An Evening with Frankie Gavin & Catherine McHugh

Coming from a musical family, Frankie Gavin has played fiddle and flute since he was young. Originally influenced by the great Irish and American-Irish fiddle players such as James Morrison, Frankie developed a unique musical style that combined virtuosity, innovation and deep respect for tradition. His performances and recordings have helped shape the evolution of Irish traditional music for generations. He later found himself playing with stars: The Rolling Stones, Stephane Grappelli, James Galway and Yehudi Menuhin, and for celebrity audiences including four American presidents: J. F. K on his 1962 visit to Ireland, followed later by Presidents Clinton, Bush and Obama.


The 2010 album Jigs, Reels & Rock 'n' Roll by Frankie Gavin & De Dannan, saw Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood made a special guest appearance contributing to the Irish traditional treatment of the rock classic ‘Gasoline Alley’. The partnership stemmed from a mutual respect for each other's music. Ronnie Wood stayed with Frankie Gavin for a time, where they shared tracks and Wood noted he could "slip into some of those like a hand in a glove," leading to his feature on the album.

Throughout his career, Frankie has remained deeply connected to the musical traditions of his native County Galway while continually seeking new ways to present Irish culture to international audiences.

Today he is recognised not only as one of Ireland's foremost musicians, but also as an artist whose work has helped strengthen Ireland's cultural reputation throughout the world.