A writer remarked that John Hoban "would make music from a sheaf of oats," and it is probably the truth. The Irish singer and songwriter has a rare talent for crafting soulful songs on every subject imaginable, and playing them on almost any instrument, including fiddle, banjo, guitar, tin whistle, and mandocello. He learned his craft from the traditional masters and is content to transmit the music without inflicting "embellishments." His concerts are an intimate sharing of stories, songs, and music drawn from contemporary as well as traditional sources. John consults for music therapy projects, works with refugees from Bosnia, Lebanon, and Somalia as part of the intercultural project, Music is Our First Language, and is music director of Mise Freisin, a groundbreaking theatre for people with disabilities, in his hometown of Castlebar, Ireland. John recently released a self-titled album, and can be heard singing his original song, "Slan Le Van," on accordion virtuoso, Sharon Shannon's album The Diamond Mountain Sessions. Sarah Franklyn opens, taking us on an introspective and exuberant musical journey reflecting the mythology, politics and romance of her native Ireland both ancient and modern.