The Academic to perform for President Biden

Ahead of their upcoming tour across the US and Canada, The Academic have been confirmed to perform before President Joe Biden in Ballina this Friday.

President Biden will speak to an estimated crowd of approximately 20,000 in front of St Muredach’s Cathedral on Friday night, starting at approximately 9pm.

The Irish-Indie four-piece are Craig Fitzgerald, Dean Gavin, and brothers Matt and Stephen Murtagh, who hail from Killucan, Rochfortbridge and Rathwire respectively, and have just released a much anticipated second album, ‘Sitting Pretty’.

The US ambassador Claire Cronin said “I am delighted to announce that Irish bands The Coronas and The Academic and six-time Grammy Award-winning Irish folk band The Chieftains will be among those playing for President Biden and our Irish guests in Ballina on Friday night”

“I visited Ballina earlier this week, and the excitement and anticipation is palpable," continued the US Ambassador.

"This will be a once in a generation event, and I hope families and friends across the country will come to see the President of the United States speak in one of the places where his Irish family’s American journey began.”

This outdoor event is free and open to the public. Anyone wishing to attend should register online here or at ie.usembassy.gov to receive additional information.

Gates open at 5.30 p.m. and the official programme starts at 7pm