Two of the greatest exponents of traditional Irish music, Brian Conway and Joe Burke, will play The Crane Bar tonight, Wednesday 22 October at 9pm.

Joe Burke is among the greatest exponents of traditional Irish music. His sheer musical brilliance, his knowledge and love of his land, its music, and culture has earned him an place in the history of Irish music and folklore.

His technical virtuosity is unique, but that is just part of his great artistry. He traces the sources and melodic forms of Irish music back to the rhythms and cadences of Irish speech and language, and feels they have an intimate relationship with each other.

To him the music is expressive and emotional, evoking the Irish countryside and the varying humour of the people.

From East Galway, he is widely regarded as the master accordionist who started the huge revival of interest in the instrument.

A legend in his own time, many of the younger generation, now famous players themselves, have been inspired by his style and technique. He has travelled all over the world, and his recordings have been widely acclaimed.

His live performances, as well as his own charm and wit have made him a favourite with all lovers of Irish music.

Joe Burke gave his first public performance in November 1955. He has been performing Irish traditional music for 40 years and has made many recordings for various companies, including Gael Linn, Outlet, Shanachie, Shaskeen, Green Linnet and New Century Music.

Apart from his solo albums, Joe has recorded with many musical greats including Andy McCann and Felix Dolan, Sean Maguire and Josephine Keegan, Michael Cooney and Terry Corcoran, Charlie Lennon, Frankie Gavin, Kevin Burke, Brian Conway, Noreen O'Donoghue and Mike Rafferty.

In 'From Shore to Shore', a widely praised 1993 film documentary focusing on Irish traditional music in New York, fiddler Brian Conway acknowledged that some have labelled him a musical conservative. But as 'First Through the Gate' brilliantly demonstrates, he's really a musical conservationist, preserving and passing along the best of the past while melding it with the talent and imagination of the present.

Admission is €15/€12.50.

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