Rolling Programme

The American songwriter and activist Carsie Blanton releases the song ‘Little Flame’ on Friday, December 5th, 2025. The song features the unmistakable harmonies of Ye Vagabonds and will be on Blanton’s upcoming album, Red Album Vol. II.

The artist comes to CQAF at The Duncairn as part of a national tour in April and May and with a busy summer festival schedule ahead.

With her unique mix of humour, craft, and social critique, Blanton has amassed a small menagerie of viral hits (Rich People, Shit List, Fishin’ With You) and a dedicated fan base. In addition to fifteen years on the road with her band, Blanton volunteers as a political organizer, and was recently published in The Nation.

In recent years, Blanton has been fully adopted as one of Ireland’s own. As a left-wing artist who leans towards political songs, she writes everything from jaw-dropping love songs to heartbreakingly honest reflections of the times we live in.

‘Little Flame’ is a truly special song that serves as a symbol of hope and courage in hard times. Written over a year ago, this song was sung by Blanton and her shipmates most days on the Paola I – the boat they were on as part of the Global Sumud Flotilla mission to Gaza in September.

Ultimately, ‘Little Flame’ is a song that belongs to everyone – it has a life of its own and its own purpose. This is evident by the many covers of the song that went viral; covers by the likes of Maria Doyle Kennedy, Áine Tyrell and Cian Finn, Roesy and Clare Sands.

‘Little Flame’ is a song that has brought hope and courage in dark times, not just for Carsie Blanton, but for many who have heard and sung it – “I feel honored to be allowed to carry it,” concludes Blanton.