Barry Kerr, Pauline Scanlon & Gerry O'Beirne with Timo Alakotila, Jenna Reid & Angus Lyon

Barry Kerr brings the raw pulse and quiet poetry of Irish life to Celtic Connections in a trio performance built around Curlew’s Cry, his seventh studio album, named Folk Album of the Year for Britian and Ireland in March 2026.

Originally from the shores of Lough Neagh and now based in Connemara, the singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and painter draws on folklore, memory and the natural world. His original songs sit alongside traditional material, carrying stories of sorrow, belonging and hope through a sound shaped by voice, guitar and bouzouki.

Joining Barry is Pauline Scanlon, one half of Lumiere and recipient of the Singer of the Year award at Gradam Ceoil TG4 2026. Her singing brings a compelling combination of delicacy and steel to the songs.

Gerry O’Beirne, Barry’s frequent collaborator and producer of Curlew’s Cry, completes the trio. A guitarist, multi-instrumentalist and songwriter, Gerry has toured with Patrick Street, the Sharon Shannon Band and the Waterboys; his songs have been recorded by Mary Black and Maura O’Connell.

Together, these three musicians bring the album into an intimate live setting: haunting ballads, ringing strings and entwined voices, with storytelling and a deep feeling for the songs.

They're joined by a brand-new trio bringing together world-renowned Finnish pianist Timo Alakotila with acclaimed Scottish musicians Angus Lyon and Jenna Reid. Featuring piano, accordion and fiddle, they showcase newly written music that blends rich Scandinavian influences with Scottish traditions, creating a distinctive sound full of rhythmic drive, expressive melodies and fresh musical perspectives