The Seeger Sessions Revival at VISUAL Carlow

Bruce Springsteen’s 2006 album We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions reworked American folk and gospel standards with a huge backing band, and this touring revival brings a 13-piece ensemble to VISUAL Carlow to recreate that scale live - fiddles, banjo, brass, accordion and a full vocal section rather than a stripped-down covers act.

What to Expect

The size of the band is the whole point: where most tribute shows trim a catalogue down to a four- or five-piece, this production keeps the horn section, the strings and the choral backing vocals that made the original album sound like a revival meeting. Expect a set that swings between rowdy, danceable group numbers and quieter, more solemn ballads, with the band actively encouraging clapping, dancing and singing along rather than a seated, watch-only concert. It suits an audience that likes Americana and folk as much as Springsteen specifically.

Good to Know

• Sunday 18 October 2026, 8pm.
• Tickets €31.50 including booking fee, online at visualcarlow.ticketsolve.com, in person or by phone through the box office (059 917 2400).
• The George Bernard Shaw Theatre, VISUAL Carlow, Old Dublin Road, Carlow Town.
• Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable; groups of more than 8 or wheelchair users should contact the box office directly.

Getting There

VISUAL is on the Old Dublin Road on the northern edge of Carlow Town, with its own car park. It’s roughly a 20-minute walk from Carlow railway station on the Dublin Heuston to Waterford line, or a short taxi ride.

About the Venue

VISUAL opened in 2009 on land donated by Carlow College, built after an international design competition won by British architect Terry Pawson. The complex pairs the 330-seat George Bernard Shaw Theatre with gallery space that stages around 15 exhibitions a year, and admission to the galleries is free, Tuesday to Saturday 11am to 5:30pm and Sunday 2pm to 5pm. It’s worth building in time before or after a show to see what’s currently on display.