Grada

"Gráda is to Irish music what Arcade Fire is to the Indie scene - informal, prodigious and full of spirit." (The Washington Post)

"Irish music with steam in its heels" The Irish Times

Grada Gráda is one of Ireland's most successful touring bands, performing over 150 concerts across the globe annually at major festivals and venues such as Dublin’s National Concert Hall, The National Geographic Headquarters in Washington DC, The Royal Glasgow Concert Hall and the Sydney Opera House.

The group was founded in in Dublin in 2001 by two New Zealanders - double bassist Andrew Laking and guitarist Gerry Paul. Their sound is deeply rooted in the Irish tradition, but also layered with fresh, jazzy tones and strong rhythmic grooves. Think Irish music that‘s off the beaten track, blended with a diverse range of influences such as Americana, Jazz, and NZ roots that, in the words of the Irish Times, “come together as if they were lifelong bedfellows.”

Gráda have released three critically acclaimed CDs to date and will be recording their fourth in Nashville later this year with bluegrass Grammy Award winning icon and producer Tim O’Brien. As 2009 commenced, Gráda had played in 26 different countries, including over 30 states in America. They are signed to American label, Compass Records

About Gráda's musicians:

Nicola Joyce (vocals, bodhrán). “Joyce is a magnificent vocalist who sings with sheer beauty and poignancy” (Earl Hitchner, The Wall St. Journal). She hails from Galway, in the west of Ireland and learnt to sing from a young age in the Irish tradition.

Gerry Paul (guitar, banjo, vocals). Gerry has spent half his life living in New Zealand. Over the past year he has played, recorded and performed with Gerry O’Connor, Sharon Shannon and fellow NZ musician, Greg Johnson. He is also well regarded in the bluegrass scene, where he plays with bluegrass icon Tim O’Brien, among others.

Andrew Laking (double bass, vocals, guitar). Born in New Zealand, Andrew comes from a varied musical background, including jazz, Latin, folk and gypsy styles. He is in big demand as a session musician, having recorded for Bill Whelan, Fionn Regan and Gerry O’Connor.

David Doocey (fiddle, concertina, whistle). David is at the forefront of the younger generation of Irish traditional musicians, having won several All Ireland awards on concertina and fiddle.

Stephen Doherty (flute, whistle, melodeon, piano, bodhrán). Stephen is the current All Ireland senior flute champion and award winning melodeon and bodhrán player.

Event listed by ChristchurchFolkClub

View their other events or contact promoter