Connla are an exciting new band with strong traditional roots as well as influences from across the globe. Their sensitive and innovative arrangements of traditional and modern folk songs and tunes have earned them praise across the folk community. Having met whilst studying Music at Ulster University, they quickly began performing together and developing friendships. They hail from the cities of Armagh and Derry: Ciara McCafferty (vocals), Ciaran Carlin (whistles) and Paul Starrett (guitar) are familiar faces on the local music scene, and are joined by Armagh siblings Emer and Conor Mallon on harp and uilleann pipes. This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts & cultural heritage fund.