Over the past few years acclaimed Irish singer-songwriter Glen Hansard has organized the "Christmas Busk" on Grafton Street in Dublin, as a simple way to gather friends and play music. While the busk has grown over the years, it's goal has remained the same-to raise awareness and money for the homeless in Dublin and in particular the Simon Community. Profits from recent shows in Cork and Dublin also went toRight2Homes and Peter McVerry Trust. Take a look at this year's busk below!
The Simon Community was founded in 1969 by a group of Trinity and University College Dublin students. The organization is focused on providing supportive alternatives to people living in despair, enabling them to rebuild their lives and secure a safe home of their own.
Didn't He Ramble, Hansard's latest solo work, continues to receive widespread critical praise. Most recently, the album was nominated for Best Folk Album at the 2016 Grammy Awards and was included in various year-end best of lists including American Songwriter, Paste and The Bluegrass Situation. In addition, Hansard performed "Winning Streak" on "Conan."
Hansard is the celebrated principal songwriter and vocalist/guitarist for the influential Irish group The Frames. Whether busking the streets of Dublin, where he got his start, or headlining a gig, Hansard has garnered a reputation as an unparalleled frontman. Hansard is also one half of the acclaimed duo The Swell Season. In 2007, he and Czech songstress Markéta Irglová took home the Academy Award for Best Original Song for "Falling Slowly" off the Once soundtrack. In 2013, the Broadway adaptation, Once, The Musical, won eight Tony Awards including the top musical prize itself. His debut solo album Rhythm & Repose was released in 2012.
