John Doyle - Irish Guitar Legend

Free by Nature: Songs of the Irish in the American Revolution Join us for a special performance by legendary guitarist and songwriter John Doyle, celebrating the release of his brand-new recording exploring the Irish role in the American Revolution. John will be performing selections from his new album “Free by Nature: Songs of the Irish in the American Revolution”, along with many other songs and tunes from the traditional repertoire. While the significant contributions of Irish immigrants to the American Civil War are widely known, the story of their role in America's founding conflict is far less familiar. By some estimates, Irish-born soldiers and those of Irish descent made up 35-40% of the Continental Army, with similar numbers fighting on the British side. John’s new album gives voice to those individuals on both sides of the conflict, offering a musical journey through the Irish history woven into the founding of the United States. About John Doyle Originally from Dublin, John Doyle is a compelling singer-songwriter, producer, and multi-GRAMMY nominee widely regarded as one of the finest guitarists in Irish music today. As a founding member of the acclaimed group Solas, his percussive guitar style has shaped a generation of players and left a lasting mark on the role of guitar in Irish traditional music. Doyle performs solo, in duos, and in groups, and has shared the stage with artists like Eric Clapton, Jerry Douglas, Joan Baez, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Linda Thompson, and Liz Carroll, among many others. His original songs, often chronicling the historical Irish American experience, have earned him a reputation as one of the most important songwriters in Irish music. His newest project, exploring the Irish role in the American Revolution, releases in July 2026. "No one in Irish traditional music is a better guitarist than him right now," wrote Earle Hitchner of The Wall Street Journal and the Irish Echo, praising Doyle's playing as having reached "a rarefied zone of inspired, instinctive, in-the-moment creativity." Don't miss this rare opportunity to experience one of Irish music's most celebrated voices live, performing songs that bring a hidden chapter of American history to life. Doors open at 7:00 PM | Concert begins at 7:30 PM If you like these kinds of events, please consider supporting the Museum's programming by making a donation. Support Sigal Music Museum