IAHM’s 2026 SPECIAL EVENT PERFORMANCE SERIES: Matt Molloy and John Carty

The Chieftains. The Bothy Band. Planxty. Patrick Street. You've heard them, you love them. They have provided the soundtrack to your life. They have changed how we see things, hear things. These bands and their members have changed Irish music, brought it to levels never even imagined previously. They did so by honoring, with their individuality and collective virtuosity and diligence, generations of musical giants who came before. They honored them with freshness, curiosity and creativity . . . such joy, drive, and life.

On April 14, 2026, Matt Molloy and John Carty — two of the greats from these bands — make their only appearance in New York on this tour at the Irish American Heritage Museum's Flanagan Theater (Albany's most intimate venue).

There is no question about this historic, legendary duo. Matt Molloy and John Carty are without any doubt one of the most recognizable and exciting trad combinations of recent times. At the Irish American Heritage Museum, Matt and John will explore the rich and varied tapestry of the fiddle and flute tradition of North Connaught.

Matt Molloy (from Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon) has been a member of some of the greatest bands in Irish music. He first came to prominence in the 1970s as a founding member of The Bothy Band, whose recordings and performances had a transformative effect on Irish traditional music internationally. Matt later became a long-standing member of The Chieftains, touring and recording worldwide and contributing to numerous award-winning albums and high-profile cultural collaborations. Matt's four solo albums — as well as his trio recording with Tommy Peoples and Paul Brady — soar. Each brought flute playing in Irish music to new heights and attracted new generations of Irish flute enthusiasts from around the world.

John Carty (born in London to Irish parents, and living in Boyle, Co. Roscommon for over thirty years) has established himself among the elite of Irish traditional musicians with his exceptional playing of both fiddle and tenor banjo. John is recognized for his expressive bowing style, rhythmic lift and command of traditional repertoire. He has performed and recorded extensively as a solo artist and collaborator across Ireland, Europe, Japan, Australia and North America. John is also a member of the bands At the Racket and Patrick Street. Most recently John arranged and played all the traditional music elements in the film Brooklyn. His playing draws strongly on older Sligo and north Connaught sources while also reflecting his own distinctive musical voice.

Both Matt and John are recipients of the prestigious TG4 Musician of the Year Award, in recognition of their respective contributions to Irish traditional music. Both are recognized internationally as senior exponents and transmitters of Irish traditional music. This collaboration at IAHM represents a meeting of two master musicians deeply embedded in the culture of the music. Their performances are valued for their authenticity, regional character and close connection to earlier strands of the Irish instrumental tradition.

The IAHM community is thrilled beyond belief to host Matt and John. IAHM is also honored to bring to your attention a significant, local connection to this event: at the 2019 Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, John received the Michael A. Flanagan Banjo Award from the family of the late Michael A. Flanagan, a member of the Flanagan Brothers band. Michael settled and raised a family in Albany, NY. IAHM's performance space is named after Michael A. Flanagan, and IAHM's newest exhibition tells the story of Michael and his brothers and the Flanagan Brothers' global musical legacy. All are welcome to experience the legacy of the Flanagan Brothers at IAHM.

IAHM is grateful to the sponsors of this event:
- Metroland Now
- Common Roots Brewing Company
- ParkAlbany
- Michael Flanagan Irish Music Heritage, Inc.

Show your ticket the day of the show at Common Roots Brewing Company and get the Common Roots special “IAHM Buy One / Get One” beverage deal.