Local folk star to hit the stage in Birr

Following local singer Emer Dunne's stellar performance at Forest Fest Emo, and other summer festivals, she will perform in Birr Theatre & Arts Centre this Saturday at 8pm as part of her Autumn Tour ‘Folk Threads.’

Emer grew up in Mountmellick, and attended school in Tullamore, before moving to Dublin, where she studied primary teaching. She is currently job sharing at St Ciaran’s NS, Boher, Ballycumber.

After three successful theatre shows to date in Laois, Leitrim and Mayo this will be the last chance to catch Emer’s show in the midlands this year as she takes to the stage in Birr before heading on to Ballyshannon in Donegal. Emer introduced her amazing vocals to Birr last February and blew the crowd away when she opened for the Fureys on their Irish tour which was like a dream for Emer and saw her perform in venues such as the Gleneagle and even Vicar Street.

‘Folk Threads’ features Emer and her professional musicians, the unique skills of guitarist Eamonn Moran and All Ireland champion and fiddle legend Michael Harrison. This trio bring this fantastic new folk show, that ties the threads of Irish, Scottish, English and American folk music together. Emer will perform some of the timeless and meaningful songs such as ‘Sweet Sixteen’ and ‘Grace’ and some lively contemporary folk numbers and surprises.

Emer said: “I’m very excited to perform my first show in Birr Arts Theatre, and reach out to the people of Birr and other surrounding towns in this beautiful tiered theatre setting, where we hope the people will come out to support live performers and enjoy the songs and music in store, to listen and perhaps sing along with us.”

Emer has been making a name for herself on the folk scene around Ireland and overseas over the past couple of years since the release of her debut album, ‘Hourglass’ produced by Bill Shanley. Bill has worked with figures such as Mary Black, Gilbert Sullivan and Paul Brady. Emer was deemed by Irish Music Magazine as ‘A definite Rising Star with a purity and strength to her voice.’

Post pandemic Emer returned to the stage in the spring of 2022 with her ‘Hourglass Tour’ where she reached various theatres and venues around the country. The highlight for the summer months for Emer was performing at Forest Fest Festival, sharing the stage with a host of great acts including Sharon Shannon, Paul Brady and Stockton’s Wing.

Emer’s voice has already featured on the national and regional airwaves over the past few years with Ronan Collins and RTE 1’s ‘Rising Time’ alongside BBC Ulster and more coming on board. However, Emer has many impressive accolades, from being approached by the management of Leonard Cohen, praising her version of his famous song, ‘Hallelujah,’ to two no 1 singles and a no. 1 album in the Irish charts.

Emer has performed for Japanese and American Ambassadors, been featured on the RTE Today show with Daithi and Maura and she has been reviewed with great praise by Irish Music Magazine, Hot Press, Irish Country Living, RTE ‘Behind the Music’ and more. She also toured Europe and Japan as a singer and champion dancer with an Irish Song and Dance troop.

Emmer Dunne and band will play in Birr Theatre & Arts Centre on Saturday, October 21. Doors open at 7.30pm and the show kicks off at 8pm with a short interval for people to enjoy a chat and the show will finish around 10pm.

For more information visit www.emerdunne.com or find her on Facebook and Instagram @emerdunnesinger. For booking please contact 057 9122911 or visit www.birrtheatre.com. There is a special discount for group bookings of ten who wish to enjoy a night out together.