Irish Trad Music Blog

Learn the Tin Whistle in 2024

2024-01-05T14:24:00.000-08:00

A guide of free resources and material for learning the Irish tin whistle in 2024:

https://www.tradschool.com/en/irish-music/learn-the-tin-whistle-in-2024-a-free-resource-guide/

Shannon’s Lovely Vale

2014-05-09T09:05:00.003-07:00

English: Listowel Bridge, Co Kerry. Bridge of the River Feale in Listowel, Co. Kerry (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Debut Album set for release by the All–Ireland Champions Shannon Vale Céilí Band
www.shannonvaleceiliband.com

Following on from their St. Patrick’s Day performance at Áras an
Uachtaráin, Kerry’s award winning Shannon Vale Céilí Band are preparing
to launch their debut album in Listowel, Co. Kerry on June 7th.

Shannon’s Lovely Vale takes it’s title from a newly composed tune by
renowned musician and composer, Maurice Lennon, of Stockton’s Wing fame.
Having composed this piece in honour of the band, Lennon also features
as guest artist on the recording. The album includes music and song of
North Kerry, much of which previously has been unrecorded.

The band comprises an impressive line–up of musicians featuring Sheila
Garry and Colm Kissane (Fiddles), Marianne Browne (Flute/ Whistles), Joe
O’Sullivan (Flute/Vocals), Mike Collins (Banjo/Mandolin/Flute), John
Collins (Drums), and Patsy Broderick, formerly of Arcady, features on
Piano. Critically acclaimed accordionist Danny O’Mahony is the driving
force behind the band. The combined result is a powerful and dynamic
overall sound, enriched by the spectrum of individual styles and a
shared appreciation of the North Kerry tradition.

The original band was formed in Ballyduff in 1960 by Dr. Mick Sweeney.
Following the revival of the Shannon Vale by leader Danny O’Mahony in
2009, they have since achieved huge success including winning the
coveted title of All–Ireland Senior Céilí Band Champions at Fleadh
Cheoil na hÉireann 2011.

The album will be officially launched on Saturday June 7th at 8pm in
The Listowel Arms Hotel, Listowel, Co. Kerry. Among the special guest
artists who will appear in concert on the night include Maurice Lennon,
Cyril O’Donoghue, Johnny Ringo McDonagh, Sliabh Luachra Set Dancers, and
world champion dancers Niamh O’Brien & Tomás Ó Sé. “Enduring vigour
and elegance from the rich musical tapestry of North Kerry; music of
heart & soul; as good as it gets” Joanie Madden – Cherish the Ladies

Shannon’s Lovely Vale is now available to purchase/download exclusively from www.shannonvaleceiliband.com

Music Network Presents The Iona Connection

2014-05-08T05:02:00.005-07:00

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Alasdair Fraser, Natalie Haas & Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh
Sunday, May 18th, 8pm
€15/€12

“The musical chemistry between Scottish fiddle legend Alasdair Fraser
and young cello ace Natalie Haas is a rare, felicitous thing.” - Boston
Herald

“Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh’s beautiful airs had us begging for more. Every
corner seemed to echo with her voice long after the music had stopped.”
- Dublin Evening Press

Music Network Presents The Iona Connection: Nasc Oileán Í, Featuring
Alasdair Fraser (fiddle), Natalie Haas (cello) and Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh
(fiddle/voice) on Sunday 18 May 2014 at Riverbank Arts Centre, Main
Street, Newbridge, Co. Kildare

Music Network is delighted to present Scotland’s Alasdair Fraser on
fiddle, Californian cellist Natalie Haas and Donegal singer and fiddler
Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh in an exploration of connections between
traditional Scots, Irish and American Old Time music. Join them on
Sunday 18 May at Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge, Co. Kildare as they
follow in the musical footsteps of tunes that have emigrated and found
their way home once more.

The remote Hebridean isle of Iona is a unique place, sitting at the
crossroads of Irish and Scottish culture and at the same time a sending
place for monks and travellers sailing west to the New World. It’s the
inspiration for Scots fiddler Alasdair Fraser, Californian cellist
Natalie Haas and Donegal native Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh as they explore the
connections between traditional Irish, Scottish and Old Time American
music, following in the musical footsteps of tunes that have emigrated
and found their way home once more.

The result: all the raw beauty and energy you’d expect from a
community on the edge of the known world, as Haas returns the cello to
its historical role at the rhythmic heart of Scottish dance music. It’s a
dream collaboration for Fraser, long regarded as one of Scotland’s
premier fiddlers and a proud ambassador for Gaelic culture and
traditions. He and Haas have been creating a buzz at festivals and
concert halls across Europe and America, and for this tour they are
performing for the first time with the inestimable Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh.
One of the foremost singers in the Irish language and co-founder of
trad legends Altan, Mairéad will revisit the themes of ‘Edge’ and
‘Threshold’ explored on her first solo album ‘Imeall’, together with
Haas and Fraser.

Music Network tours provide a wonderful opportunity to see some of
the world’s foremost musicians at affordable prices in venues around
Ireland, and are presented in association with RTÉ lyric fm. Music
Network is funded by the Arts Council.

For more information, visit www.riverbank.ie.
To book tickets, visit box office or call 045 448327.

Fleadh Nua, Ennis - 18-26 May 2014

2014-05-06T09:10:00.001-07:00

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Fleadh Nua, Ennis: This year, 2014, marks the 40th anniversary of the first Fleadh Nua in Ennis and since 1974 it has developed from a 3 day event to a festival spanning 8 days, with more than 120 separate events, where there is a welcome for everyone. There are many Irish traditional festivals organised throughout the summer months but there are few people who will dispute that Fleadh Nua which started in Dublin in 1970, is the forerunner of them all. The concept of bringing together concerts, céilithe, music, song and dancing workshops, street entertainment, and much more was innovative in its time. However, it's still a winning formula today as evidenced by the thousands of visitors who flock to the festival every May for a week of unsurpassed traditional entertainment. Contact 00353 65 6824276 & ceoltrad@eircom.net

The Irish Music School of Chicago Announces 4th Annual Francis O'Neill Irish Arts Week Kids Day Camp

2014-05-02T09:30:00.002-07:00

Chicago Police Chief Francis O'Neill 1901–1905 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Irish Music School of Chicago proudly announces its fourth annual Francis O'Neill Irish Arts Week Kids Day Camp from July 21-26, 2014. The week provides a unique learning opportunity by bringing master traditional Irish musicians to Chicago to teach the many facets of traditional Irish arts to children ages 6-14. The Kids Day Camp teaches a wide range of subjects including traditional Irish music, singing, dancing, language and Celtic arts and crafts to children with no experience necessary. The camp takes place at Chief O'Neill's at 3471 N. Elston Ave. in Chicago Monday, July 21 through Friday, July 25, 9am-3pm with a finale recital for friends and family on Saturday, July 26. Buffet lunch including many traditional Irish dishes is provided Monday-Friday for the campers and is included in the cost of camp ($300 early registration through May 15, $350 late registration begins May 16).
Chicago has a long history with traditional Irish music and the events of Francis O’Neill Irish Arts Week serve to continue that rich heritage. The Francis O’Neill Irish Arts Week further serves to cement Chicago’s historic place as a bastion of Irish music. The week pays fitting homage to former Chicago Police Chief, Captain Francis O’Neill, who preserved traditional Irish music for future generations. The week continues that legacy by passing the beauty of traditional Irish arts to the next generation during the Kids Day Camp and also offers evening and weekend programming for adults.
The faculty for the 2014 Francis O'Neill Irish Arts Week includes some of the best traditional Irish music and dance teachers in the world including members of one of Ireland's leading traditional bands, Téada. The faculty and their specialties are Seán Cleland (fiddle), Danny Collins (piano accordion, tenor banjo, bodhrán, céilí dancing), Róisín Comer (concertina, tin whistle, Irish flute, Irish language), Pauline Conneely (tin whistle, tenor banjo), Kathy Cowan (singing in Irish and English), Seán Gavin (tin whistle, Irish flute), Oisín Mac Diarmada (fiddle), Seán Mc Elwain (guitar), Robert McLeod (fiddle, tin whistle), Dierdre Millane (piano, Irish language), Rosemary O'Malley (fiddle, tin whistle), Tristan Rosenstock (bodhrán, Irish language and poetry), and Damien Stenson (Irish flute).

Early registration for camp runs through May 15 at $300 which includes daily lunch Monday-Friday provided by Chief O'Neill's.
Late registration begins May 16 at the rate of $350.
Registration and additional information are available at http://www.irishmusicschool.org/francis-oneill-irish-arts-week.
Additional questions can be directed to info(at)irishmusicschool(dot)org or (773) 412-5082.

About the Irish Music School of Chicago
The Irish Music School of Chicago is a leader in teaching traditional Irish music to students of all ages by utilizing the traditional methods of teaching by ear and telling the stories behind the tunes, and the significance of being part of a living musical community. As a not-for-profit organization, the Irish Music School is committed to maintaining the strong tradition of Irish music, song and dance, to involve more people in the community of Irish music, and ensure that this type of music does not disappear in Chicago and the United States.

ITMA wins 2014 IAML excellence award for music libraries

2014-05-02T07:50:00.002-07:00

The home of the Irish Traditional Music Archive - Taisce Cheol Dúchais Éireann at 73 Merrion Square, Dublin 2, Ireland (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Irish Traditional Music Archive is delighted to have been chosen by the International Association of Music Libraries (UK & Ireland) as one of the 2014 winners of its prestigious Excellence Award for Music Libraries, recently presented at a ceremony in Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge.

The Award celebrates institutional and individual excellence, and acknowledges ‘activity in music libraries which demonstrates sustained good work and good practice with the potential to be adopted and adapted by others’. It is presented every two years. The nominations for this year’s awards were judged by a panel of experts from both the music and library worlds, chaired by Professor Jan Smaczny of Queen’s University, Belfast.

ITMA is the only Irish institutional award winner of the year, and it was joined on the day by British libraries which included the British Library Music Collections, the Library of Cardiff University, the Library of the Royal Northern College of Music, and the Library of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

In its observations on ITMA, the judging panel said that its service was ‘particularly commended for the very wide–ranging collection which is of national and international significance, its contribution to Europeana, the sizeable staff with broad and appropriate skills, the collection’s open accessibility which is clearly widely regarded as a model for such repositories, and the strong and attractive website’.

For further information, see http://www.iaml.info/iaml-uk-irl/news/excellence_2014.pdf and www.itma.ie , or contact ITMA at +353-(0)1-6619699.

Féile Chois Cuain this weekend

2014-05-02T07:47:00.000-07:00

Approaching Louisburgh from Leenane (Photo credit: Diego Sideburns)

THE twentieth annual Féile Chois Cuain takes place over this May Bank Holiday weekend, from Friday May 2 to Monday, May 5, and will once again host many of the most notable traditional artists from home and abroad.
From its inception in 1995, Féile Chois Cuain, has put its emphasis on quality and the festival continues to attract the cream of traditional artists, gaining it an enviable reputation at home and abroad. The committee has again invited outstanding traditional arts exponents to teach classes and play in concerts and sessions over the May Bank Holiday weekend, as has been the case since the first one in 1995.
Anyone with even a passing interest in traditional arts will recognise the artists listed in the programme. The list abounds with All-Ireland and Oireachtas champions and fourteen teachers will be involved in passing on their expertise in music (seven instruments), song (sean-nós and ballads) and set-dancing. It is a wonderful opportunity to have such renowned tutors give master-classes and perform in concerts and sessions. The tutors are on a par with those teaching at the All-Ireland Fleadh Cheóil Scoil Éigse and at the Willie Clancy Festival.
Apart from those listed on the programme, the committee has engaged numerous other artists. For many, recognising the quality of the festival, Féile Chois Cuain, has become an annual pilgrimage. Musicians and trad enthusiasts alike flock to one of the country’s most scenic areas to enjoy this celebration of Irish culture. Féile Chois Cuain has gone from strength to strength over the years and Louisburgh is the place to be for the best of music, song and dance, ceol, craic, cairdeas agus cuideachta from 2nd to 5th May - undoubtedly a weekend not to be missed.
Féile Chois Cuain provides a significant boost to the commercial life of the area and attracts visitors from far and wide – home and abroad. This is due to the reputation Féile has gained for the quality of its artists, but also for its unique atmosphere. Performers and visitors have remarked on the friendliness of the people and the respect shown to the performers. The absence of competitions adds to the relaxed atmosphere and the mix of concerts, classes, céilí and sessions have proved a popular format.
The Festivities get under way with a Youth Concert commencing at 7.30pm on Friday which features local and visiting young musicians, many who have gained honours at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann. All are welcome to the official opening at 9.30pm in ‘An Bhun Abhainn’ and informal sessions will be the order of the evening in all local pubs.
Saturday has a very full programme of events, commencing with classes in music, singing and set dance, from 10.30am to 4pm. This year sees the addition of a harp class. The tutors are all outstanding exponents of the traditional arts.
At 4.15pm a sean-nós singing session, featuring some of the most decorated sean-nós singers of our time, takes place in the Parochial Hall.
The Grand concert at 8.45pm is one of the highlights of the weekend. The concert features music, song and dance with Laoise Kelly, Colm O’Donnell, Maire Ní Choilm, John Regan, Angela Deane, Tara Breen, Jillian O’Malley, Muireann Banks and Edwina Guckian among a host of artists taking part.
The Sunday afternoon concert “Macallaí thar Farraige” / “Echoes from Abroad” features artists who were born or are living abroad. Among those taking part will be Patsy Moloney, John Blake, Catherine and John McEvoy, Ciarán O’Grady, Theresa O’Grady, Joe O’Connor, Frank Baynes, John Burke, Carmel Commins, Coventry Comhaltas and many more.
Neill O’Neill

MUSIC Féile Chois Cuain celebrates 20 years

Scoil Acla Summer School

2014-04-26T06:46:00.002-07:00

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

July 26th – August 2nd, 2014
www.scoilacla.com
Achill Island, Co. Mayo
The annual Scoil Acla summer school takes place on Achill Island, Co. Mayo. Scoil Acla is Ireland’s oldest summer school, originally founded in 1910 and re–launched in 1985.
Scoil Acla follows the usual format of daily music classes which run from Monday to Saturday on the following instruments, accordion, banjo, flute, concertina, fiddle, harp, tin whistle, uilleann pipes and bodhrán with beginners, intermediate and advanced students being catered for on all instruments. Other workshops available are in Art, creative writing, basket weaving, dancing and a course on Gaeilg’ Acla, the Achill dialect of Irish. Throughout the week they have recitals, poetry readings, creative writing readings, indoor and outdoor concerts, sessions, walks, talks, exhibitions and much more. Scoil Acla invites a musician in residence each year to attend the summer school. Previous musicians in residence include: John E Lavelle, Joe Burke and Ann Conroy Burke, Liam O’Connor, John Carty, Mary Bergin, Laoise Kelly, Catherine McEvoy, Michael O’Raghallaigh, Mick O’Brien,Treasa Ní Cheannabhain, Brenndán Ó Beaglaoich and Eileen O’Brien many of whom have joined them as tutors. Why not join them on Ireland’s largest island for a summer school of music, culture, history agus gaeilge. Is i ár dTeanga is ár gceol ár nDúchas

‘Ó nach breá a bheith ag siúl na trá, is ag fánaíocht faoin spéir,
Faoi dhraíocht ag cur na mara ann, is a cheol i ndeireadh lae, In Acaill aoibhinn álainn glas is binne glór na n–éan, Ó gabh i leith, tabhair cuairt gan teip, ar a muintir Ghaelach shéimh,’ (Brian Ó Baoill 2010).

For further information visit the website www.scoilacla.com their Twitter or Facebook profiles or email: info@scoilacla.com

Union stage Irish Music & Dance Session to support Manchester Rose

2014-04-24T10:11:00.000-07:00

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

A special fundraising event to support Mairead Hussey will be staged at the Union Inn ion Levenshulme on Tuesday 13 May
The Levenshulme Pub Company, the Keegan Academy of Irish Dance, the Manchester Mayo Tourism and Business group and the Full Irish Radio have all joined forces to stage a special fund raising event to support Manchester’s New Rose of Tralee winner – Mairead Hussey.
The group will be staging a mammoth Irish Music and Dancing session in the Union Inn on Stockport Road in Levenshulme. The Levenshulme Pub Company are donating all the bar takings from the event to help support Mairead and her sponsors The Keegan Academy of Irish Dance who are going over for trip the Regional Final.
Mairead commented “I’m really excited about the Rose of Tralee Regional Final in Ireland and the tremendous amount of support that I have been getting from everyone in Manchester. I’m hoping that all my friends and family will come down to play a few tunes or show us a step or just to enjoy the craic. It would be great to set a new record for cramming the most musicians and dancers performing in a pub.”
Lawrence Hennigan the CEO of the Levenshulme Pub Company and one of the directors of the Manchester Mayo Business and Tourism group commented “We are delighted to be involved with this fund raising event to support Mairead in her quest to represent Manchester in the Rose of Tralee and the Keegan Academy who sponsored her in the Manchester heat. As a musician she has always supported us in numerous community events and we are happy to support her. I also know that all the dancers in the Keegan Academy are behind her all the way. I have even got a special table set up for Declan Murphy to perform his Sean Nos Table dancing.”
The event organizers are looking to enlist as many Irish musicians and dancers as possible to perform at the session which will be staged from 7pm-10pm on Tuesday 13 May and its free entry. To register your interest in performing at the event or donating a prize for the raffle just email mayomanchester@gmail.com or loukeegan@yahoo.com
The Regional final is to be held Portlaoise Heritage Hotel in Portlaoise, Co. Laois from Wednesday 28 May to Sunday 1 June.
For more information visit www.roseoftralee.ie

Union stage Irish Music & Dance Session to support Manchester Rose - Mairead Hussey | Manchester Irish Festival

London Irish Centre presents: John Spillane (Intimate Solo Show)

2014-04-23T09:40:00.004-07:00

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Saturday 26 April @ London Irish Centre, London, GB

We're delighted to welcome John Spillane back to The London Irish Centre.
JOHN SPILLANE is a musician, songwriter, performer, recording artist, storyteller, poet, dreamer - a canvass filled with color and brilliance. His music transports the listener; his live performance captivates the audience. In a world filled with strife and upheaval, a time-out with John Spillane is enough to ease the load a bit on anyone lucky enough to bask in his light. The man and his music are pure magic.
What makes John special is that he is an artist who knows how to deliver all that he has to offer to anyone of any age, male or female, no matter the musical preference. Place him in the genre of folk, acoustic, traditional, world or pop - that’s fine with John. He’s a man who is very comfortable in his skin. Whether performing solo with guitar, with gentle accompaniment or with full band before 10, 10,000 or 100,000, John entertains, charms, and mesmerizes.

London Irish Centre on Music Glue

‘We Banjo 3’ to play Strule Arts Centre in Omagh

2014-04-23T06:45:00.001-07:00

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

On Friday 9 May at 8pm We Banjo 3 will be performing at Strule Arts Centre.
The award-winning quartet from Galway, Ireland combine Irish Music with Old-Time American and Bluegrass influences to reveal the banjo’s rich legacy and roots.
When this band of brothers take flight in a wave of virtuosity, verve and joie-de-vivre, feet tap and pulses race.
Enda & Fergal Scahill and Martin & David Howley are among the most celebrated and distinguished young musicians in Ireland today. Featuring banjo, fiddle, mandolin, guitar, vocals and percussion.
We Banjo 3 make a bold and extraordinary musical statement. Creativity, sensitivity and passion are present in full measure and Irish music is at the heart of what they play.
Their debut album Roots of the Banjo Tree won Irish Times Trad Album of the Year and Album of the Year in the Chicago publication Irish American News. We Banjo 3 have been racking up acclaim in recent times with headline appearances at the biggest folk festivals in the US, Ireland and the UK. 2014 will see the band hit new heights as they release their second album in the summer and embark on tours of the US, South America, Germany, Norway, Switzerland, France and Japan. Join us at Strule Arts Centre for a fantastic night of music!
“Three ultra-talented Irish performers… freshness and finesse bordering on magical” - Earle Hitchner, Music Writer, Wall Street Journal
For more information on upcoming events please go to our website www.struleartscentre.co.uk or visit our Facebook page facebook.com/struleartscentre

‘We Banjo 3’ to play Strule Arts Centre in Omagh - Mid Ulster Mail

The Boróimhe Suite (1014-2014)

2014-04-22T08:01:00.003-07:00

Brian Boru, King of Munster (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Composed and Directed by Michael Rooney for the The National Folk Orchestra of Ireland.
For the Millennium Celebration of Brian Ború in 2014 - Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann has commissioned composer Michael Rooney to write a suite of music reflecting the life of Brian Ború. The Suite will be performed in four Irish venues by the National Folk Orchestra Ireland during Easter week 2014. The Orchestra, which will include both traditional and classical musicians, will be made up of the leading young musicians from around the country and will be augmented by dancers, singers and actors.
2014 marks the 1,000 anniversary of the Battle of Clontarf, where Brian Ború defeated the Vikings but was slain in battle. The Government and Local Authorities around the country will mark this momentous date with a variety of events and festivals throughout the year.
As part of the celebrations, Comhaltas has commissioned composer Michael Rooney to write a suite of music, song and dance reflecting the life of Brian Ború. The reformed Comhaltas National Folk Orchestra of Ireland will perform the suite in Killaloe, Armagh, Cashel and Dublin over the Easter period in 2014 and at Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann in Sligo.

Michael Rooney is widely regarded as one of the finest exponents of the Irish harp in traditional Irish music. Originally from Scotstown, Co. Monaghan, Michael has composed seven major suites of music in the past fifteen years, including ‘The Battle of the Books Suite’, ‘The Famine Suite’ and ‘The Millennium Suite’. His most recent suite ‘The De Cuellar Suite’ was premiered in Sligo 2011 and featured at the Temple Bar Trad Festival in 2013. Michael’s music also featured on RTE’s recent documentary of Queen Elizabeth’s visit to Ireland “ The Queen’s Speech’.He is much in demand as an arranger, musician and accompanist in traditional music circles.
Choreographers, Colette McAllister and Niall Holly have many years experience between them. Colette has choreographed many of the Comhaltas Tours over the years and was responsible for a Dance version of Shaun Davey’s “Brendan Voyage” that toured Brittany in the 1980’s –predating Riverdance by almost 15 years. Niall danced the lead in “Lord of the Dance” and has been both All Ireland and World Champion. He has also taught a number of current Champions.
The Comhaltas National Folk Orchestra was originally formed in the 1980’s and is comprised of 50 of the leading young Traditional and Classical musicians, from all over Ireland.

Wed 23 Apr	St Flannan’s Church, Killaloe	8:30pm	€20 - 086 803 5157 (Úna Kierse)
Thurs 24 Apr	Brú Ború Cultural Centre, Cashel	8:30pm	€20 - bruboru.ie

Comhaltas: Blog: The Boróimhe Suite (1014-2014)

Seán Tyrrell launches new album in Matt Molloy’s

2014-04-22T07:55:00.002-07:00

Galway Bay near County Clare. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Moonlight On Galway Bay’, the much-anticipated album of big songs by Seán Tyrrell, is finally here, and the acclaimed folk singer will launch the album in Matt Molloy’s Pub in Westport this coming Thursday night, April 24, at 8pm
The idea for the album was dreamt up back in the early ’90s by Davy Spillane, who suggested these classics tracks be covered. A chance request for ‘Galway Bay’ from an old lady at the Milwaukee festival many years later got Seán thinking. Once he read the lyrics, he was hooked.
Humbled by what he had ignorantly regarded as songs for the corned-beef and cabbage circuit, he set to work learning them. He has taken old gems and lovingly breathed new life into them, presenting them in his own unmistakeable style. These songs include ‘Danny Boy’, ‘Galway Bay’, ‘I’ll Take You Home Again Kathleen’, ‘The Black Velvet Band’, ‘Come Back Paddy Reilly’.
No big symphonic manoeuvres here: For Seán it is always about the lyric and getting the story across. As luck would have it, all of these lyrics are married to the most beautiful melodies, and with the help of a small band of great musicians once again Seán Tyrrell has delivered a rare and beautiful album.
Seán has toured in the past with Tommy Peoples, Fergus Feely, Kevin Glackin, Ronan Brown, Liam Lewis, Steve Hanks Seán Potts, Paul Mc Grattan and Davy Spillane, as well as Three for the Ditch (Seán, Frankie Lane and comedian and actor Jack Lynch), The Shaskeen Céilí Band, Paddy Keenan, The Visit with Little John Nee and poet Mary O’Malley.
In recent times, Seán has been asked to be guest singer at concerts with the great Kilfenora Céilí Band.

MUSIC Seán Tyrrell launches new album in Matt Molloy’s

Iontas - Siansa Gael Linn 2014 winners

2014-04-21T00:41:00.002-07:00

Cliffs along the Atlantic coastline of County Mayo, near Ballycastle, Ireland (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The young traditional music group ‘Iontas’ from Coola Post Primary School, Riverstown, County Sligo, are the Siansa Gael Linn 2014 winners! At the Grand Finale concert in the National Concert Hall on Sunday, 6th of April 2013, they were chosen from among eight finalists of a high standard for this prestigious award. It is the third time a group from County Sligo has won the Siansa Grand Finale after’Spraoi’ in 2009 and ‘Teaspach’ in 2012. Siansa is a competition for young traditional Irish music and singing groups, organized annually by Gael Linn, with support from Foras na Gaeilge, RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta and Irish Music Magazine.
Áine Hensey, popular presenter with RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta, compered the show which was broadcast live by the station on the night. Each participating group - Trioscar from County Waterford, Na Rógairí from Dublin, Ceoltóirí Chnoc na Gaoithe from Tulla, County Clare, Iontas from Riverstown, County Sligo, Na hÓgánaigh from Dublin, Lasair from Mallow, County Cork, Glór Mhaigh Eo from Castlebar, County Mayo, as well as Cóiriú from Magherafelt, County Derry, delighted the capacity audience with their programmes of carefully selected and thoughtfully arranged traditional tunes and songs. Such was the musicianship, that there was stiff competition for the prizefund of €4,500, and it fell to renowned traditional musicians Mary Bergin, Ciarán Ó Maonaigh and Niamh Ní Charra to choose the prizewinners. There was great rejoicing among their supporters when it was announced that ‘Iontas’ were the victors! There are 8 young musicians in the group - Tomás Ó Gabháin, Shauna Ní Chuilinn, Conal Mac Cormaic, Colm Ó Tuathaigh, Síofra Ní Áinle, Dúlra Ní Áinle, Orlaith Ní Chionnaith and Stiofán Ó Maolagáin. In second place were Glór Mhaigh Eo from Castlebar, County Mayo - Kate Ní Éineacháin, Maggie Ní Éineacháin, Sal Ní Éineacháin, Séamus Ó Tiarnáin, Marianna Ní Thiarnáin, Kathryn Ní Thiarnáin, Caoimhe Ní Giolla Choinnigh and Ellen Ní Mhurchú. Third place went to Cóiriú from Magherafelt, County Derry - Eimhéar Ní Mhaolchallan, Mairéad Ní Mhistéil, Maire Ní Mhistéil, Brígín Ní Mhistéil, Jeac Mac Giolla Mhearnóg, Stiofán Mac Aodha and Eoghan Mac Aodha.
The winners, Iontas, were presented with the Gael Linn trophy, along with a cheque for €2,500. Prizes of €1,250 and €750, 2nd and 3rd places resepectively, were presented to ‘Glór Mhaigh Eo’ and ‘Cóiriú’. Each young musician who took part in the final was also presented with a memento of the occasion. Gael Linn will release a live recording of the three prizewinning groups on CD shortly. A special programme featuring highlights from the event will be broadcast on TG4 on Wednesday, 23rd of April at 9.30p.m.
Thanking Foras na Gaeilge, RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta and Irish Music Magazine for their ongoing support of the competition, Gael Linn CEO, Antoine Ó Coileáin said: Siansa Gael Linn is a highlight of the music calendar for young musicians. The competition promotes excellence in music-making and enjoyment among the participants. Siansa uniquely showcases Irish music and Irish song by young musicians, all through the medium of Irish. Siansa gives expression to the great public interest and support for Irish culture.

Further information: Niamh de Búrca 01:6753303/087:2623953

Séan Potts

2014-02-14T01:41:00.000-08:00

The funeral of Séan Potts, founding member of the Chieftains, will take place in Dublin today.

From the Irish Times:

The death has occurred of famed whistle player and founding member of The Chieftains, Seán Potts (83)

He was born in Drimnagh, Co Dublin, in 1930 and became friends with fellow whistle player Paddy Moloney in the 1950s.

Potts was a founder member of The Chieftains and honorary life president of Na Piobairí Uilleann, the association of uilleann pipers.

Before The Chieftains, Potts was an original member of Seán Ó Riada’s group Ceoltóirí Chualann.

The Chieftains were formed in 1962 and Potts briefly left the group in 1968 but rejoined and finally left again in 1979. Although he was primarily a whistle player, he also played the bodhrán.

Benefit for Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann officer Terry Sullivan in Connecticut - The Irish Voice

2013-11-22T23:02:00.001-08:00

Stepping out (Photo credit: Irish Philadelphia Photo Essays)

A year ago Terry Sullivan came down from his home in Bristol, CT to help with the Irish outreach to folks in the Rockaways who needed so much help after Superstorm Sandy.

Now Sullivan, a musician and long-time Comhaltas officer and member who currently serves as the vice chair of the Northeast region of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann, needs our help in his personal struggle fighting an inoperable brain tumor diagnosed in October. Sullivan is a devoted family man and veteran with 20 years of service to his credit.

His friends in the Burke-Curry-Seery branch in the Hartford area of Connecticut have organized a big benefit this Sunday, November 24 from 1-5 p.m. at the Irish American Home Society in Glastonbury (www.irishamericanhome.com) to raise funds to deal with the mounting expenses.

Along with local entertainment, there will be a pasta buffet served at 2 p.m. and a raffle. Suggested admission is $20 donation, and tickets can be ordered through Liz Raymond at 860-346-3235.

Contributions can also be made payable to Terry Sullivan Benefit and mailed to 57 Maiden Lane, Bristol, CT 06010.

Benefit for Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann officer Terry Sullivan in Connecticut | The Irish Voice | IrishCentral

Heaney remembered at Southbank celebration

2013-11-21T22:07:00.000-08:00

Seamus Heaney Collected Poems (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In the darkness, on the bank of the Thames, Seamus Heaney’s voice, one so recently gone, filled the hall, “Between my finger and my thumb. The squat pen rests; snug as a gun.”

Tickets for the celebration in the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall of the life of Ireland’s greatest modern poet had been gone for weeks, with holders warned to hand back the unwanted.

A photograph of Heaney as a young man filled the backdrop, photographs that aged as the evening progressed, telling the story of his life through the changes in his poetry.

The uilleann pipes of Liam O’Flynn and Neil Martin’s cello set the Irish tone for the evening, one captured later by the The Chieftains with “Lullaby for the Dead”.

Poet, Andrew O’Hagan described his late friend as “an anchor for poetry” who had replenished the imagination, one whose every word issued tolerance.

Read the full article:
Heaney remembered at Southbank celebration - UK News | Online Newspaper | The Irish Times - Thu, Nov 21, 2013

Christy Moore to play at Radisson Blu Hotel, Athlone

2013-11-21T22:05:00.000-08:00

Cover of Christy Moore

The legendary singer-songwriter Christy Moore, one of Ireland’s greatest musical icons of the current day is coming to the Radisson Blu Hotel, Athlone for a special performance for one night only Saturday 7th December, having just launched a brand new album titled “Where I Come From”.

2013 has been a year of great success for Christy Moore who appeared alongside Declan Sinnott in a series of dates around Ireland and the UK including two sell out shows at London’s Royal Festival Hall before returning to Irish shores for an exhilarating series of summer appearances at the Live at the Marquee concert series, the Big Top at the Galway Arts Festival and Electric Picnic.

Tickets priced €40 are on sale now from the hotel reception 090 644 2600 or ticketmaster outlets nationwide ticketmaster.ie. Doors open at 7.00pm and the concert starts at 8.00pm.
Why not kick start your evening in style with a pre-concert dinner from €65 per person, including tickets to the performance or go all out and combine with an overnight stay in one of the hotel’s elegant rooms with fantastic views of the marina from €229 per room. Price includes pre-concert dinner, accommodation and concert tickets for two – not to mention a delicious Super Buffet Breakfast the next morning. Having too much festive fun?! Stay an additional night Friday 6th December from €79.00 or Sunday December 8th from €59.00. Price is per room for Friday & Sunday nights based on 2 guests sharing B&B.
For more information contact:
Radisson Blu Hotel, Athlone
Northgate Street,
Co Westmeath.
090 644 2600
www.radissonblu.ie/hotel-athlone
facebook.com/radissonathlone

The Shannonside Winter Music Weekend

2013-11-20T22:13:00.003-08:00

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

January 16th–20th, 2014
www.wmw.ie
The Shannonside Winter Music Weekend has been going from strength–to–strength over the last few years, and next January’s event marks another step forward for this eclectic festival of the best in acoustic music. Between January 16th and 20th, almost 80 concerts, pub gigs, sessions, and shows will keep the villages of Sixmilebridge and Bunratty buzzing and bouncing with acts from far and wide, as well as the cream of local talent.

The Tin Sandwich Band lead a strong trad roster in a weekend that is always different, yet always a delight. The hugely popular High Plains Tradition from Colorado will provide bluegrass excellence, while La Compagnie Maribel from southern France bring their regional song, dance and costume for a very different experience. From Germany, Papirossi play a quirky mix of world music styles, and Rue du Canal deliver sublime Franco–Irish gypsy–folk. Gospel, Classical, even rockahillbilly music get a look in too!
Saturday sees Bunratty Folk Park hosting gigs on five different stages, while the pubs of Sixmilebridge resound to the best of sessions in jazz, folk, blues, bluegrass, as well as Irish. Another heaped helping of nourishing music and dance makes Sunday in Bunratty or Sixmilebridge more fun than you’d ever expect in Clare in the middle of winter.
From start to finish, this festival will charm, surprise, entertain and occasionally astound. No better way to shrug off the Winter blues.

Details on www.wmw.ie and also on facebook.

Ceolta Cruit at MacAnna Theatre, Dundalk Tomorrow November 21st

2013-11-20T00:31:00.000-08:00

Oriel window in Oriel (Photo credit: Lawrence OP)

Ceolta Cruit – The Melody of the Harp at Ceol Oirghialla
The gala concert at this year’s DkIT TradWeek focuses on the music of the harp and the great collections of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. The concert, one of a series of events celebrating ten years of music at DkIT, takes place at 7pm on 21 November 2013 in the MacAnna Theatre on the DkIT campus and features the Ceol Oirghialla Traditional Music Ensemble with special guests Ann Heymann, Lisa Butler and Daoirí Farrell.
The Ceol Oirghialla Traditional Ensemble comprises over forty musicians drawn from the DkIT community, including undergraduates, postgraduates, graduates and staff. The Ensemble proudly represents the Institute at a variety of events, enriching the cultural life of the community and the North-East.
American based Ann Heymann is today’s first Gaelic harper to approach the cláirseach using rigorously applied historical and traditional standards. Recognised as a leading performer and scholar, Ann utilises a range of historical sources, including the Bunting, Robert ap Huw and piobaireachd manuscripts, to musically interpret ports, planxties, cumhas and other Irish harp compositions.
Fiddle player Lisa Butler is well known to traditional music audiences through her performances with Caladh Nua. In addition to her prowess on the fiddle, she has been acclaimed as the owner of one of the most lyrical voices in contemporary traditional music. Daoirí Farrell is this year’s winner of the Senior Men’s Singing competition at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann. His debut album, The First Turn, marked him out as an outstanding exponent of traditional song, demonstrating influences from Andy Irvine, Christy Moore and Frank Harte amongst others. Both Lisa and Daoirí are graduates of the BA (Hons) Applied Music programme, Lisa being part of the very first cohort of students to graduate from Ceol Oirghialla.
The repertoire for the concert includes many tunes from the harp repertoire, including a number of compositions by the great harper composer Turlough O’Carolan that were composed in and around Dundalk. Other sources include Edward Bunting and George Petrie, principal collectors involved in the preservation of Irish traditional music from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.
The study of traditional music is fundamental to the academic mission at Ceol Oirghialla and is an integral component of programmes at both undergraduate and postgraduate level. To date, research undertaken by Ionad Taighde Ceoil, the Centre for Research in Music at DkIT, has focused on the music and poetry connected to the Oriel region. Recent concerts have celebrated the unique cultural heritage of Oriel, including Ó Riada sa Gaeity (2009), Radharc ó na Sléibhte (2012), Imirce an Cheoil (2012) and Ómós do Josephine Keegan (2013). Ceolta Cruit continues the successful integration of theory and practice and the celebration of the rich intangible cultural heritage of the Oriel region.
The concert takes place as part of the second DkIT TradWeek, which includes a series of events including workshops, sessions, masterclasses, and lectures. Admission to the concert is free but tickets are limited. For more information see www.dkit.ie/music or contact ann.coffey@dkit.ie.

Andy Irvine to play in Ballina

2013-11-20T00:29:00.002-08:00

Cover of Andy Irvine

Irish music legend Andy Irvine is returning to Ballina Arts Centre this Thursday, November 21 at 8pm, for a special intimate concert.
Irvine’s music career has spanned an incredible 50 years, and he has been at the heart of Irish folk music throughout that time. In the 1960s, he and Johnny Moynihan formed the seminal group Sweeney’s Men, before leaving Ireland to travel through the Balkan countries, having become enamoured with the music of Eastern Europe. On his return, he joined Christy Moore, Donal Lunny and Liam Óg Ó Flynn to form Planxty, forever changing the sound and spirit of Irish traditional and folk music.
With the demise of Planxty, Irvine recorded a classic album with Paul Brady, and since the 1980s he has been a part of exciting supergroups, such as Patrick Street and most recently Mozaik, thrilling audiences around the world with intricate and exultant music.
Throughout his various collaborations and pairings, Irvine has also maintained a career as a solo singer-songwriter – in the spirit of his hero, Woody Guthrie. His repertoire consists of Irish traditional songs, dexterous Balkan dances and a compelling cannon of his own self-penned songs. To book tickets (€16/€12) call Ballina Arts Centre on 096 73593 or email info@ballinaartscentre.

Complete Irish Whistle Tutor

2013-10-02T08:34:00.001-07:00

Learn to play Irish traditional music on the whistle with this new tutor book from Tradschool

286 pages; with 429 accompanying audio tracks
104 tunes (28 children's & folk tunes + 76 traditional tunes)

What is it?

This tutor book, with its accompanying audio files, is intended to give a complete introduction to playing Irish music in the traditional style on the tin whistle; it covers all from the very first notes on the instruments to the most advanced ornamentation.
The book is broadly divided into two parts, with the shorter first part covering the basics of the whistle (pages 1-48) while the longer second part (pages 49-286) covers the playing of Irish traditional music on the instrument
Tin Whistle - A Complete Guide to Playing Irish Traditional Music on the Whistle | tradschool.com

International Pan Celtic Festival for Derry in 2014

2013-10-02T08:31:00.002-07:00

Fleadh (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

International Pan Celtic Festival for Derry in 2014 and 2015

The team behind this year’s historic Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Derry have announced that An Fhéile Phan Cheilteach (the Pan Celtic Festival) will be hosted in Derry in 2014 and 2015 at a Buíochas event held to thank Fleadh volunteers.
The festival will take place in the North of Ireland for the first time during Easter week 2014 and 2015 and attracts visitors to the host venue from all over Ireland as well as the Celtic nations of Brittany, Cornwall, Isle of Man, Scotland and Wales. More than 10,000 people will participate in and attend a range of activities and events including the Festival Parade, harp, fiddle, piping, choral and traditional singing competitions. There will also be themed nights from each of the nations as well as a Camogie Blitz.

Gearóid Ó hEára, Chairperson of the International Pan Celtic Festival Doire 2014/15 said:
“We have shown that Derry is a centre of excellence for music, culture and that this city is made to host events of this nature. The announcement that we will now host the Pan Celtic Festival north of the border for the first time is a tangible legacy of the Fleadh, this Festival brings together people from these islands and Brittany in a quite unique celebration of Celtic culture. It is an honour for Derry to host this event and we are sure that the people of Derry will extend a fáilte mhór to all our visitors. We are also confident that local people will embrace and participate fully in the Féile.
“Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin wants to thank the County Board of the GAA, Derry City Council, and the Derry Visitor and Convention Bureau for their support for Derry’s bid to host the Festival.”

Ireland’s musicians are asked to tune up and get ready to Trad for Trocaire

2013-09-08T22:57:00.001-07:00

www.trocaire.org/trad

Trocaire is asking Ireland’s trad musicians to tune up and get ready to ‘raise the roof’ in aid of global poverty by taking part in Trad for Trocaire week.

Trad for Trocaire, which takes place from Friday 27th September to Friday 4th October 2013, is a fundraising and music week run by Trocaire and Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann.

During Trad for Trocaire week, trad musicians, music fans and venues hold traditional Irish music ‘seisuins’ and fundraise for Trocaire. The campaign celebrates Ireland’s deep musical heritage alongside its history of goodwill towards people facing poverty or human rights abuses.

Justin Kilcullen, Executive Director of Trocaire said: “This is Trad for Trocaire’s fourth year, during which time over 1,000 trad sessions in aid of Trocaire have been held. Last year alone, over 400 events took place countrywide.

“Through Trad for Trocaire, Ireland’s wonderful trad musicians are changing lives with their uplifting music, inspirational talent and selfless generosity. We are keen to hear from any trad musicians across the country who would like to join in and create some ‘ceoil agus craic’ during Trad for Trocaire week.”

Trad for Trocaire week runs from 27th September to 4th October 2013.

To get involved and order a Trad for Trocaire fundraising pack with posters, flyers, wristbands, t-shirts, balloons and collection buckets or to support a Trad for Trocaire gig near you, visit www.trocaire.org/trad or call Emma Reidy in Trocaire on Tel. 01 5053257

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2013-09-08T22:53:00.003-07:00

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