04/30/2026
“John Doyle, one of the most influential Irish American guitarists of his generation, has gathered some of his favorite musical collaborators to perform at this year’s festival. John Doyle, Eamon O’Leary, Duncan Wickel*, and Lily Henley* each bring a unique expertise to the stage, creating a brilliant group of musicians that exemplify traditional music. The ballads, tunes, and new and rediscovered songs they will perform reflect their love of the traditional music that has been a touchstone of Irish identity for generations. They also build on the heritage of Irish immigrants who settled in Appalachia, where Irish song provided some of the building blocks for old-time, country, and bluegrass…”
Lowell Folk Festival
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* notloB alumni
Artist Spotlight!
JOHN DOYLE & FRIENDS
Irish
Asheville, North Carolina
John Doyle, one of the most influential Irish American guitarists of his generation, has gathered some of his favorite musical collaborators to perform at this year’s festival. John Doyle, Eamon O’Leary, Duncan Wickel, and Lily Henley each bring a unique expertise to the stage, creating a brilliant group of musicians that exemplify traditional music. The ballads, tunes, and new and rediscovered songs they will perform reflect their love of the traditional music that has been a touchstone of Irish identity for generations. They also build on the heritage of Irish immigrants who settled in Appalachia, where Irish song provided some of the building blocks for old-time, country, and bluegrass.
Known for his signature left-hand picking style, Doyle has invented a whole new way of playing the rhythm for Irish dance tunes. Born in Dublin, John came up in a family where “everybody played something,” and his father, singer and song collector Sean Doyle, nurtured his interest in the deep wellspring of Irish song. Doyle is a remarkable guitarist, a devoted ballad collector, and a celebrated songwriter. His professional career began at age 16 with the Irish band the Chanting House. Following his move to the U.S. three decades ago, he gained acclaim with Solás; among current projects is the acclaimed trio the Alt. Through his collaborations with nearly every noted Irish American musician playing today, Doyle is unquestionably one of the preeminent champions of Irish music in America.
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