Electric Picnic 2024

FROM THE OLYMPICS TO ELECTRIC PICNIC-ANOTHER BIG YEAR FOR IRISH ACCORDION MAESTRO O’CONNOR

Killarney based ,Liam O’Connor has been added to the bill for the Electric Picnic 2024 in Stradbally, Co Laois from August 16 to August 18, only weeks after he’ll have performed at the legendary Irish house , O’Sullivans By The Mill on Boulevard de Clichy as part ofthe Paris Olympics celebrations.

He will join an Electric Picnic bill of top Irish and international acts of the calibre of Calvin Harris, Kylie Minogue, Bambie Thug, Damien Dempsey, Raye, The Waterboys, Wolfe Tones, Kneecap and Scratch. This will be O’Connor’s fifth appearance at the prestigious musical extravaganza.

As O’Connor himself says, “My annual appearance at Electric Picnic has become one of the key events in my musical diary. Indeed, it is a veritable family picnic for me as my band will comprise members of my own family, with Saoirse on vocals, concertina and keyboards, Oisín, who plays guitars, keyboards and percussion, and Cillian on drums. It’s both an honour and a privilege to be selected to play on a bill with such an exciting mix of Irish and global stars.”

The Cork-born O’Connor’s musical history suggests he’s totally at home in such glittering company. In the past he has collaborated with Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance,Spandau Ballet frontman Tony Hadley, rock star Boy George, the famous Artane Band, the late Christy Dignam, actress Maureen O'Hara, actor Patrick Bergin, and many more.

In the years before becoming part of the Paris Olympic celebrations he sold out tours around the United States, Scandinavia, Italy and Australia and performed in such keymusic venues as the MGM Grand Las Vegas, Radio City New York, Sydney Opera House, Wembley Arena. Back home he entertained 170,000 people at the All-Ireland Football and Hurling Finals and at Thomond Park Stadiumfor a Munster vs Australia rugby match.

Paris Olympics 2024

LiAM O’CONNOR TO ENTERTAIN IRISH AND INTERNATIONAL SPORTS FANS AT PARIS OLYMPICS

A substantial contingent of Irish sports fans will invade the French capital in July and August of this year for the OlympicGames, and there to entertain them will be the internationally renowned Liam O’Connor and his supercharged playing. O’Connor has been honoured with an invitation to perform live at the Team Ireland Supporters House at the legendary O’Sullivans By The Mill on Boulevard de Clichy.

O’Sullivans is right next door to the famous Moulin Rouge, so visitors and locals alike will have a unique opportunity to savour key aspects of Irish and French traditional culture without having to cross the road! According to O’Connor, “To be part of the Paris Olympics is a real honour, but to be invited to play our music for Irish and international sports fans puts the icing on the cake. Wherever Irish sports fans go they create a wonderfully warm atmosphere and we’ll be proud to be there us with them to cheer our athletes on.”

Also appearing on what promises to be another momentous night will be O’Connor’s family featuring daughter Saoirse on vocals, concertina and keyboards, son Oisín, who plays guitars, keyboards percussion and drums , and son Cillian on drums and percussion.

Nor will the Paris Olympics be the first time O’Connor and his music will have graced major sporting occasions. He has previously performed twice at the Ryder Cup golf tournament, at several All-Ireland Football and Hurling Finals and an international rugby clash at Thomond Park, Limerick!

Indeed, over a lifetime of dazzling music-making, Liam O’Connor has become a major ambassador for Irish music. His passion for live music performance has taken him around the Globe, from Slane Castle to the Sydney Opera House, not to mention World Expo China 2010, MGM Grand Las Vegas,Radio City Music Hall in New York and a host of other key venues and events.

Cork-born Liam now lives in Killarney, Co Kerry. His breath-taking performances blend Irish traditional music with a bewildering mix of blues, jazz, rock, reggae, samba, cajun and classical music. Given the popularity of the accordion in France, his Paris Olympics audiences are likely to include a fair number of captivated locals.

Embark on a mesmerizing musical journey led by Liam O'Connor, the "Jimi Hendrix of the accordion," alongside the St. Brendan's College Choir and the dynamic St. Brendan's College Music Group, featuring solo sensations.

Experience the seamless fusion of Irish traditional tunes and enchanting choral arrangements, revitalized by Liam O'Connor's accordion virtuosity. The auditorium will resonate with harmonious melodies as both choirs and musicians showcase the vibrant talent of Killarney's cultural scene.

In addition to the musical extravaganza, soccer legend Liam Brady will share his insights as a guest speaker.

Stay tuned for the announcement of a special guest singer, promising an extra layer of excitement to this already magical convergence of outstanding musical talents. This exclusive event guarantees an atmosphere of pure enchantment, a memorable fusion of extraordinary artists creating an unforgettable experience.