The Irish have never needed a reason to party, but if they did, the Copenhagen Irish Festival would be just the ticket. Back again for another year, the festival will include nightly concerts, jam sessions, Irish folk dancing, exhibitions, workshops and much more.

Festival organiser Janne Rødshagen says it’ll be a “real craic”, to use an Irish term, with the free jam sessions in particular promising to be a big crowd-pleaser. A chance for musicians to let their instruments do the talking, Rødshagen explains, these sessions can often become quite a lively musical spectacle.

“They don’t say anything to each other; a nod is enough. They sit down and ‘fall in’, and when the set is over they chat and then they start to play again. Often more musicians arrive and before you realise it, almost by magic, ten to 15 people are playing to their hearts’ content.”

This year there will also be an art exhibition at Gallery Krebsen from November 9 to November 25 in which four Irish artists will be showcasing their art. Also particularly special this year is the documentary exhibition at the PHCafé. Depicting the history of the Copenhagen Irish Festival, this event will include photos, press clippings and statements from the audiences as well as from band members.

Irish Festival
PH Cafeen, Halmtorvet 9 & Staldgade 29, Cph V; starts Thu (Nov 1), ends Nov 4; ticket price vary, www.billetnet.dk (in some cases at the door; www.irishfestival.dk
 

Opening Concert: Marianne Green
Having grown up in Denmark, Marianne Green could easily have ignored the greener pastures of Ireland, but her passion for Irish music led her to establish a successful folk music career. In addition to performing Celtic traditional folk music, she also composes her own songs. Green will be taking to the stage to perform tracks from her debut album Dear Irish Boy, which was co-produced by none other than Andy Irvine, a true Irish music icon.
PH Salen; Thu (Nov 1) 20:00 (doors open at 19:00); tickets: 100kr

Double concert: Sharon Shannon & Gráinne Holland
Sharon Shannon literally has music at her fingertips. The Irish accordionist has already received legendary status for her ability to make the much-maligned accordion cool. Renowned for her musical collaborations, Shannon has recorded and toured with the who’s who of the Irish and global music industry, including Bono and Sinead O’Connor. Having performed for the likes of former US president Bill Clinton, and more recently The Sultan of Brunei, this concert will be a great opportunity for the public to see this superstar up-close.

Teaming up with Shannon is Gráinne Holland, a fresh new talent from West Belfast. With amazing vocal strength and beauty, Holland is an emerging talent in the Irish traditional music circuit. A pioneer in forging new territory for Gaelic song with her exquisite lyrical charms, Holland has refreshed and revitalised the Gaelic verses of old. Since releasing her debut album Teanga na nGael, produced by renowned musician Dónal O’Connor, she has launched a career that is sure to progress and excite the Gaelic song tradition.

Staldgade 29; Fri Nov 2 at 20:00 (doors open at 18:30); tickets: 250kr

Double concert: Paul Brady &Perfect Friction
Paul Brady – singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist – is truly one of Ireland’s most enduring artists. Born and raised in Northern Ireland, Brady has had his inspirations shift and change over the years, but his passion for Irish traditional music has always remained. Throughout his career, he has been a member of several major bands and now enjoys a successful solo career. He’s had a number of well-loved songs, and some of his most popular have been covered by other artists, such as ‘Night Hunting Time’ by Carlos Santana and ‘Paradise is Here’ by Tina Turner.

Also performing is young Irish band Perfect Friction, who will make their international debut at this festival. The band features seven musicians and a world-class vocalist, Rebecca Winckworth, who has toured extensively with Anúna amongst other Irish groups. The band’s music ranges from high-energy trad-sets with a full range of instruments (fiddle, flute, concertina, whistle, bodhran and others), to pop and rock songs tastefully arranged with a trad theme. This band is sure to get feet tapping.

Staldgade 29; Sat Nov 3 at 20:00 (doors open at 18:30); tickets: 250kr