004) and the BBC Lifetime Achievement Award (2019).
"Dervish marry technical brilliance with a rare sensitivity, born of an understanding of the music and many years of playing together." - The Irish Times
With their latest album in the works as a follow-up to their highly successful 2019 collaboration, The Great Irish Songbook, 2025 promises to be an exciting year for the band. This highly anticipated live performance at the legendary Ulster Hall is certainly not to be missed!
Also on this double bill is NOTIFY, a six-piece contemporary instrumental ensemble from Ireland, featuring Pádraig Rynne (concertina), Tara Breen (fiddle), Davie Ryan (drums & percussion), Adam Taylor (bass), Rory McCarthy (piano & Fender Rhodes), and Hugh Dillon (guitars).
Known for their innovative and experimental approach, NOTIFY blends traditional Irish melodies with jazz and world genres, creating a compelling and distinctly unique sound that sets them apart in the neo-Irish traditional landscape.
Their ambitious new live album, Worlds Collide, features a collaboration with the magnificent Irish Concertina Orchestra—comprising 40 talented musicians under the age of 18—as well as contributions from Cormac McCarthy and the MGCE Concert Orchestra.
On Worlds Collide, NOTIFY and their collaborators deliver a masterfully performed set of pieces. Throughout the album, the large ensemble expertly intertwines traditional Irish melodies and rhythms, fusing old and new through innovative instrumentation. The concertina and fiddle take center stage, supported by elegant electric guitar, piano, bass, and percussion, all enriched by finely crafted orchestral arrangements.
Don't miss this extraordinary evening of Irish music, featuring thrilling arrangements, captivating new takes on traditional songs, and an innovative fusion of Irish melodies with jazz and world influences.
