Gráinne Hunt & Jules Stewart – Bi-Continental Queer Folk Duo - A Standout Irish Vocalist and Songwriter; sponsored by Culture Ireland

Gráinne Hunt is one of Ireland’s most compelling vocalists and songwriters, known for deeply personal songs and a commanding vocal presence. Performing as a duo with San Diego–based drummer and vocalist Jules Stewart, Hunt expands her work into a dynamic bi-continental queer folk collaboration marked by close harmonies, emotional clarity, and strong musical chemistry. With comparisons ranging from Tracy Chapman and Natalie Merchant to Indigo Girls and Brandi Carlile, their performances balance intimacy and power—an ideal fit for the attentive, welcoming setting of Godfrey Daniels.


SPONSORED BY CULTURE IRELAND | cultureireland.ie

SPONSORED BY WDIY 88.1 FM | WDIY.ORG

Gráinne Hunt & Jules Stewart
grainnehunt.com

(pronounced Gron-ya)

Gráinne Hunt & Jules Stewart – Bi-Continental Queer Folk Duo

A queer, nu-folk singer-songwriter with a voice like complex coffee, Gráinne Hunt is one of Ireland’s most compelling vocalists and songwriters - blending raw emotion, commanding power, and a voice that stops audiences in their tracks.

“The Irish Joni.” Michael Londra
“An astounding voice that will melt your heart. No crowd can resist.” Declan O’Rourke

Performing as a duo with San Diego’s Jules Stewart on drums and vocals, the pair create a sound that’s been compared to The Indigo Girls and Brandi Carlile - rich harmonies, heartfelt stories, and magnetic onstage chemistry. Together, they’ve been described as “the bi-continental queer folk duo you didn’t know you needed in your life.”

“Your music has that rare mix of nostalgia and freshness -impossible to box into one genre. It just wraps around you and makes you feel good inside.” Adi, Festival Producer, Bear Music Festival
“A flawless, fabulous performance.” Jonny, Café #9, Sheffield

Gráinne’s original work - two solo albums and a new live EP - draws from deeply personal experiences, weaving stories of pain, longing, and joy that have earned her comparisons to Tracy Chapman and Natalie Merchant. Her powerhouse performances have taken her from stages with Glen Hansard and U2, to opening for Gladys Knight and Mary Black. After showcasing at Folk Alliance International 2024, she secured an O-1 visa to cement her presence in the U.S. In 2025, she showcased at Celtic Connections, completed two U.S. tours, and premiered her new show Queer Arrivals at the Liverpool Irish Festival. 2026 begins with another Folk Alliance showcase in New Orleans, followed by a tour of Australia including Port Fairy Folk Festival and a return to the U.S.

Beyond her solo work, Gráinne collaborates widely - most notably with guitarist Brendan Walsh on Songs from Ireland and Hibsen, a literary folk project inspired by James Joyce’s Dubliners.

“The hardest working woman in Irish music.” Glen Hansard

Jules Stewart, based in San Diego, CA, is an accomplished drummer and vocalist with over 25 years of experience performing with artists including Gráinne Hunt, Lindsay White, and Please Ask for Paul. Known for her dynamic precision and deep musical sensitivity, Jules brings both groove and grace to every collaboration. She’s been featured in DRUM! magazine’s New Blood column, the San Diego Troubadour, and on The Up and Coming Drummer Podcast.

Together, Gráinne and Jules deliver an intimate yet powerful live experience - soaring harmonies, emotional storytelling, and connection that transcends borders.