Clare Sands (IRE)

Drawing deeply from the music of her ancestors, she weaves traditional Irish roots with contemporary sounds and influences. Her songs are deeply connected to the place where folklore, language, and activism meet melody.

Known for raw, infectious energy, she embodies a fearless warrior-like spirit that inspires and unites. ‘They Tried To Bury Us’ is a collection of original songs that gives voice to the silenced: the endangered curlew; Lí Ban of Lough Neagh; lost words of our native tongue; the Rostrevor oak; those seeking refuge on our shores and the Palestinian poets whose words embody defiance and inspire generations.

All songs have a deep North of Ireland connection - the album was written across Ulster with an incredible array of musicians based in the Northern counties, alongside producer Seán Óg Graham (Beoga, Karen Casey). It is an album that rises from the earth against oppression and insists that love and hope will never be buried.

Thurs 31 Dec - Kidogo Arthouse.....Fremantle/ Walyalup, WA
Wed 6 Jan - The Wesley Anne…….Melbourne/Naarm VIC
Fri 8 Jan - Cygnet Folk Festival……Cygnet, TAS
Sat 9 Jan - Cygnet Folk Festival……Cygnet, TAS
Sun 10 Jan - Cygnet Folk Festival……Cygnet, TAS
Fri 15 Jan - MONA…..Hobart, TAS
Sat 16 Jan - Illawarra Folk Festival…..Bulli, NSW
Sun 17 Jan - Illawarra Folk Festival…..Bulli, NSW
Tue 19 Jan - The Vanguard…..Sydney/Eora NSW
Sat 23 Jan- Mirrorball Ministries…..Brisbane/Magandjin QLD
Sun 24 Jan - Pearces Creek Hall…..Northern Rivers NSW