Bishop Hill Creative Commons is proud to present Dallahan in concert on Friday, January 16th, marking the band’s first U.S. tour in ten years. The evening will begin with an optional community potluck dinner at 6:00 PM (bring a dish to share if you’d like to join), followed by the concert at 7:00 PM. This is an all-ages show, with a suggested donation of $20–30, all of which goes directly to the artists.
Forged out of the traditional music scenes of Scotland and Ireland, Dallahan have spent more than a decade carving out a bold, genre-defying sound influenced by the Balkans, North America, and beyond. Their music blends deep traditional roots with restless creativity, resulting in a live show known for its stunning virtuosity, dynamic arrangements, and global perspective.
The band—Jack Badcock (guitar, vocals), Ciaran Ryan (banjo), Andrew Waite (accordion), and Benedict Morris (fiddle)—burst onto the international stage with their 2014 debut When The Day Is On The Turn, hailed by fRoots as “the most exciting Irish music I’ve heard in a long time… Lúnasa for the new generation.” What followed was extensive touring across Europe, North America, and beyond, with appearances at major festivals including Celtic Connections (Scotland), Milwaukee Irish Fest (USA), Woodford Folk Festival (Australia), and many more.
Dallahan quickly earned critical acclaim, receiving the Emerging Excellence Award from Help Musicians UK and multiple Album of the Year nominations at the Scots Trad Music Awards. Their follow-up releases—Matter of Time (2016), Smallworld (2019), and Speak of the Devil (2023)—document a band continually evolving while remaining grounded in tradition. Along the way, they’ve performed in 25 countries, collaborated with artists ranging from Dougie MacLean to the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, and built a devoted international following.
Now, after a decade away from U.S. stages, Dallahan returns with a sound that is seasoned, adventurous, and unmistakably their own. This concert offers a rare opportunity to experience one of the most compelling contemporary folk bands in the world—up close, in an intimate setting.
Event Details:
📍 Bishop Hill Creative Commons, Bishop Hill, IL
🗓 Friday, January 16
🍽 Optional Potluck/Social Hour: 6:00 PM
🎶 Concert: 7:00 PM
💵 Suggested Donation: $20–30
👨👩👧👦 All Ages Welcome
For tickets and more information please visit xroadscc.org.