About CUAS

Méabh Ní Bheaglaoich (accordion, vocals), Nicole Ní Dhubhshláine (concertina, flute), Niamh Varian-Barry (fiddle, viola, vocals), and Kyle Macaulay (guitar, bouzouki) formed CUAS in early 2023, a collective dedicated to celebrating the vibrant and diverse musical traditions of West Kerry. Drawing inspiration from the emotive songs and dynamic dance traditions of the region, the group places the intrinsic connection between listener and performer at the core of their performances.

Their self-titled debut album, released in May 2024, was a live recording captured in Seanscoil a' Chuasa before an intimate audience of friends and family.

CUAS has performed at festivals across Ireland, including Tradfest, Other Voices, The Gathering, and Féile na Bealtaine. Regular performances on national television includ include Fáilte 2024, Bláth na hÓige, Fleadh TV, and Scoil Cheoil an Earraigh. In 2024, they performed in the National Concert Hall (NCH) with dancer Stephanie Keane as part of the Irish Traditional Music Archive’s Drawing from the Well series.

Invigorating polkas and slides, original compositions, and traditional West Kerry songs come alive in the hands of four of Ireland’s most exciting musicians.

CUAS Live Album 2024

To us, traditional music is about the inexplicable and intangible connection between performer and listener. For an audience present at a passionate and soulful presentation of traditional music the experience can be truly life changing.

Master musicians Tony MacMahon and Noel Hill successfully captured the raucous energy of Clare music and dance on their 1985 release “i gCnoc na Graí” when they transported the imaginations of listeners worldwide to a crowded pub in Co. Cork.

Indeed, West Kerry music, song, and dance bares many of the hallmark traits that Hill & MacMahon expressed in their music: the freedom, the wildness, and the passion. It seemed appropriate that we would try to emulate this spirited approach in our recording.

And so, we invited 50 friends, family members, set dancers, and enthusiastic strangers to an old schoolhouse in Cuas a’ Bhodaigh to join us in a night celebrating local music, song, and dance. We hope that the ensuing 14 track highlights from that evening give you a sense of the energy and warmth that we shared that night.