Youthful, energetic, and absolutely guaranteed to lift the spirits, Ireland's David Munnelly Band has gained a strong following in Europe, but has only recently begun making waves on this side of the Atlantic. One of the best young button accordion players around, David brims with exuberance as he leads his six-piece band through well-arranged reels, polkas, airs, jigs, and hornpipes. Known for their West Mayo style of playing — a style as wild and breathtaking as the rugged West Coast of Ireland where it was born — David and his band balance peerless technique and soul, creative drive and a deep understanding of the heart of the tunes.

An impressive gathering of talent, David's band includes the fiddler Daire Bracken (a founding member of Danu); Paul Kelly (The Sharon Shannon Band) on fiddle, mandolin, and banjo; David's brother, Kieran, on bodhran, flute, and snare; and guitarist Tony Byrne (John Mc Sherry, Donal O'Connor); with Andrew Murray (Donal Lunny, De Dannan) providing the stirring vocals. The band's recent disc, By Heck, was released in the U.S. last year on Mad River Records, but this is clearly one of those groups you've got to see live!