Sionnach Rua's Great Irish Songbook returns to The Brunswick Ballroom for a spectacular show on Sunday afternoon, 16th June 2024.

After a resounding success with sold-out shows in 2022 and 2023, Sionnach Rua's Great Irish Songbook is set to captivate audiences once again with a very special performance at the Brunswick Ballroom on Sunday 16th June. 

This anticipated event will showcase the finest musicians and singers Melbourne has to offer, promising an unforgettable afternoon of authentic Irish music and storytelling.

Joining the acclaimed Sionnach Rua ensemble on stage will be a line-up of Melbourne's most talented artists including Pat McTiernan, Fiona Ross, Zenita, Cyril Moran, Maggie Carty, Ciaran Boyle and more. Each guest brings their own unique talent to the stage, performing songs from Ireland's rich musical heritage that spans centuries.

Drawing on the ancient Irish tradition of storytelling and song, the performance will feature tunes and melodies that resonate with audiences of all backgrounds. From timeless classics by The Dubliners to the iconic sounds of The Pogues, the repertoire promises to take audiences on a journey through Ireland's musical landscape.

Led by renowned singer-songwriter Gallie, whose mastery of vocals, bazouki, bodhran, and guitars adds a distinct flavour to the ensemble. Sionnach Rua's core band includes Paddy Montgomery (vocals, mandolin, guitars, bazouki), Sam Davies (uilleann pipes, whistles), and Ruth Wise (violin).

"Sionnach Rua's Great Irish Songbook is more than just a show; it's an experience that celebrates the rich and diverse culture of Ireland."  After the overwhelming success of the previous performances, we are thrilled to bring this unique blend of music and story telling back to the Brunswick Ballroom for another unforgettable show.

Don't miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the magic of Irish music and culture. 

ON COURAGE

Presented by Clementine Ford

“Courage calls to courage everywhere, and its voice cannot be denied.”

- Millicent Fawcett

How do we keep pushing forward when it seems all hope is lost? When the night is dark and dawn a long way away? 

To “encourage” is to fill with courage. How do we encourage each other in the midst of horrifying global tyranny? How do we encourage ourselves when faced with our own insecurities and demons?

In this very special evening at the Brunswick Ballroom, five speakers will give voice to courage and how they have heeded its call in their life. 

SISSY EILEEN AUSTIN is a Gunditjmara, Keerraay Woorroong, Djab Wurrung woman and former member of the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria.  She is a published author who has been published in Queer Literature’s publication ‘Inside Out’ and Monash Universities Museum of Arts publication ‘Tree Story’.  Sissy has written for IndigenousX, The Guardian, The Age, Mamma Mia and her personal blog ‘Silent No More’. As a human rights activist, she advocates predominantly for ending the systematic removal of Aboriginal children from family, and ending gendered violence against women.  Sissy identifies as a proud Blak Lesbian and loves long distance running, recently completing the New York Marathon as a graduate of the Indigenous Marathon Project 2023.

JEN CLOHER is a songwriter and performer living on unceded Wurundjeri land in Naarm (Melbourne) Australia. Cloher’s taut, terse brand of rock is charged with the static tension that comes with being an eternal misfit; they have spoken truth to power with the shrewd eye that only an outsider can possess. Admirers have naturally gravitated towards Cloher’s incisive, generous songwriting. Over the course of five albums, they have won a J Award and an AIR Award and been nominated for an ARIA and the Australian Music Prize. 

CATHERINE DEVENY is a writer, comedian, speaker, author of ten books and Coburg’s fifth most popular MILF.  She is the creator of Gunnas Writing Masterclass and has had 10,000 creative adventurers through her masterclasses, workshops and retreats since 2014. 

NASSER MASHNI is the son of a Palestinian refugee. He is a co-founder of Australians For Palestine and a founding board member of Olive Kids. With his father’s legacy in mind, Nasser is determined to continue the struggle for justice and a free Palestine.

Dr YVES REES (they/them) is a writer and historian from Naarm. They are a Senior Lecturer at La Trobe University, co-host of Archive Fever podcast, and author of Travelling to Tomorrow: the modern women who sparked Australia’s romance with America (NewSouth, 2024). They are also co-editor of Nothing to Hide: Voices of Trans and Gender Diverse Australia (A&U, 2022) and author of All About Yves: Notes from a Transition (A&U, 2021). Their writing has featured in Meanjin, Sydney Review of Books, Griffith Review, Australian Book Review, Overland, The Guardian and The Age. Rees won the 2020 Calibre Essay Prize. 

Following a short intermission, event moderator and creator CLEMENTINE FORD will host a 30 minute conversation with the performers on stage.

WHEN: Sunday June 16th 

WHERE: The Brunswick Ballroom

WHAT TIME: Doors from 6pm. Show at 7pm

HOW MUCH: $40 + bf

TICKETS FROM: www.brunswickballroom.com.au