Album Launch – ‘The Strawboys’ – The Strawboys
Album Launch
‘The Strawboys’
The Strawboys
The Strawboys are delighted to announce the release of their new album, to be presented at Ennis Trad Festival on 7 November 2026.
This new recording is the result of a close musical collaboration between Francesco Bettoni and Daniele Bicego, two Italian musicians with many years of experience immersed in the world of Irish traditional music. Working as a duo allowed them to explore a more intimate and focused approach to the music, built around guitar, bouzouki, Irish flutes and uilleann pipes.
Although the album is rooted in the Irish tradition, its sound also reflects the musicians’ long-standing experience of playing, studying and performing Irish music both in Italy and in Ireland. The arrangements leave space for the character of each instrument, while the interplay between guitar, bouzouki, flutes and pipes creates the musical foundation throughout the record.
The album also features a number of special guest musicians from Ireland and the United States, alongside some of the most respected and prominent figures in the Italian traditional music scene. Their contributions bring different voices, styles and perspectives to the recording, making the album a musical meeting point between Ireland, the U.S. and Italy.
For Francesco and Daniele, presenting this work at Ennis Trad Festival is a particularly meaningful moment. After many years dedicated to Irish traditional music, having the opportunity to bring their music back to Ireland and share this new album in Ennis, at one of the most important festivals dedicated to traditional Irish music, is a great honour.
More than simply a new recording, this album represents a journey through years of musical
experience, friendships and encounters between musicians on both sides of the Irish Sea — and a celebration of the music that has brought The Strawboys together.
Date & Time: 7pm, 7th November 2026
Venue: Temple Gate Hotel, The Square, Clonroad Beg, Ennis, Co. Clare, V95 HOXK