Sharon Shannon

Sharon Shannon, the button accordion player from Co Clare, has recorded and toured with a who’s who of the global music industry, including Bono, Sinead O’Connor, Jackson Browne, John Prine, Steve Earle, The Chieftains,  The Waterboys, Willie Nelson, Alison Krauss and Shane MacGowan.

Her 12 studio recorded albums to date have all been very different and ground-breaking mixing traditional Irish with reggae, country, Native American, bluegrass, rap, dance, and African genres.

Sharon grew up in a rural community and was part of a family that all play musical instruments and traditional Irish music. Her career took a massive upward trajectory when in the late 80s she was asked to join seminal band The Waterboys.

Her subsequent debut album was released worldwide and was to become the biggest selling record by a traditional artist in Ireland.

Among the many awards she has received including Hot Press and MeteorAwards.  She received an IBAM Award in Chicago in 2015 for her ‘unique contribution to Irish Music’. Her music has been featured in several Hollywood movies and she also played a cameo role in the Neil Jordan movie Ondine.

In 2017, Sharon released her 10th studio album Sacred Earth. A groundbreaking album once again from Sharon. Produced by Justin Adams, the album mixes Irish music with African and blues and features celebrated African Musicians Abass Dodoo and Seikou Keita as well as special guests including Finbar Furey and Alyra Rose.

A true musical adventurer and a master of her craft, CQAF is proud to welcome Sharon to our 21st Festival.

Doors 7.30pm | Unreserved Seating

Covid protocol – Marquee

CQAF is committed to facilitating the return of live entertainment and the gradual reopening of events. However the safety of our audiences, artists, volunteers and staff remains paramount. 

As a condition of entry, ticket holders are being asked to demonstrate their Covid status on entry by providing ONE of the following; 

·Proof of full vaccination: both doses received (with the second at least 14 days prior to the event) 

 OR

 · Proof of a negative NHS Lateral Flow Test taken no more than 48 hours prior to your arrival at the event 

 OR 

· Proof of natural covid antibodies based upon a positive PCR test within 180 days of the event (including 10 days self-isolation following the result)