Folk singer and songwriter Tommy Sands has devoted his life to bringing people together through music, storytelling, and community. Raised in County Down and first gaining international recognition with The Sands Family, Tommy carried the songs and traditions of Ireland from the smallest of halls to major world stages, like New York’s Carnegie Hall and Moscow’s Olympic Stadium.
His songs which have been recorded by people, like Joan Baez and Pete Seeger have made their way into school books in Germany and can be heard in many a hushed public house, in Ireland today.
Widely respected for both his words and his music, Tommy became an important cultural voice during Northern Ireland’s peace process, and continues today, using songs and cross-community projects to encourage dialogue and understanding. His friendships and collaborations have included Nobel Prize-winning poet Seamus Heaney and American folk icon Pete Seeger, both of whom shared his belief in the power of music to unite people. His songs have been recorded by Joan Baez, Pete Seeger, Dolores Keane, the Dubliners and many others and translated into many languages.
Through his internationally recognised “Artsawonder” programme and his work with Harvard University, Tommy has continued exploring the connection between music, well-being, and peace-building all seamlessly woven into a great night of music and entertainment.