the olllam
Le Poisson Rouge168B Bleecker Street, New York 10012
the olllam comes to Le Poisson Rouge for a live set from the transatlantic instrumental collective. The group’s music joins Irish traditional elements, particularly pipes and whistles, to electric instruments and a full rhythm-section approach shaped by Detroit post-rock and psychedelic sensibilities. No additional performers, guest appearances, tribute theme, or special presentation are listed for the evening.
Founded in 2012, the olllam connects Belfast uilleann piper John McSherry with Detroit-based multi-instrumentalist Tyler Duncan, drummer Michael Shimmin and Joe Dart, the bassist also known for Vulfpeck. Its current lineup also includes Scottish whistle-player and piper Ross Ainslie, guitarist Seán O’Meara and keyboardist Joe Hettinga. The band’s debut won the Indie Acoustic Music Award for Best Instrumental Album, while 2022’s elllegy was named RTÉ Radio 1’s Best Group. They have toured with Vulfpeck members Theo Katzman and Woody Goss. Reviewers hear traditional music used as a “springboard” rather than a “straightjacket”: The Irish Times called the result a “wholly original collection,” while George Graham praised an appealing blend of “fusion, rock and Celtic.”
Le Poisson Rouge offers a versatile space where artistry meets nightlife, with a capacity of around 700 and a modular stage that adapts to diverse performances. The venue blends seated classical concerts with standing rock or DJ sets, creating a dynamic flow throughout the evening. Its design, by Walters-Storyk Design Group, ensures excellent acoustics and sightlines, allowing you to catch every detail from the front row to the back. The adjacent Gallery Bar provides a quieter spot with a small stage, perfect for more intimate moments. Expect a night that can shift from focused listening to lively dancing, with a full bar available but no full restaurant. Shows are ticketed, and buying ahead is recommended. The venue’s rich programming spans classical, indie, jazz, and more, reflecting its founders’ vision to fuse popular and art cultures in a single vibrant setting.