Dervish

Dervish first performed at the inaugural Gig’n the Bann in 2000 when the festival was only intended to be a once off to celebrate the new millennium! Thirteen years later we are delighted to welcome them back again! 

The band was formed in 1989 by a group of five musicians who came together to record an album of local music which was released as ‘The Boys of Sligo’. Inspired by the project they decided to develop this informal gathering into a working band under the name ‘Dervish’. Their colourful career has taken them to every corner of the globe, from the Great Wall of China to packed auditoriums in the Holy Land.  They were also the first Irish band to perform at the greatest music festival in the world, ‘Rock in Rio’ in front of an estimated audience of two hundred and forty thousand people.   Dervish have shared centre stage with such names as James Brown, The Buena Vista Social Club, Oasis, Sting, REM, Beck and many more. They are one of the most respected acts of modern time in World/Roots music worldwide. Their musical genius and innovative approach will ensure that they will always be a leading force in Irish music, bringing the world the joy and excitement and fun that is traditional Irish music.  With numerous albums and awards to their name Dervish’s most recent album, ‘The Thrush in the Storm’ was released to the world in April 2013 and has been described by the US Irish Echo as "12 tracks of Pure Class”. Dervish’s concert performances are a myriad of tones and moods ranging from high energy tunes, played with fluidity and intuitiveness, to beautifully measured songs, from charming lyrics of life and love, to inspiring melodies that lift audiences from their seats.

The Irish Music magazine describes the band perfectly, "There’s no substitute for class, and after almost twenty-five years together this Sligo super group is virtually in a class of its own. Dervish’s music impresses immediately, with every member shining”.