At the heart of this popular weekly session are a collection of musicians & songsters, whose combined experiences of performing, locally and internationally, along with their diverse musical interests produce a vibrant, but easy going experience of the best in traditional music & ballads.

            Dennis Noonan on Bodhrán & bones sings in a uniquely laid back style, drawing material from his native Dublin as well as Ulster & Scotland. The late Frank Harte would have thrilled at his deliveries of some of the more humourous and bawdy ballads.

            Tommy Madden can lay claim to a lifetimes experience playing across the USA, England & Scotland and at venues all over Ireland, Playing with many legendary musicians. His bewildering knowledge of balladry draws on a wide range of material from Europe, America & Australia covering military, humourous, industrial, rural, urban and romantic songs.

            Jerry Lombard served his time with some of the greatest musicians ever to play in Ireland, England and America. He has a seemingly endless repertoire of tunes and an equally extensive collection of tales and yarns to entertain one and all. Jerry’s lively playing style matches his attitude to life, music and the Craic.

            Cathal hickey is the banjo driver of the group. An extraordinary talent, Cathal is a true master of the 4 string tenor banjo, and has played extensively at home and abroad. He is also regarded as one of the finest music teachers in the south west. Cathal’s wizardry enables him to adapt to the mood, stretching from avalanches of speed banjo- while still maintaining carefully crafted phrases, to mellow, rolling lines which he employs to accompany the singers- a true craftsman!

Musicians and music lovers travel from far and wide to these sessions and as such this core crew often encourage guest musicians to take part in the proceedings.

Hosted by Kev McNally, this is music as it should be, no ego, no downloads, no MYSPACE no bullshit. All are welcome and encouraged to participate.

The return of Songs from the intimate setting of the Debarras sitting room, hosted by Gavin Moore with some very special guests.

- Look out for the Debarras Sitting Room at this year’s CORKXSW Festival in Skibereen on the 31st of July!  

Debarras has been chosen as one of the venues for this years GUINNESS, OUR THURSDAYS – Showcases, in order to find the best in emerging Irish musical talent! One winner from each of the first three heats held from July 15^th on, will go through to the regional final on August 5^th with the overall winner getting the chance to perform with Snow Patrol in Dublin on Arthur's Day. All entries to the competition will be listened to with Gary Lightbody and Snow Patrol on the panel of industry heads who will be judging the competitions.

For more details and to register you band for the competition go to

Originally begun as a solo project by Steve Ryan (giveamanakick) in 2005, ‘windings’ has grown over the last 5 years to envelope Liam Marley, Aaron Mulhall, Patrick O Brien and Stephen Purcell into the fold. A new album (recorded by Tommy McLaughlin-Villagers, giveamanakick, Cathy Davey) is finally recorded, mixed, mastered, and will be released Oct 2010. Since then and now ‘windings’ have been honing their dynamic combination of lo-fi acoustic melodies, Scuzzy rock, woozy instrumentals, ambient electronic pieces, pure pop & dirgy almost-metal , into a truly original and invigorating listening experience.

windings have had the pleasure of playing with the likes of Daniel Johnston, Smog/Bill Callahan, The Handsome Family, Bob Mould, Malcolm Middleton, Okkervil River, Jape, Caribou, Tom McRae, Iron And Wine, Villagers, Jeffrey Lewis, and Modest Mouse, amongst others.

“Mind Blowing…the best Irish record in an age” Alan Jacques, Limerick Leader

“Melodies that will get you every time…a compelling debut album” Jim Carroll,The Ticket (Irish Times)

 “windings sound is simple, seductive and so pared-down that you’ll find yourself being totally bowled over” Hot Press

‘If you like ska, you’ll love Los Albertos. If you don’t like ska, you’ll still love Los Albertos. You’ll gasp at the intricacy of their threepiece brass harmonies, as they burst through tight-clenched rhythms and soar off far into the jazz stratosphere. You’ll smile wildly as you watch the spectacle of this six-piece group casually bobbing up and down while somehow blasting out incredibly accomplished, but overwhelmingly upbeat, music. My only regret is having nothing to add to the Los Albertos debate: everyone says they’re fabulous. I concur.’
Concorde 2, 19 July with the Buzzcocks
***** - 5 Star Review Billy Imrie

To keep bright side out, the music rolling and the CXSW festival vibe flowing, Debarras will celebrate some of the finest music that it has become associated with over the many years as the musical heart beat of west cork, Featuring Trad, ambient pop, surf rock, poitin still indie Folk & funk, alternative and break beat dj sets on Sunday the 1st of August.