Tara MacLean

An Evening of Song and Story

We are delighted to welcome award winning Canadian singer/songwriter Tara MacLean to Cork City for an intimate Monday night performance at Maureen's. Also a best selling author and playwright, Tara is in Ireland to launch her most recent book ‘ Song of the Sparrow’, and showcase the corresponding album. Tara will be accompanied by violinist Grainne White.

Doors at 6:45 for a 7 p.m start.

“She is extraordinary live and inspired me and my show in so many ways” – Dido

“Elegant emotionalism… at times a folkie, and others a fiery torch singer” – LA Times

“A stirring presence, who appears to have all the chops and artistry to fuel a bonfire” – Billboard

Tara MacLean is one of Canada’s most accomplished and compelling singer-songwriters, with a 25-year career built on world-class songwriting, fearless honesty, and deep emotional connection. Praised by Dido as “inspiring, painfully honest… funny and heartbreaking,” Tara has released seven acclaimed solo recordings and two with her band Shaye, following early signings with Nettwerk, Sony Music Publishing Canada, Capitol Records, and EMI Canada.

Her album Deeper earned SOCAN Songwriter of the Year, Solo Recording of the Year at the PEI Music Awards, and a Pop Album of the Year nomination at the ECMAs, with her duet This Storm named Song of the Year. She was nominated for Innovator of the Year at the East Coast Music Awards. Her most recent full length album, Sparrow, released as an accompaniment to her best selling memoir, won Single of the Year. Her live EP Live in my Hometown won Contemporary Roots Recording of the Year in 2025.

Beyond the studio, Tara is a magnetic live performer and storyteller. Her self-written, produced, and directed theatre show Atlantic Blue – The Stories of Atlantic Canada’s Iconic Songwriters enjoyed multiple sold-out summer seasons and was produced by the world-famous Charlottetown Festival, later performed with the PEI Symphony Orchestra. In recognition of both her artistic impact and her activism, she has received the Senate of Canada Medal and the Stompin’ Tom Award for outstanding contribution to music. An environmental and social justice activist, poet, playwright, and author, Tara released her first book Song of the Sparrow with HarperCollins in 2023. It was an instant best-seller, and was described as "A generous masterclass on courage, passion and resilience" by NYT bestselling author Marissa Stapely.

Tara's work is always shaped by experience, craft, and a deep love of life—intimate yet expansive, resonating powerfully with audiences who value lyrical depth and vulnerability. With a standout performance at the Glastonbury Festival in 2025, and a new album and book coming in 2027, don't miss the chance to see her live!