Martin Hayes & Dennis Cahill with Switchback

Two world renowned Celtic duos come together for the first time on the Pollak Stage for a spectacular night of Irish music.  Irish fiddle virtuoso Martin Hayes and American master guitarist Dennis Cahill have garnered international renown for taking traditional Irish music to the edge of the genre with slow-building, fiery performances while incorporating sensibilities from the worlds of blues and jazz. NPR calls them “one of the best fiddlers on the planet and a subtle guitar master” and The New York Times says “simply exquisite.” Hayes and Cahill have performed for President Obama and leaders of the European Union, in major concert halls and headlining festivals around the globe.

Brian FitzGerald and Martin McCormack of Switchback have been playing their brand of eclectic Celtic and Americana music at sold-out concert halls, performing arts centers and festivals for over 20 years. Featuring a mix of Irish music and original songs, their concerts have been described as “breathtaking scenery for your ears.” With a mix of mandolin, guitar, and bass their harmonies have won comparisons to the Louvin Brothers, the Everly Brothers and Simon and Garfunkel.