Irish composer and guitarist Dave Flynn is making his Eastern Bay debut this month, with a packed week-and-a-half of musical events planned.

He is returning to New Zealand with an expansion of his acclaimed show Celtic Guitar Journey, blending familiar Celtic sounds and incorporating different musical styles he has gathered from travelling the globe.

His 2025 tour will include compositions such as the Irish haka O’Neill’s March, arrangements of O’Carolan’s baroque harp music as well as Celtic jigs and reels.

“I have my guitar, and I play it like the Irish harp at times. I combine the Celtic harp and classical guitar styles, and parts of the Irish fiddle and piping I translate to my guitar.

“I even tune the guitar in my own way to create a specific blend,” Flynn said.

The tour will begin with a pōwhiri and concert for the Kawerau community at Rautahi Marae on February 16.

“It will be my first time playing on a marae, and I can’t think of a better way to start the tour,” he said.

He is excited to share his music and collaborate with other musicians connected to the marae.

“I’m hoping to learn some waiata.”

This concert has the support of the Kawerau Creative Communities Committee, Rautahi Marae trustees and Tūhoe ki Kawerau Kapa Haka whānau and their manaakitanga.

He is working behind the scenes to play alongside Kawerau’s kapa haka group and local te reo Māori vocalists.

He will also be performing at Tait Kora’s music and coffee bar Tait5 on February 20, with Kora providing an opening performance.

Tickets for this event are limited because of the boutique size of venue, creating an up close and personal experience for the audience.

Flynn will then take his show to Ōpōtiki’s Senior Citizen’s Hall on February 21, with support from local act Krisandra.

Tickets for the Whakatāne and Ōpōtiki events are available in advance online from undertheradar.co.nz.

Flynn will end this leg of the tour with a show in Tauranga’s 16th Avenue Theatre on February 22, before taking his tour to Whangateau and Hokitika.

Alongside the concerts, Flynn is holding a workshop for the Whakatāne Community Orchestra.

Using his experience as an orchestra director, he will coach local conductors in the art of orchestra direction.

“We are hoping to bring new life back to the community and help reengage aspiring conductors with the mystery of conducting.”

Although it is Flynn’s first time in the Eastern Bay, he is no stranger to touring New Zealand.

“New Zealand is twice the size of Ireland, but the same population, so it’s very interesting to tour around.

“There are so many different places, some quirky, some spiritual, some artistic and lively,” he said.

He often turns around compositions and music from his travels.

“Last year, we were minding a dog in Tauranga and I wrote a couple of tunes for the dog because he was so lovely.”

He hopes to find inspiration for his music in the Eastern Bay.

“I already feel welcome even though I’m not even there yet,” he said.

He is grateful to Culture Ireland and Eastern Bay of Plenty project facilitator Lee Barton for making the tour possible.