Dublin singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Chris Kavanagh was born and raised on Irish music and has been singing Irish folk songs since he was three years old. He learned to play the piano by ear when he was five and his love and passion for Luke Kelly’s music led him to learn to play the 5 string long neck banjo in 2001.
We had a quick chat wtih Chris about his grandmother’s influence on his career and his best gig to date!
Where did you grow up?
Finglas.
Who influenced you to become a musician?
My Grandmother by playing The Dubliners on a record player every sunday since I was 2. It was like a religion!
What’s been the best decade of your life so far and why?
I would have to say the past ten years…The birth of my son CJ nine years ago and in 2011 being asked by John Sheahan to stand in with The Dubliners as a singer/banjo player on their German tour…a dream come true.
What secret skill or talent do you have?
Martial arts..although that may now be no longer a secret!
If there was one song you associated with your youth, what would it be?
The Galway Shawl (taught to me by my grandmother when I was 3).
What is your favourite song of Luke Kelly’s?
The Bonny Shoals of Herring written by Ewan MacColl.
What’s the best gig you ever performed?
Vicar Street and the Cork Opera House which both sold out earlier this year marking Luke’s 30th Anniversary.
Are you looking forward to playing at The Civic in Tallaght?
I always look forward to playing at The Civic…We’ve become old friends at this stage and I love the Tallaght audience. They are the salt of the earth. The staff are just lovely and Luke’s eldest brother Paddy Kelly & his wife Brida have attended all our concerts there. In fact Paddy performed the last time and will again next week.
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The Legend of Luke Kelly plays at The Civic on Friday, 3rd October at 8pm. Tickets can be booked by phoning 01 4627477 or online here.
