Irish folk music treat

Four of Ireland's most prominent folk singers are heading to the Baycourt Theatre on May 25 for what promises to be an unforgettable musical experience.

Lumiere is a duo from West Kerry, featuring Eilis Kennedy and Pauline Scanlon.

Last October, Pauline won the hearts of many with her fabulous sell-out shows at the Tauranga Arts Festival.

These two singers have amassed a huge song collection from their families and the rich traditions of their homeland - steeped in history and the Irish language with a singing style that is unique.

Since joining forces with legendary producer John Reynolds (Sinead O'Connor and U2) and recorded with Sony, Lumiere have been enjoying critical acclaim all over the globe, and now bring their gift of storytelling through song to New Zealand.

In an especially exciting collaboration for the Celtic Divas Show, Lumiere joins two singers who represent the new generation of Irish song.

Galway girl Nicola Joyce is best known as the lead singer of Irish group Gr?da.

Her latest critically acclaimed album, Natural Angle, was recorded with Grammy award-winning icon and producer Tim O'Brien, and was named by the US National Public Radio as one of the Top 5 Folk Albums of 2010.

Half Irish and half Filipina, Noriana Kennedy has been likened by many people as a young Mary Black.

Her beautiful songs of emigration, war and lost love refresh the ancient Irish singing tradition with heartfelt sincerity and unique grace.

This year the Noriana Kennedy Trio was named one of the top acts at Australia's prestigious international music showcase, the Port Fairy Folk Festival.

A star-studded four-piece band will back the girls.

Guitarist and musical director for Celtic Divas, Gerry Paul from Wellington, is a mainstay guitarist in the Sharon Shannon Band. A member of Grammy Award winner Tim O'Brien's Two Oceans, Paul is very excited about the show. "This tour has presented an amazing opportunity to invite four of Ireland's top folk singers to perform in the Southern Hemisphere, with an incredible backing band - expect a real treat." Prepare to be transported to Ireland for a magical evening of music.