Join internationally acclaimed Sligo-based band Dervish and special guests David Gray, Imelda May, Moya Brennan (of Clannad), Indigo Girls, Brian Kennedy, Kate Rusby and more to celebrate the uniquely powerful Irish tradition of song, a tradition as popular in America as it is at home. One of the world’s most renowned and imaginative interpreters of Irish folk music, Dervish have devoted the last three decades to gently reinventing the traditional songs of their homeland. Featuring stunning footage of Ireland and filmed at the London Palladium, Dublin’s National Concert Hall, and more intimate venues like Leo’s Tavern in Donegal, THE GREAT IRISH SONG BOOK is part of special programming premiering on PBS stations beginning Friday, February 27, 2026 (check local listings), and will be available for streaming with PBS Passport.
Reflecting the American experience for almost two centuries, Irish and American music are inextricably intertwined. In fact, the boundary is not always discernible, and the program includes “Boots of Spanish Leather,” a Bob Dylan song that is inherently in the Irish tradition. Through song and commentary from musicians throughout the program, the nature of Irish music is explored. “Irish music has always been there for Irish people in very difficult times,” says Shane Mitchell, accordion player for Dervish. “It draws us back to who we really are as people.” Actor, singer and director Adrian Dunbar adds that Irish musicians “have held onto something that’s almost like DNA for the culture.”
Highlights include songs from Dervish's forthcoming album The Great Irish Song Book 2 such as “Passage West,” featuring Dervish with Indigo Girls, a song about emigration to America written by John Spillane, who joins in on the performance. Another song from the new CD featured in the program is the world premiere of “Tabor an tSaoil (The Well of the World).” Written by Clannad’s Moya Brennan and her daughter Aisling Jarvis, the song is performed for the first time in public at the legendary music mecca Leo’s Tavern, owned by Moya’s father and considered the launch pad for Clannad.Imelda May’s moving rendition of “Molly Malone”; and a bravura display of vocal artistry by five singers on “The Parting Glass.”
Below is a complete list of performances in THE GREAT IRISH SONG BOOK:
· “Red Haired Mary” – Dervish
Written by Sean McCarthy, Arranged by Dervish
· “The West Coast of Clare” – Dervish with David Gray
Written by Andy Irvine
· “Passage West” – Dervish with Indigo Girls
Written by John Spillane
· “The Bold Doherty” – Dervish
Traditional
· “Down the Broom” / “The Gatehouse Maid” – Dervish and Kevin Burke
Traditional instrumental
· “Molly Malone” – Dervish and Imelda May
Traditional
· “The Parting Glass” – Dervish with Cara Dillon, Kate Rusby, Imelda May and Brian Kennedy
Traditional
· “The Rocky Road to Dublin” – Dervish
Traditional
· “John Blessings” – Dervish
Traditional instrumental
· “Boots of Spanish Leather” – Dervish
Written by Bob Dylan
· “Tobar an tSaoil (The Well of the World)” – Dervish and Moya Brennan
World Premiere Performance
Written By Moya Brennan and Aisling Jarvis
THE GREAT IRISH SONG BOOK, a Dundee Production LLC production, is directed by David Heffernan, and produced by Ruth and Stephen Hendel. Doug Zwick and Shane Mitchell executive produced. The show is presented by Pop Twist Entertainment who distribute it worldwide.
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Dervish's North American Tour Kicks off March 7
Dervish will tour across North American beginning March 7, 2026
3/7 - Irish Heritage Center of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
3/8 - Music Box Supper Club, Cleveland, OH
3/9 - Susquehanna Folk Music Society, Harrisburg,PA
3/10 -The Fallser Club, Philadelphia, PA
3/11 -Sony Hall, New York, NY
3/13 -Boothbay Opera House, Boothbay Harbor, ME
3/14 -Barre Opera House, Barre, VT
3/15 -The Rex Theatre, Manchester, NH
3/17 -The Spire, Plymouth, MA
3/18 -The Burren double bill, Somerville, MA
3/19 - Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, Old Saybrook, CT
3/20 - Shalin Liu Performing Arts Center, Rockport, MA
3/21 - Norfolk Library, Norfolk, CT
3/22 - Jane Pickens Theater, Newport, RI
3/26 - Rogue Folk Club - Rio Theatre, Vancouver, BC
4/28 - Triple Door, Seattle, WA
4/29 - Alberta Rose, Portland, OR
5/1 - Sebastopol Community Center, Sebastopol, CA
5/2-3 - KVMR Celtic Festival, Grass Valley, CA
A complete list of tour dates can be found at https://www.dervish.ie/tour.
PBS The Great Irish Song Book Premieres February 27 with an All Star Cast
