Sharon Shannon is at the head of a list of Irish musicians spearheading a broadening of the traditional music horizons. Thoroughly versed in Irish music, she has not been afraid to mix her playing on accordion and fiddle (shes a double threat) with all manner of different styles — from reggae to country. Growing up in North County Clare, long a hotbed of traditional music, she was encouraged by local music teacher Frank Custy — her siblings Garry and Mary both played, too. By the time she was eight, Shannon was already performing in local group Disirt Tola, who released an album in 1984.