CARSIE Blanton brings her hooks, chutzpah, and revolutionary optimism to Dolans this Thursday April 11.
Based in New Orleans and Louisiana, Carsie is no stranger to Limerick and Ireland, the songwriter stated in the past that she is a “Scotch-Irish Jew from the American South. I moved away from home at age 16 and have been touring since then, more or less. I’ve visited fifty US states and sixteen countries, and my favourite places so far are New Orleans and Ireland.”
Her previous shows at Dolans got rave reviews, everyone loved her mix of moxie and mischief, bringing her audience together in joyful celebration of everything worth fighting for through her potent mix of folk, jazz and country.
Past performances at Dolans garnered glowing reviews, as Carsie effortlessly wove a tapestry of moxie and mischief, uniting her audience in a jubilant celebration of life’s enduring causes. With a fusion of folk, jazz, and country, she channels influences like Nina Simone and John Prine, paying homage to the latter with her 2020 hit ‘Fishin with You,’ which has amassed over a million streams on Spotify.
Her affection for Ireland extends beyond the stage, having participated in a John Prine Tribute Concert in Dublin, leading to a guest slot on Declan O’Rourke’s tour. Since her initial tour in 2016, Carsie has frequented Irish shores, drawn by the literary prowess, political consciousness, and infectious humour of its people.
“I think I like it because Irish people tend to be very literary. They tend to know a lot of poetry and pay close attention to lyrics and songs and they have a good political consciousness.
And a good sense of humour. So that about does it for me.”
The title track from her current album, called ‘After The Revolution’ is a stirring anthem to hope in frightening times.
The new album is about” hope, and looking forward to the future and kind of trying to cultivate a little bit of revolutionary optimism.”
Looking at America from the outside at this distance in Ireland, it is a place we have taken inspiration from and love to visit but it looks very divided. Is there hope among people that you meet when you tour?
“It feels that way from the inside as well. But I’m the same. I love America. I love the people but I hate the employer.
“So sometimes it can be difficult to try and see through all the propaganda and just realise that most of us are caring, thoughtful people in this country, despite what it looks like.
“But yeah, it’s a very hard time. I mean, in a lot of parts of the world. I think that we’re entering a transitional time in human society and it can feel quite chaotic.
“So I really tried to create a sense of solidarity at my shows and help remind people that we’re all in it together.”
