Jon McCusker trio
Schedule
Sun, 05 Jul, 2026 at 08:00 pm
UTC+01:00Location
St Andrew's Psalter Lane Church | Sheffield, EN
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What privilege it will be to welcome one of my favourite and most important musicians of my folk music life, JOHN McCUSKER. John was part of my very first folk concert and his music and everything he’s done has bought me so much joy ever since. So it’s a real honour to work with him and welcome him and his wonderful trio to St Andrews Church, Sheffield, S11 8YL“One of the UK’s most gifted and versatile musicians in any genre, John McCusker is
equally in demand as a multi-instrumentalist, producer and composer”. The Guardian
The John McCusker Trio is led by John McCusker, one of the most revered and decorated
traditional musicians of his generation. A multi award-winning fiddle player, producer and
composer, John has been at the heart of the UK folk scene for over three decades. His distinctive,
emotionally charged playing and masterful compositions have made him a linchpin of
contemporary Celtic music.
John is renowned for his skill at transcending musical boundaries. Since 2008 John has been a
member of Mark Knopfler’s studio and touring band, in John’s words: “turning my world upside
down in the best possible way. I have learned so much from Mark and the rest of his band, not
least how to perform on big stages in arenas around the world including Madison Square Garden,
the Hollywood Bowl and the Royal Albert Hall.” As a live and studio guest he has also performed
with David Gilmour, Eric Clapton, Paul Weller, Paolo Nutini, Teenage Fanclub, Idlewild, The
Proclaimers, Texas, Graham Coxon, Ocean Colour Scene, Julie Fowlis, Eddi Reader …
Talking about his work as a producer, John says: “I’m particularly proud of having produced
several artists who have become especially influential”. His production portfolio includes debut
albums by Kris Drever and Idlewild’s Roddy Woomble and work with Eddi Reader, Kate Rusby,
Eliza Carthy and Linda Thompson. Film and TV soundtracks include Heartlands (2002) and 16
Years of Alcohol (2003), Billy Connolly’s World Tour of New Zealand (2004), Jennifer Saunders
BBC sitcom Jam and Jerusalem (2008) and Starlings sitcom for Sky TV (2012).
Collaborations have included, Before the Ruin, with Roddy Woomble and Kris Drever (2008),
Under One Sky (2009), and the enduring trio with John Doyle and Mike McGoldrick, producing
two studio albums The Wishing Tree (2018) and The Reed That Bends in the Storm (2020), and
three live albums. John is also a longstanding member of the annual Transatlantic Sessions house
band.
John was awarded the coveted BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards Musician of the Year in 2003, and The
Spirit of Scotland Award for music in 1999 and again in 2009. 2016 saw John receive the Good
Tradition Award and perform with his band at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards at The Royal Albert
Hall. John won the Music Category at the Scottish Culture Awards in 2019.
He is joined by two of the most sought-after talents on the UK folk circuit. SAM KELLY, winner of
the Horizon Award at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards and finalist on Britain’s Got Talent, has built a
devoted following as frontman of Sam Kelly & The Lost Boys. His spellbinding voice, effortless
charisma, and genre-blending approach have seen him perform at major festivals such as
Cambridge Folk Festival and Glastonbury, as well as on stages across Europe with Kate Rusby.
Completing the trio is TOBY SHAER, a virtuoso multi-instrumentalist whose stunning command of
flutes, whistles and guitars has made him a go-to touring musician for Cara Dillon. Toby has
performed in some of the UK’s most prestigious venues earning a reputation for his dynamic,
expressive playing.
Together, The John McCusker Trio brings a thrilling combination of instrumental brilliance,
heartfelt songs, and unforgettable live energy. Their performances … a rich tapestry of original
compositions, traditional melodies, and contemporary folk songs .. captivate audiences with
warmth, humour, and sheer musical class. Whether on festival stages or in intimate venues, this
trio delivers a rare experience: deeply rooted in tradition, yet bursting with innovation, joy and
soul.
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Where is it happening?
St Andrew's Psalter Lane Church, 31 Psalter Lane,Sheffield, United KingdomEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
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