$26 Advance / $30 At the Door / $10 Livestream

John Doyle, Cathie Ryan, and Mick McAuley come together for “An Irish Christmas,” a festive celebration that brings three of Irish music’s most beloved performers to the stage in a program woven through with song and story — from cherished carols and traditional tunes and airs to newly composed songs for the season. A warm and joyful evening in the finest Irish tradition, “An Irish Christmas” is an annual holiday concert at Next Stage — a beautiful, thoughtful, and artful reflection on the season. Presented with Twilight Music.

John Doyle has established himself as one of the most versatile, creative, and prolific voices in folk and traditional Irish music. In 1994, he brought his brilliant and innovative guitar stylings to the nascent Irish super-group Solas, which soon took the folk and Celtic music worlds by storm. With Solas, John performed internationally to sold-out audiences and appeared on NBC’s “The Today Show,” “A Prairie Home Companion,” “Mountain Stage,” “E-Town,” and “World Cafe.” The group also received three NAIRD awards and a Grammy nomination. Since going out on his own, John has recorded as a solo artist and become a highly sought-after accompanist for the likes of Joan Baez, Eileen Ivers, Tim O’Brien, Linda Thompson, Seamus Egan, Alison Brown, and Kate Rusby.

Cathie Ryan is a natural fit for this holiday tour, having carved out a reputation for her own beloved Christmas performances over the years. A highly regarded singer, songwriter, performer, and educator, Cathie is a towering presence in traditional music circles on both sides of the Atlantic. She and John have been musical collaborators for decades: he has played guitar and contributed arrangements to three of her studio recordings, they have toured as a duo throughout Europe, and together they have penned songs that have earned a permanent place in the Irish music repertoire. Both are members of The Irish Music Masters and are featured on the PBS special “The Soul of Christmas.”

Mick McAuley, renowned melodeon player and longtime collaborator of John’s, co-wrote and recorded “This Christmas Time,” a holiday album the two released in 2024. That recording is the heart and soul of “An Irish Christmas,” and Mick is delighted to be bringing it to American audiences alongside two of his favorite musical partners.

Special for this performance: Enjoy a festive holiday cocktail—Baileys Irish Cream Hot Cocoa—available at the Next Stage bar.