Lunasa

Lúnasa are internationally acknowledged as being the finest traditional Irish instrumental band of recent times. In October 1997, Ireland's all-star quintet Lúnasa released their début CD Lúnasa, it became an immediate best-seller in Ireland, topping Hot Press' folk charts and nominated one of the year's top ten by the Irish Echo in the USA.
Since that auspicious beginning, Lúnasa has become one of the most sought-after bands on the international Celtic music scene, winning many awards including a nomination for Folk Album Of The Year in the BBC Radio 2 Awards and Best Traditional Album of 2005 in Irish Music Magazine.
Lúnasa's sixth album Sé was released in 2006. One of the highlights of that the year was Lúnasa's headlining appearance at Dublin's National Concert Hall on 8th June. The concert was recorded by RTE Radio One for national and European broadcast.
2007 celebrated 10 years of Lúnasa. The BBC showed their support by filming their headlining show at Glasgow's international jamboree, Celtic Connections – making Lúnasa the only band to have been filmed twice by the BBC at the event. The band also published their own book of tunes, Nótaí, compiled by band member Cillian Vallely.
Releasing a compilation album in 2008 'The Story So Far …' encapsulates the band's musical journey. It includes remixed and remastered tracks from all 6 Lúnasa albums and expansive liner notes on the band's history with photographs across the past 11 years.
Lúnasa's most recent CD Lá Nua was released on their own newly established label in spring 2010. Many feel Lá Nua is their best work to date showing a band who have developed over the past 13 years yet retained their individual and recognisable style.
2010 Update:
• The band recorded 5 tracks for Natalie Merchant's album 'Leave your Sleep'
• Headline appearance at Celtic Connections, Glasgow including TV and Radio live sessions.
• Invitation to perform at The White House
• Touring in Ireland, UK, USA, Canada, France, Spain, Portugal, Holland, Belgium



A full list of news, tours and special performances can also be found at www.lunasa.ie



Lúnasa on BalconyTV