09/13/2026
There will be all smiles at Spanish Peaks Celtic Fest September 17 (Thursday) opening night concert featuring Irish traditional music duo CAROLINE KEANE & TOM DELANEY at the La Veta Mercantile. Get remaining texts now, ONLY at www.CelticMusicFest.com . Showtime is 7:30pm, refreshments available prior to show. La Veta Mercantile is at 300 S Main St, La Veta, CO 81055.
Spanish Peaks Celtic Fest runs Sept 17-20.
More about Caroline and Tom: (Photo by Fiona Morgan)
Playing Irish traditional music on concertina and uilleann pipes, Caroline Keane and Tom Delany are a young, vibrant duo whose musical expression transcends their years. Their sound, deeply rooted in tradition yet bursting with energy and heart, is a compelling celebration of the music they were raised on.
Caroline, a native of Limerick now based in Di**le, grew up immersed in the rich musical heritage of West Limerick and Sliabh Luachra. Her emotive, vibrant concertina style is a hallmark of that tradition, shaped by early tin whistle lessons and years of study under concertina master Noel Hill. She has toured internationally in both solo and ensemble settings, performing at major festivals such as Celtic Colours (Canada), Woodford Folk Festival (Australia), and Dublin Irish Festival (USA). Her solo album Shine (2020) received critical acclaim and earned her a nomination as 'Best Folk Instrumentalist' at the RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards, as well as 'Female Musician of the Year' at the ASLR Celtic Music Awards.
Tom, raised in France by an Irish father and French mother, began playing Irish traditional music at age 12. He quickly developed a rhythmic, traveling style of piping influenced by icons like Johnny Doran and Paddy Keenan. A graduate of the MA in Irish Traditional Music Performance at the Irish World Academy, Tom has since toured extensively in over 20 countries, collaborating across genres with musicians, singer-songwriters, and theatre productions. His debut solo album The Lark’s Call (2022) was praised for its authenticity and thoughtful arrangements, further establishing him as one of the most exciting pipers of his generation.
The duo met in 2010 while studying at the University of Limerick and have been performing together ever since. Their 2017 duet album Never Say Goodbye, Say Good Luck received widespread acclaim for its heartfelt and dynamic take on Irish music. As performers, educators, and composers, Caroline and Tom are deeply embedded in the traditional scene both at home in Di**le, Co. Kerry, and around the globe. Whether on stage or in the classroom, their music is fun, soulful, and alive with tradition.
