The Gulf Coast Cruinniú is proud to present, in concert:
Cathal Hayden and Matt Lewis
Wednesday, June 3, 2026 7:30 pm
We will happily accept donations for the band at the door. All proceeds will go directly to the musicians.
Our wonderful hosts will provide soft drinks, beer, wine, and light snacks (please, no outside food or drink).
Doors open at 6:30 PM for drinks, snacks, and conversation, with the concert beginning promptly at 7:30 PM.
RSVP now by clicking on the “RSVP” button above.
An Irish session will follow the concert for those who are interested—bring your instruments!
Join us for an evening of music, food, drink, and fellowship. We look forward to sharing this memorable night with you!
About Cathal Hayden and Matt Lewis
Cathal Hayden is a fiddle and banjo player from County Tyrone. This virtuoso will be known to many from his band Four Men And A Dog, one of the most successful Irish bands of all time – their debut album “Barking Mad” is one of the most successful Irish Traditional albums in history.
Having been immersed in music from a young age, he has received the All-Ireland Champion on both fiddle and banjo many times. Cathal has formed numerous alliances with musicians, including the renowned accordionist Mairtin O’Connor, piano accordion maestro Alan Kelly and Bothy Band piper Paddy Keegan.
In more recent years the duet with Mairtin O’Connor has taken him across the globe and he has undertaken tours of Japan with the famous O’Domhnaill family, and China, Iceland and the Faroe Islands as guests of the Donal Lunny band.
In addition to his many musical collaborations, Cathal has arranged scores for theatre productions for both the Lyric Theatre and Grand Opera House.
After 40 years of playing, Cathal’s contribution to Irish music is immeasurable – he is Ireland’s greatest ambassador for banjo and fiddle playing and continues to thrill audiences across the world with his extraordinary musicianship.
Matthew Lewis is an accomplished multi-instrumentalist and a dedicated teacher of traditional Irish music. A founding member of the former Houston-based band The Jig Is Up! and a current member of Hup!, Matthew has been an active performer and advocate for Irish music throughout Texas and beyond.
In 2025, Matthew was awarded 1st place on bodhrán at the Midwest Fleadh Cheoil, a recognition of his skill and deep understanding of rhythm within the Irish music tradition.
At the Houston School of Irish Music, Matthew primarily teaches bodhrán, but also teaches guitar, flute, and whistle. His teaching style emphasizes strong foundational technique, musicality, and a joyful connection to the tradition. He is especially passionate about helping students of all levels and ages find their own voice within the music.