On March 14, 2026, Irish band Altan performed at Sellersville Theater in Sellersville, Pennsylvania. The lineup for the tour features Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh on fiddle and vocals, Ciarán Curran on bouzouki, Mark Kelly on guitar, Máirtín Tourish on accordion, and Clare Friel on violin.
Throughout the show, it felt like the audience was in one of
the band members’ living rooms, watching them play music and talk. They
included the audience in conversations as well. They are HILARIOUS. We were all
laughing at so many points, and at one point, audience members could hear band
members laughing off stage.
It is so obvious they love playing music and love doing so with each other. They are a cozy band. It feels like I've known them forever, even as someone seeing them for the first time. They are all so talented. It is clear that they've all performed for years, but are still so humble and down to earth.
The band is so knowledgeable about the history of the music
they're playing and makes sure to pay tribute to this history. Their personal stories
about the music make them so relatable, even though they are considered greats
in the world of Irish music.
Mairead is an absolute queen. She's so sweet and has such
good vibes and energy, which emanates from her presence on the stage. She feels
like everyone's family member, like someone you could sit down and talk to for
hours at a time.
There was minimal stage setup and lighting. The music and performance speak for
themselves. They had excellent banter between themselves and the audience,
which helped carry the performance even further. Altan is a band that does not
need a big to-do to put on an impactful show. They just need themselves with
their talent, passion, and humor to engage audiences on a deeper level.
Overall, the show was a great show for those who love
traditional Irish music. It was especially fantastic for those who love hearing
the stories behind songs, as the band knew the stories behind the songs they
played. The band played a range of upbeat and slower songs, providing a mix for
everyone to enjoy.
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