SongLives

Curated by Grammy Award-winner Susan McKeown

SongLives showcases some of Ireland and North America’s most exciting contemporary singer-songwriters, working on an intimate and personal scale, bringing the rich tradition of busking on Dublin’s Grafton Street and beyond to New York City.

Friday, June 10 | 8 PM

We/Or/Me and Vincent Cross

“Gorgeous…emotionally wrenching…delicate melodies and heartbreaking narratives...Reminiscent of Bert Jansch or Leonard Cohen.” — Robin Hilton, NPR, All Songs Considered

We/Or/Me is the musical alias of Bahhaj Taherzadeh, quite possibly the world’s only Persian-Irish singer/songwriter. Based in Chicago, and described by NPR Music as “gorgeous” and “reminiscent of Bert Jansch or Leonard Cohen,” We/Or/Me has grown to include a revolving cast of collaborators over the years including Vashti Bunyan and producer Brian Deck.

“He writes narrative songs he sings beautifully and wonderfully arranges, with traditional bluegrass instruments” — Moors Magazine on Vincent Cross

With roots in Ireland and Australia, New York City based, rustic singer-songwriter Vincent Cross exemplifies the folk song tradition. Drawing inspiration from old-time mountain music, British ballads and traditional bluegrass, Cross also lyrically expresses an observant modern sensibility. He tours extensively in the US, Europe and Australia.