Irish Night

Under the title A Woman's Heart – by analogy with the popular compilation CDs by female Irish artists – we unite three of the best singers in Ireland today: Mary Coughlan, Frances Black and Sharon Shannon.

Mary Coughlan

Mary Coughlan has been on the Irish music map since her 1985 debut Tired and Emotional. Rarely has a debut been so successful. Over the past ten years, Mary has steadily grown into a big star, both in her home country and in the rest of Europe and beyond. Her tribute album to Billie Holliday is another milestone in her career.

Frances Black

Frances Black was released by the Irish Record in both 1995 and 1997 Industry Awards crowned Ireland's Best Female Singer. Like her famous sister Mary Black, Frances has released several notable CDs of both her own songs and covers. Her characteristic voice, storytelling, versatile repertoire and her interaction with the audience make her a welcome guest on stages both in her own country and far beyond. We would like to see her take the Handelsbeurs stage tonight.

Sharon Shannon

Sharon Shannon will be performing third tonight. The singer is one of the most adventurous Irish artists of her generation. Shannon was never shy about mixing her accordion and fiddle playing with a range of different music styles in a often humorous way. After working with accordion player Karen Tweed, the traditional group Arcady and the unsurpassed The Waterboys, Sharon started her solo career in 1990. With the help of Hothouse Flowers member Liam O'Maonlai and U2 bassist Adam Clayton, she released her debut 'Sharon Shannon'. In 2005, fifteen years old, two Irish Awards and five successful albums later, she has become a major star who shines far beyond her home country.