Music At Maddens Podcast

Maddens Bar
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Music at Maddens podcast from the snug upstairs in Belfast’s home of trad. Yarns, pints and laughs with well known faces from the trad music scene. Locals, visitors are all welcome to join in the chat - with Lynette Fay.  Listen wherever you get your podcasts, watch on YouTube apple verification 519768

  1. 4d ago

    Music at Madden's | Tiarnán Ó Duinnchinn & Éamon Curran – 60 Years of the Armagh Pipers Club

    This week on Music at Madden's, Lynette Fay welcomes Tiarnán Ó Duinnchinn and Éamon Curran to the Snug at Madden's Bar in Belfast for a special conversation celebrating 60 years of the Armagh Pipers Club and 31 years of the William Kennedy Piping Festival. From humble beginnings in cold classrooms during the Troubles to becoming an internationally recognised centre for traditional music, the Armagh Pipers Club has shaped generations of musicians. Tiarnán and Éamon reflect on their own journeys from young pupils to becoming central figures in the organisation, sharing memories of their earliest piping lessons, the challenges of learning the uilleann pipes, and the extraordinary community built around a shared love of music. The conversation explores the remarkable international connections created through the William Kennedy Piping Festival, bringing together piping traditions from Scotland, Europe and beyond. They discuss the importance of passing music between generations, the friendships and opportunities that have emerged from the club, and why learning traditional music has always been about much more than competitions or mastering an instrument. The episode also pays a heartfelt tribute to the late Eithne Vallely, whose dedication, vision and tireless work alongside Brian Vallely helped establish the Armagh Pipers Club as a cornerstone of Irish traditional music. Tiarnán and Éamon reflect on her extraordinary legacy, the countless musicians she inspired, and the lasting impact of a lifetime devoted to music, education and community. Recorded in the heart of Belfast, Music at Madden's celebrates the musicians, stories and traditions that keep Irish music alive. 🎻 Subscribe for more conversations with some of the finest musicians in traditional music. 👇 Let us know what you think of the episode in the comments! Music at Madden's supports the Madden's Music Initiative, helping nurture the next generation of traditional musicians.

  2. Nov 3

    Music at Madden’s Podcast | The Lough Shore comes to life | with JIm and Alish Hanna

    Music at Madden's welcomes household names, local legends and up and coming musicians to talk about music, life, culture. This week's chat definitely falls into the local legend category and takes us to Derrytresk, Co Tyrone and beyond. Growing up on the south eastern shores of Lough Neagh siblings Jim and Alish Hanna were surrounded by nature, tradition and the simple life. They were also immersed in music. Their father, Geordie Hanna and Aunt, Sarah Anne O'Neill were singers who carried a rich tradition. In this conversation Lynette, Jim and Alish talk about learning songs by osmosis from the people around them. Jim discovered the chanter at an early age (learning tunes from a local barber in his shop in between haircuts) and is now the Pipe Major in the Clonoe Pipe Band. He talks at length about the Pipe Band tradition, taking part in competitions all over the world, and the pride that comes with that. They also talk about their involvement in the Armagh Pipers' Club. They talk fondly of the Geordie Hanna singing weekend that started in the Hill Hut at Derrytresk, celebrating the legacy of their father who they lost when he was a very young man. Those singing weekends were legendary and attracted singers and song enthusiasts from all over Ireland and beyond to the shores of Lough Neagh. Now, the next generation of their family has taken on the mantle and host the Lough Shore Sessions on the first weekend of November each year.

  3. Oct 19

    Episode 55: Karan Casey | Music at Madden’s

    Lynette Fay is back in the snug at Madden’s for Episode 55, joined by one of Ireland’s most distinctive and celebrated traditional singers, "Karan Casey".Karan chats to Lynette about her journey through Irish music, from growing up in Waterford to her time in New York and her years as the lead singer of "Solas", before establishing an acclaimed career as a solo artist.They talk about the songs and stories that have shaped her, the importance of using music to tell meaningful stories, and a life spent performing and collaborating with musicians around the world.🎧 Listen now and don’t forget to follow and subscribe to Music at Madden’s for more conversations from the heart of Belfast’s traditional music scene.

  4. Oct 12

    The Banjo Besties: Damien O'Kane & Ron Block | Music at Madden's

    Two banjos, two musical worlds, and one very special friendship! This week on Music at Madden's, Lynette Fay is joined in the Snug by banjo legends Damien O'Kane and Ron Block, bringing together the worlds of Irish traditional music and American bluegrass. From Damien's early days growing up in a musical family in Coleraine to Ron's journey from a California music shop to playing alongside Alison Krauss & Union Station, the pair share the stories behind their lifelong love of the banjo. They chat about how their unlikely musical partnership began, the making of their three albums, the magic of recording live, and why two banjos are better when they're cooperating rather than duelling! There's plenty of laughter along the way, but also some honest reflections on the changing music industry, the challenges of streaming, the importance of supporting musicians, and the family, friendships and experiences that have shaped their careers. A conversation full of music, memories, laughter and a whole lot of banjo! 🎶 Music at Madden's – wholesome chats with members of the traditional music family from Ulster and beyond. New episodes every Monday. 🎧 Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. 📺 Watch the full conversation on YouTube. ❤️ Like, comment and subscribe

  5. Oct 5

    Music at Maddens #59 | Terry Conlon | From the Céilí Band to The Pig Gig

    Music at Madden’s - On the Road! Recorded in The Pig Gig in Cullyhanna, South Armagh, Lynette sits down with musician, entertainer and the man behind the venue, Terry Conlon. Terry takes us right back to where his musical life began - joining a local marching band as a young lad, falling in love with the accordion and learning his craft from some of the great characters and musicians of an older generation. From céilí bands and Fleadh sessions to his years playing with Belfast folk band Thatch and, later, Raglan, Terry reflects on a lifetime of gigs, tunes, stories and unforgettable nights. At the heart of it all is Terry’s belief that music is about more than simply playing the right notes. It’s about the people in the room, the energy between performer and audience, and making sure everyone leaves with a smile on their face. We also hear the unlikely story of The Pig Gig itself; beginning with a gig in a hay shed to raise money for his son’s band, before growing into a unique grassroots venue and community space that has welcomed musicians, singers and audiences from across Ireland. A conversation packed with stories, characters and plenty of craic, celebrating the music, community and sense of place that make South Armagh special. Brought to you in partnership with Gaelphobal Ard Mhacha Theas.

  6. Sep 29

    Music at Madden’s | Una Walsh & Aodh Mac Murchaidh – Stories, Songs & the History of South Armagh

    In this episode of Music at Madden’s, Lynette Fay is joined by South Armagh historian, poet and storyteller Una Walsh and her nephew Aodh. Una has been at the heart of research into the history and heritage of South Armagh, helping to uncover forgotten stories and bring them back to the communities they belong to. She shares some of that work, reflecting on the people, places and stories that have shaped the area and the importance of keeping local history alive. Alongside her is Aodh, a traditional musician carrying another part of that heritage forward through music. Together, they explore the connections between storytelling, history, music and place, and how these traditions continue to pass from one generation to the next. Recorded at The Pig Gig in Cullyhanna, South Armagh, this special episode of Music at Madden’s is brought to you in association with Gaelphobal Ard Mhacha Theas.

  7. Sep 18

    Music at Maddens X Gaelphobal Ard Mhacha Theas Pádraigín Ní Uallacháin

    Eagrán speisialta d'Oíche Chultúir A Culture Night Special #oíchedársaol #culturenight Ón imeall go croí-lár an phobail - Pádraigín Ní Uallacháin. Thaistil muid go hArd Mhacha Theas do phodchraoladh na seachtaine, a taifeadadh sa Pig Gig i Siatrom. Caitheann an t-amhránaí Pádraigín Ní Uallacháin seal comhrá le Lynette Fay sa Pig. Pléann sí an tógáil a fuair sí agus an Ghaeilge mar theanga an tí, an tuiscint a bhí aici riamh go raibh obair tábhachtach sa chinniúint aici, agus mar a thosaigh sí an obair ar a leabhar sainiúil Hidden Ulster atá i ndiaidh bórramh a chur faoin Ghaeilge i measc an phobail sa cheantar inár tógadh í. A special podcast this week, for Culture Night. We took Music at Madden’s on the road to the Pig Gig in South Armagh. From the periphery to the heart of the community - Pádraigín Ní Uallacháin A rare chance to hear celebrated singer Pádraigín Ní Uallacháin in conversation. In a wide ranging chat, she sits down by the fire and talks to Lynette about being raised with Irish when it was far from trendy, about having a deep felt understanding that she had a specific purpose in life, and she talks at length about her seminal work A Hidden Ulster which has breathed new life into and a created a sense of deep connection with the language in the very community where she was raised. #oíchedarsaol #culturenight

  8. Sep 14

    Music at Maddens #52 | Fra and Nan Fee — From Marvel to Madden’s

    This week on Music at Madden’s, Lynette Fay is joined in the Snug by siblings Fra and Nan Fee for a conversation full of music, memory, family and song.From growing up in County Tyrone with music woven through the house, to singing harmonies in the back of the car, school shows at the Academy in Dungannon, and finding their own paths through theatre, folk, Broadway, the West End, the Scottish islands and beyond, Fra and Nan reflect on how song has kept them connected to home and to each other.They talk about the power of performance, the influence of family, Irish music abroad, Fra’s shows, Nan’s Kate Bush-inspired performances, and why music continues to offer belonging, community and a way back to yourself.Recorded upstairs in Madden’s Bar, the home of trad in Belfast City.

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About

Music at Maddens podcast from the snug upstairs in Belfast’s home of trad. Yarns, pints and laughs with well known faces from the trad music scene. Locals, visitors are all welcome to join in the chat - with Lynette Fay.  Listen wherever you get your podcasts, watch on YouTube apple verification 519768

Information

  • Creator
    Maddens Bar
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    67
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Maddens Bar
  • Show Website
    Music At Maddens Podcast

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