This is part of our ongoing series on musicians who perform in the Berkshires.
Karan Casey is an Irish singer-songwriter based in Cork, Ireland, who has been performing for decades. She initially played with the band Solas and has been a solo artist for the past 25 years. Casey has collaborated with notable musicians such as James Taylor, Béla Fleck, Aoife O’Donovan, and the Boston Pops, among others. She is recognized for using her platform to advocate for social justice issues, particularly those related to women, and she co-founded the non-profit FairPlé.
Karan is coming to The Foundry in West Stockbridge to perform on Tuesday, March 4. I had the opportunity to catch up with Karan over Zoom to learn more about her upcoming performance at The Foundry, her current tour, and other projects. I hope you enjoy our conversation, which has been edited for clarity.
Where are you today, and what are you working on?
I’m here in Cork, Ireland, where I’ve lived for 25 years. Right now, I’m preparing for my upcoming tour in America. I’m looking at flights, accommodations, travel logistics, and, of course, managing social media, which is always a challenge.
As part of your international tour, you’re coming to The Foundry in West Stockbridge on March 4. Can you tell our readers what they can expect from the show?
I’ll be performing a mix of older repertoire, ballads, and love songs—probably “The King’s Shilling,” which I always sing as an anti-war song. I’ll also introduce some new material from my latest show, The Women We Will Rise. These songs are deeply historical, focusing on women from the 1916 Irish Rebellion and imagining a future vision for Ireland. It’s a blend of tradition and innovation—I love incorporating new material into my sets. Every couple of years, I find myself ready to create something fresh and see how it resonates with audiences.
Will you be performing solo, or are you touring with your usual collaborators, Niamh and Sean?
Niamh Dunne and Seán Óg Graham are joining me. Niamh is a brilliant fiddle player and an amazing harmony singer, and Sean is a fantastic guitarist who also contributes vocals and instrumental effects. We’ve been working together for about ten years and have toured the U.S. since COVID restrictions eased. It’s a tight trio, and I love working with them.
Have you performed in Berkshire County before?
No, but I’ve heard a lot about it! It’s such a well-known area, and many of my musician friends, like Aoife O’Donovan, have spoken highly of it. I’m really excited to finally visit and see what it’s like. It seems like a popular destination for holidays as well, right?
Yes – Aoife performed at the FreshGrass Festival up in the northern part of the county.
That’s great – maybe I’ll scout out some good spots while I’m there.
You’ve performed with musicians who frequently play in this region, including James Taylor, Béla Fleck, Aoife O’Donovan, and the Boston Pops. I understand you performed with the Boston Pops in 2015 for Celtic Sojourn with Keith Lockhart conducting. Do you remember that performance? Does anything stand out?
What stands out the most is my sheer terror trying to come in at the right moment during “Sixteen Come Next Sunday.” For some reason, I struggled with my cue in rehearsals! Thankfully, the actual performance went smoothly, but with an 80-piece orchestra behind you, there’s no room for error. It was a fantastic experience, though. Joanie Madden was part of it, and my dear friend Brian O’Donovan, who was such a pivotal figure in Boston’s music scene, helped organize it. He was incredibly supportive of artists and played a huge role in bringing traditional music to the area. Sadly, he passed away recently—he was Aoife’s father.
I’m sorry to hear that.
Do you often perform with symphonies?
Not frequently, but I did perform with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra last March. I’d love to do more—it’s an incredible experience.
Your bio describes you as an Irish singer-songwriter, but you’ve explored various musical styles, including spoken word. Can you share more about your diverse influences and creative pursuits?
I grew up listening to a wide variety of music. My dad and both of my grandmothers were great singers, and our house was filled with everything from “Ave Maria” to “Old Man River” to Irish traditional songs. I was in school and church choirs, and I also played pub gigs where I sang Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, and even the Bay City Rollers. I absorbed songs from everywhere. But my real formative learning was in traditional Irish music. My first music teacher, Winifred Horan, was an amazing influence—she taught our whole village how to sing and play. Though none of this was formal training, I spent years transcribing and learning songs, which shaped my deep connection to the tradition.
You’ve mentioned your love for R&B, jazz, and blues, influences that show up in your album Two More Hours. Can you tell us about your musical heroes?
Nina Simone is a huge inspiration—not just for her voice but for how she captured historical moments through her music and blended art with activism. Christy Moore and Andy Irvine are also big influences. Bobby McFerrin, particularly his vocal technique, had a massive impact on me. I remember hearing his version of “Round Midnight” with Chick Corea—it was mesmerizing. Artists like him brought me to America in the first place.
Your U.S. tour includes 11 performances in March, starting in New York City and traveling through Albany, West Stockbridge, Cambridge, and the Midwest. That sounds grueling—how are you feeling about it?
I’m looking forward to it, but there’s always some trepidation, especially regarding politics. I speak openly about social issues, and I don’t change my message depending on where I am. That said, folk audiences tend to be open-minded, and I have a deep connection with my American listeners. Touring gives me the chance to have real conversations—about history, love, culture, music, and politics. These are troubling times, but I believe in the good in America, and I think music has the power to bring people together.
Your latest album, Nine Apples of Gold, reached No. 1 on the U.S. Folk Radio Charts. Can you tell us about its themes and reception?
It’s been really well received! I think attending Folk Alliance before its release helped. The album focuses on friendship, female camaraderie, activism, and nature. Irish traditional music is deeply connected to the land, and that influence is strong throughout the album. I co-wrote many of the songs with Sean Óg, and Niamh played a big role with string arrangements and vocals. It’s tough to keep making albums in today’s music industry, so I’m grateful to still be creating and sharing my work.
You’re known for using your platform to address social justice issues. Your stage show The Women, We Will Rise premiered in Cork last year, and you co-founded FairPlé to promote gender balance in Irish traditional music. Where does this passion for activism come from?
I think it stems from my upbringing. Growing up in Ireland in the ‘80s, we faced economic struggles, mass emigration, and oppression from the Catholic Church. At the same time, there was a strong sense of community and helping others. Watching Ireland evolve—from conflict to peace and from a deeply conservative society to one that legalized gay marriage—gives me hope.
You’re busy preparing for the tour, but can you share any upcoming projects?
I just finished a play, and a publisher is interested in turning it into a book. I’m also considering a radio play or a multimedia project with video. Additionally, I’ve been organizing song tours in Ireland, which allows me to explore beautiful places with small groups while having meaningful conversations. It’s been a rewarding experience, and I hope to continue curating these tours.
That all sounds amazing. Thank you for your time, Karan. Safe travels, and best of luck with the tour!
Thank you! I’m looking forward to it.
Learn more about Karan at https://www.karancasey.com/. Follow her on Instagram, and listen to her music on major streaming platforms, including YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music.
— Mark @ Music in the Berkshires