Queer Arrivals

Friday 17th October

7:30pm

Queer Arrivals is a deeply personal, music-filled journey from Irish singer-songwriter Gráinne Hunt, exploring what it means to arrive into queerness – and into oneself -later in life. Through original songs and raw, intimate storytelling, Gráinne shares her experience of falling in love with a woman in her 40s, and how that transformative love reshaped her identity, her artistry, and her place in the world.

A queer, nu-folk artist with a voice “like complex coffee,” Gráinne is widely regarded as one of Ireland’s most compelling vocalists and songwriters -known for her blend of emotional depth, lyrical authenticity, and natural, commanding presence. Dubbed “The Irish Joni” by Michael Londra, her music draws comparisons to Tracy Chapman and Natalie Merchant, with songs that weave stories of pain, longing, joy, discovery, and self-acceptance.

Her discography includes two studio albums and a new live EP, each rooted in personal experience and now informing a fresh wave of songwriting that reflects her queer identity. Queer Arrivals marks a creative turning point – an invitation into Gráinne’s evolving world and the rich terrain of vulnerability, love, and belonging.

Her reputation as a powerhouse performer has taken her across the globe – from sharing stages with Glen Hansard and U2 to opening for Gladys Knight and Mary Black. Declan O’Rourke says she has “an astounding voice that will melt your heart. No crowd can resist.”

Following two US tours, a debut run in Australia, and a showcase at Showcase Scotland earlier in 2025, Gráinne will debut Queer Arrivals at the Liverpool Irish Festival this October at Unity Theatre in October. Joined by her partner and drummer Jules Stewart, the show features intricate harmonies, folk-rooted arrangements, and a deep sense of story.

Musically, this is contemporary folk at its finest—lyrical, layered, and unflinchingly honest.

HUSK answers a Celtic calling with their Electrofolk; a bilingual blend of traditional Irish music, Folk & Electronica that weaves between English and Gaeilge with púca punk queer magick energy.

Heard on across RTÉ and the BBC, Gaydio, Sirius XFM and more, trans masc & non-binary HUSK uses their love of 80’s synths, ear worm melodies, and pushing beats, with the unmistakable slides, rolls and the foot stomping pulse of traditional Irish music, for a unique offering of contemporary electronic music production, folk and trad. HUSK works with revered Irish musicians and Gaeilgeoirí (Irish speakers), including flute & whistle player Jacquelyn Hynes, violinist India Shan Merrett and piper/Irish language advocate Cormac Buzz O’Bríain, who lend their experience & knowledge giving verve and authenticity.

 

With themes of the divine & magic within the earth itself and elements of Irish folklore, HUSK remains connected with Manchester’s Irish community, and always feels the pull of Béal Feirste, often returning to the Culturlann to brush up on their Gaeilge!

I’ve got goosebumps, I loved that’ – Dean McCullough (Gaydio, BBC Radio 1)

‘Pretty Darn Good!’ – Tom Robinson (BBC 6Music)

‘It’s complexity is it’s simplicity – each time you hear the song there is something new to hear’ – itsindie

 

The Team: 

Gráinne Hunt

Jules Stewart

HUSK

 

This show is gratefully supported by Culture Ireland