Made up of Mary and Michele Nugent, Tom Kenna, Andrew Kennedy, Seamus Hayes and Brendan Hunter, The Cedartowns blend influences of blues, folk and pop sensibilities into a distinct and exciting new sound.
Well crafted original songs feature the blood harmonies of Mary and Michele Nugent, complemented by excellent musicianship.
A popular band on the festival scene, The Cedartowns have brought their dynamic and beautiful song-writing to the likes of the Gravity Festival, The Junction Festival, Clonacody house, Clonmel Busking, Clonmel Applefest and Cashel Arts festivals. They have played to sell-out gigs at the Clonmel & Portlaw Folk Clubs, Bunmahon Geopark and in 2017, played support to Anuna and Jack Lukeman at the Ballykeeffe Amphitheatre.
In 2018, the band released their debut EP Shelter, followed by single releases Appletown in 2019 and Cold Feet in 2021. They have, in 2022, with the new addition of Brendan Hunter on drums, finished the recording of brand new material which can be viewed in the video or EPK section on this site.
The Cedartowns' music is a journey of emotive melodies, foot-stomping tunes and sweet harmonies that translate beautifully from intimate setting to the stage.
Mary Nugent is a music-lover by nature who has grown into her singer/songwriter shoes after many years singing in folk settings with her sisters and later with her husband Seamus. Mary began recording original material many years ago but has found a musical home since co-founding 'The Woebegones', later renamed The Cedartowns - writing and co-writing much of the band's repetoire.
Michele Nugent is the vocal harmonist for the group. Having previously sung competitively with her family she returned to the stage with her sister Mary in 2013 for the formation of The Cedartowns”
Tom Kenna, vocalist and cittern/guitar player, has played with the National Folk Orchestra and made numerous appearances on TV and radio. He was featured on the ‘Geantrai 10 Year Best Of’ compilation DVD and is currently involved with the In Tune For Life Orchestra along with his time playing, singing and co-writing songs as part of 'The Cedartowns'.
Brendan started drumming for the Cedartowns in 2021. He brings experience in an array of genres, having played with various blues, rock and folk bands since the early 2000s, including the Mary Nugent Band where he first teamed up with Mary and Seamus.
Andrew Kennedy brings a fountain of experience to the band, having written and recorded with the hugely successful Royseven and Blancatransfer. He has played bass on the ‘Salt Water Joys’ album for Dunaill, and recently on the Cadhla album 'When Birds Are Sleeping' and has shared stages with the likes of Sinead O’ Connor, The Frames, Aslan, The Stunning, Bell X1, Paddy Casey, Sack and The Devlins.
Seamus Hayes brings a rich guitar knowledge to the table with years of performing and playing in rock and blues bands. He has played with the Scottish band Seannacie, with The Mary Nugent Band and also plays with blues band Mojod.