With the Temple Bar Trad Fest now in full swing, here are five unmissable acts that you can catch over the weekend. Firstly let's focus on some fiddlers because we have the cream of the fiddling elite on our doorstep including the Godfather of fiddling himselfBrian Rooney. Brian is now an internationally recognised fiddler known for his pure traditional style. In the early nineties he was still playing pub sessions in London. However with the encouragement of some of London's up and coming young players he went into the studio and released his debut album in 1999 called The Godfather, and has not looked back since.

One of those younger players was fiddler John Carty who will also appear with Brian on the night. Both are appearing as part of a show called London Calling which will also feature the amazing talents of Órlaith McAuliffe a young London flute player who was the Senior All-Ireland Champion on both flute and whistle in 2011. Don't know who she is? Then Google "Orlaith McAuliffe at Echoes of Erin, 2011" and be amazed. She will appear with her new band Crossharbour. Also appearing on the same stage will be The London Lasses and Pete Quinn. All of these artists will appear at a show called London Calling at 8pm on Saturday 26th in City Hall. For tickets and more information check here. 

Crossing over the Atlantic to New York we have their finest also appearing at the Trad Fest over the weekend. Pride of New York features the amazing talents of four of New York's best. All accomplished stars in their own right, they are Joanie Madden ( flute ), Brian Conway ( fiddle ), Brendan Dolan ( Keyboards ) and Billy McComiskey ( Accordion ). Their collective contribution to this tradition can't be overstated and their shows are legendary. They appear on Friday 25th January at 8pm in City Hall. For tickets and more information check here.

Finally the ever present force that is Sharon Shannon & Friends will celebrate 21 years of her outstanding contribution to Irish Music in the iconic settings of Saint Patrick's Cathedral on both Friday 25th and Saturday 26th at 8pm. For tickets and more information check here.

Preview by Tony Lawless of TradConnect.com