Irish Trad Music Blog

The Doyle family - set of reels

2013-05-14T03:59:00.002-07:00

Excitement building ahead of Fleadh - Comhaltas President - Derry Journal

2013-05-14T03:56:00.000-07:00

Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The president of Comhaltas Ceoltoirí Éireann has said the “warmth and friendliness” of the people of Derry will help ensure the success of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.

Vince Jordan made the comment ahead of the international festival of traditional music, which will be held in the city in August.

The Birmingham man joined members of the Derry branch of Comhaltas on a visit to the European Parliament recently to promote the Fleadh.

Mr Jordan said he is looking forward to visiting Derry in the summer. “Derry is a lovely city,” he said. “The river Foyle is a focal point with the Peace Bridge as one of its many features. The historical Walls of Derry is well kept and accessible. Some of Derry’s buildings demonstrate some of our greatest architectural heritage. However, the main attraction in Derry is its friendly, warm, hospitable and helpful people,” he added.

He also said he was impressed by the performances of the Derry musicians in Brussels.

“On our visit we witnessed the Derry branch of Comhaltas engaging an audience of over 400 MEPs and their staff, with a concert in the Parliament building. The Derry group gave a brilliant display that was greeted well by the audience.

“A gala concert the next day with the Chieftains was a massive success.

All this organisation by Martina Anderson MEP and staff created a great impression of Derry, Comhaltas and Ireland,” he said.

The Comhaltas president also said excitement is building ahead of the Fleadh.

“I have been to many places on Comhaltas business in the past 12 months and I see and hear people gearing themselves up to be ready for the Fleadh,” he said.

Excitement building ahead of Fleadh - Comhaltas President - Entertainment - Derry Journal:

Dervish Release First Studion Album in 5 Years

2013-04-29T07:06:00.000-07:00

Cover of Dervish

“The Thrush in the Storm”.

OUT APRIL 2013

DERVISH release their eagerly awaited first studio album in 5 years entitled “The Thrush in the Storm” this April 2013. The album reflects DERVISH’s dedication to Ireland’s rich music tradition and in particular to theirSligo music roots and contains many new tunes and songs with an innovative Dervish style.

DERVISH have just completed a sell-out tour of the USfor the album’s launch. The album had its US launch at a special function in Boston in association with the WGBH Public Broadcasting organisation in Americawhere it was hailed by fans as their best yet. Their US Coast to Coast tour finishes in The Lincoln Theatre,University of Hartford, Connecticut. DERVISH Launch “The Thrush in the Storm” this April in Ireland and Europe before heading to the UK for a promo tour.

Dervish are one of the leading Irish bands on the Folk/ Roots circuit worldwide. DERVISH’s 24 year journey has taken them to thousands of venues in over 30 countries; sharing festival bills with everyone from Beck to James Brown, Oasis, Sting, REM and from Neil Young to Iron Maiden; playing tunes at the Great Wall of China, Niagara Falls, the Grand Canyon and the Wailling Wall and playing to an audience of 240,000 people at the biggest rock music festival in the world “Rock in Rio.” Their innovative approach to Irish traditional music, while remaining respectful and loyal to the tradition, has won them critical acclaim internationally as well as many industry awards.

DERVISH’s creative input has been much in demand of late and they completed the music for the new 8 week series currently on ITV called “James Nesbit’s Ireland”;music from their new album will feature in the forthcoming Irish movie “Calvary” starring Brendan Gleeson, Chris O Dowd and Kelly Reilly. The movie is expected to be released later this year.

Dervish recently signed a three year publishing deal with Bucks Music Publishing in London.

DERVISH’S NEW ALBUM “The Thrush in the Storm” IN ALL GOOD RECORD STORES this April 2013.

For further information please contact:
Carmody Smith PR:
Tel: 01 207 0496/ 086 1741 882
E-mail: aine@carmodysmithpr.com

Marty Lipp: Three Irish Stars Form New Neo-Trad Constellation - Huffington Post

2013-04-23T05:31:00.001-07:00

Cover of Kevin Crawford

"In Irish music today, tradition ain't what it used to be.

While the casual listener might think any group of musicians playing "Irish sounding" music on acoustic instruments is traditional, even those venerable veterans The Chieftains were considered revolutionaries when they first performed. Since then, there have been several generations of performers who are firmly and lovingly rooted in tradition, but who have reinvented the music, expanding the repertoire, instruments and arrangements.

This month sees the appearance of a new constellation of neo-traditional stars in the Irish music firmament: the Teetotallers -- flute player Kevin Crawford of Lunasa; guitarist John Doyle, formerly of Solas; and fiddler Martin Hayes of the duo Hayes and Cahill.

In a recent interview Crawford said the three began to play together at the request of a producer at a festival in California. They were all intrigued by how well the collaboration went, so began to coordinate calendars to create a tour and a yet-to-be released album."

Marty Lipp: Three Irish Stars Form New Neo-Trad Constellation:

Irish music star coming to Durham

2013-04-23T05:29:00.001-07:00

Cover of Paul Brady

"A MUSICIAN whose songs have been covered by Tina Turner, Cher, Cliff Richard and Ronan Keating will perform in the North-East this weekend (Sunday, April 28).

Singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Paul Brady will appear at the Gala Theatre, in Durham City, on Sunday.

Mr Brady is often described as a musician’s musician and is considered one of Ireland’s finest singer-songwriters.

His first album, Hard Station, was released in 1981.

The Durham show starts at 7.30pm. Tickets are £23.50. Discounted tickets, priced £15, can be booked by quoting ‘DANCER15’ when booking.

To book, go to the box office, call 03000-266-600 or visit galadurham.co.uk"

Irish music star coming to Durham (From Durham Times):

Lúnasa's First Recording in Three Years Out on April 16th | Grateful Web

2013-04-11T04:15:00.001-07:00

"Ireland's premier acoustic band Lúnasa is releasing their first new recording in three years on April 16, the much-anticipated new album, LÚNASA WITH THE RTÉ CONCERT ORCHESTRA, on Lúnasa Records via City Hall Distributors (in the U.S.). LÚNASA WITH THE RTÉ CONCERT ORCHESTRA is a musical collaboration that marks a true first for the all-star Irish traditional band and the world-renowned national orchestra of Ireland. It is also available digitally from iTunes and other digital outlets."
Lúnasa's First Recording in Three Years Out on April 16th | Grateful Web:

Irish musicians mourn pianist Felix Dolan of Scarsdale | The Journal News

2013-04-11T04:10:00.001-07:00

SCARSDALE — Felix Dolan spent the last decades of his life revolutionizing piano backup for Irish traditional music.

The 76-year-old retired IBM executive and longtime Scarsdale resident died Tuesday at home surrounded by his family.

Within minutes of announcement of his death, members of the international community that plays Irish traditional music were on Facebook and other social media sites, mourning his passing.

“Tonight the internet is on overdrive as people pay homage to Felix Dolan, a truly great man and a gentleman,” Sligo fiddler and Westchester County Assistant District Attorney Brian Conway wrote on his Facebook page . “I have been consumed by thoughts of Felix, over the last few weeks in particular, and I always come back to that wonderful warm smile that greeted everyone who came in contact with Felix.”

Conway and Dolan played together on a regular basis at Dunne’s pub in White Plains. Dolan’s distinctive piano vamping set the pace for Conway and the musicians who joined him.

“Felix Dolan: the keyboard is silent,” is how the news was announced on thesession.org, a forum dedicated to Irish music.

“Felix was the consummate gentleman with the broadest smile and most positive outlook,” said Tim Quinn, president of the Fairfield, Conn.-based Shamrock Traditional Irish Music Society, which helped support some of the workshops and CD’s that featured Dolan. “In the Traditional Irish Music world he was second to none, hundreds of albums and CD’s include his brilliant playing … he shall be sorely missed!”

The Bronx-born Dolan attended Catholic schools through high school and, at one time, contemplated becoming a teaching brother. Instead, he opted for a family life, marrying Joan Lynch in 1959.

Dolan received a bachelor's degree in economics from St. John’s University and a master’s in computers from Pratt Institute.

He worked for IBM from 1963 until his retirement in 1996. He began as a computer programmer in the research department and became involved in early computer and information security.

In 1981, he and his wife and four children were sent to Paris for the company. Back in the United States in 1984, he continued in management and was IBM's director of information security when he retired.

Survivors include his wife; four children, Phelin, Siobhan, Brendan and Dierdre; and seven grandchildren.

The wake will be held 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Thursday at the Edwin L. Bennett Funeral Home in Scarsdale. A funeral Mass is set for 11 a.m. Friday at Our Lady of Fatima Church in Scarsdale.

Irish musicians mourn pianist Felix Dolan of Scarsdale | The Journal News | LoHud.com | lohud.com:

NPU presents Bryan Duggan – How TUNEPAL Works

2013-04-10T04:58:00.000-07:00

Image via CrunchBase

A series of talks and live performances on the third Friday of every month
Bryan Duggan – How TUNEPAL Works
15 Henrietta Street, Dublin 1
Friday 19th April 2013, 8.30pm

Dr. Bryan Duggan will present April’s ‘Notes & Narratives’. A lecturer in the School of Computing in DIT and an accomplished flute player, Duggan is the author of TUNEPAL, a search engine app for traditional Irish music. TUNEPAL allows a player to search for tunes either by title or playing and also has options for editing and saving tunes. TUNEPAL is available for iPhone, iPad, Android and at tunepal.org.

Notes and Narratives provides a unique opportunity for musicians, singers and dancers to showcase valuable researched material in an engaging and entertaining format.

The series, which takes place at NPU’s restored Georgian headquarters at 15 Henrietta St, will appeal to the general public, and especially to students, enthusiasts and fellow practitioners of the traditional arts keen to enhance their overall appreciation of music, song and dance.

Lectures/performances run for up to 45 minutes followed by an open discussion to provide the audience with an opportunity to engage with the performers.

The aim of the series is to strengthen the legacy of Na Píobairí Uilleann’s founding members Breandán Breathnach and Seán Reid by helping to support and encourage research into the traditional arts. All material presented will be housed in NPU’s archive.

Na Píobairí Uilleann is supported by The Arts Council and Dublin City Council
Admission €10 (Consession €5)
Contact Details: Na Píobairí Uilleann, 15 Henrietta St., Dublin 1, Ireland
Tel. +353-1-8730093 email. info@pipers.ie
www.pipers.ie

TG4 WANTS TO TEACH DONEGAL PEOPLE HOW TO PLAY MUSIC! - Donegal Daily

2013-04-09T00:49:00.000-07:00

Imagine an Ireland where everyone in the country has the chance to learn to play a musical instrument, from the fiddle to the guitar, the drums or even the saxophone.

This is the driving ambition of Glaoch An Cheoil, a brand new series for TG4 produced by Mind the Gap Films.

The show aims to unite unused or discarded musical instruments with people who have always wanted to learn to play, but never had the opportunity. We are establishing 4 music hubs (one in each of the 4 provinces) – our Ulster centre will be in An Crannóg in Gaoth Dobhair, Co. Donegal!

You can join our crusade in two ways:

Donate/loan an instrument or Sign up for free music lessons!

Do you have an old musical instrument lying under a bed, in the attic or shed, gathering dust in a corner? Perhaps it was bought with the best intentions but never played. Maybe it was handed down from a parent, grandparent or friend but hasn’t been used in years. Would you like to see this instrument being enjoyed by someone who has always yearned to play but never had the chance? Then please join our Amnesty for Instruments.

Or have you always felt that you have music in your soul? Have you longed to learn to play but never had the opportunity? Or did you once play an instrument and wish you’d kept it up? Maybe you play one instrument but would like to learn another? Then sign up for free lessons on one of our Amnesty days! (Lessons available to people aged 16+)

The Amnesty will start in Gaoth Dobhair on Saturday 27th April from 11am – 3pm

For those who bring an instrument we will have our assessor on hand to decide if it can still have a useful life and if needed, we will restore it for you. We appreciate that some instruments will have both a monetary and a sentimental value – we will guarantee that all instruments are fully insured while in the loan bank and, if loaned, will be returned to their owners in better shape than when they were loaned.

For those who want to learn come and tell us your story and what musical genre you’re most interested in, be it trad, rock, classical, or pop. We will pair you up with an instrument from our Glaoch an Cheoil loan bank and introduce you to a tutor to get you on the road to being a fully-fledged musician.

Each of our 4 centres will have a well-known and respected musician to act as a mentor, inspiring the community to get involved. The mentor for Gaoth Dobhair is renowned fiddle player Liz Doherty. Liz will also encourage those who are learning to play and make sure they are putting in the time and dedication required to master their chosen instrument.

This is an opportunity to give someone else the gift of music. An opportunity to have a musical instrument brought back to life. An opportunity to pass on a tradition that is an integral part of our colourful heritage.

For more information or to register your interest in loaning an instrument please go to our website www.glaochancheoil.ie, or email info@glaochancheoil.ie or call 0818 222 070

Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/glaochancheoil

Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/glaochancheoil

http://www.donegaldaily.com/2013/04/09/tg4-wants-to-teach-donegal-people-how-to-play-music/

Musical Tales 2013

2013-04-08T07:35:00.000-07:00

Cover of Hamilton Harty

CMC presents a series of concerts in Dublin city libraries during April as part of the One City One Book initiative.

Funded by the Dublin City Council Arts Office Arts Grants 2012 and supported by the Dublin City Council Library Development Office, the concerts on 24 and 25 April 2013 will be presented and curated by composer Benjamin Dwyer and will feature performers Royal Irish Academy of Music Miriam Kaczor (flute), Evelina Ndlova (electric piano) and Margaret Bridge (choral conductor with a choir of eight singers).

The programme celebrates James Plunkett’s Strumpet City as the chosen book for the One City One Book 2013, and to mark the influence of Dublin City, which is at the heart of Plunkett’s novel, on Irish composers. Composers featured include John Buckley, Hamilton Harty, Michael Holohan, Donal Sarsfield and Vincent Kennedy.

Harty’s In Ireland (1918) was written in the same decade as the Dublin lockouts and reflects a flavour of the music written at this time. Michael Holohan celebrates his city with two works specially adapted for these concerts. Vincent Kennedy, who recently completed an orchestral work Dublin – An Overture to my City, has composed a new piece for these concerts entitled s-Trumpet City, which he will perform. Also featured are versions of popular tunes by John Buckley and Donal Sarsfield.

The concerts take place between 1pm and 2pm in the Central Library (Ilac Centre) on 24 April, and Rathmines Library on 25 April. Admission is free. Further information from Karen Hennessy, khennessy@cmc.ie.

Performers

Miriam Kaczor (flute, piccolo), Evelina Ndlova (electric piano), Vincent Kennedy (trumpet), Margaret Bridge (choral conductor), Robyn Richardson, Sarah McCourt, Zosia Kucyńska, Heather Fogarty, Richard Bridge, Richard Shaffrey, Robbie Blake, Pascal Kennedy

Programme

Hamilton Harty In Ireland (1918) flute, piano 12’

John Buckley Two Jigs (2010) flute, piano 5’

Michael Holohan The Street Cries of Dublin (1987) SATB 6’

Michael Holohan All in All in SA flute, piano

Donal Sarsfield The Rocky Road to Dublin (2005) SATB 5’

Vincent Kennedy s-Trumpet City (2013) SATB flute, piccolo, piano 7’

All concerts are FREE admission but booking is essential.
Please contact the relevant library to book.

1pm – 2pm, Wednesday, 24 April

Central Library – Music Library Dublin 1

T | 01 873 4333 E | musiclibrary@dublincity.ie

1pm – 2pm, Thursday, 25 April

Rathmines Library, Dublin

T | 01 497 3539 E | rathmineslibrary@dublincity.ie

Goitse and Beoga to help fulfil music promise

2013-04-05T03:05:00.000-07:00

Goitse (Photo credit: lost penguin)

"TRADTITIONAL groups Goitse and Beoga are taking part in the Magee Traditional Irish Music Society ‘Trad on Campus Day’ on Friday (April 5) in association with ‘The Music Promise’ funding scheme.

The Children’s Music Promise was initially billed by the Culture Company as a free musical instrument and tuition for every child in Londonderry but has since been scaled back to a year-long programme of inspirational and transformational learning experiences for children and young people.

Utilising UK City of Culture 2013 Music Promise funding the student society has organised a packed programme including workshops with Goitse, followed by a gig featuring Beoga and Goitse together in Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin at 7.30pm."

Goitse and Beoga to help fulfil music promise - News - Londonderry Sentinel

Mairtín O’Connor, Zoe Conway and Donal Lunny on Tour

2013-04-04T08:03:00.000-07:00

Cover of Donal Lunny

MUSIC NETWORK MAY TOUR

Music Network presents Mairtín O’Connor, Zoe Conway and Donal Lunny on Tour: May 7th – 14th, 2013

www.musicnetwork.ie

Music Network presents a dream tour that brings together the dazzling talents of three of the country’s finest traditional musicians; button accordion master Máirtín O’Connor, fiddle player Zoë Conway and guitar and bouzouki player Donal Lunny from May 7th – 14th, 2013.

The consummate button box player, Máirtín O’Connor was one of the driving forces behind the Riverdance phenomenon. Fiddle player Zoë Conway is an awesome talent equally at home playing and singing Latin jazz with Rodrigo y Gabriella, as a guest soloist with the Irish Chamber Orchestra, performing with Lou Reed and Nick Cave, or touring the world with Riverdance. Guitar and bouzouki player Donal Lunny needs no introduction, having made his name as a member of the hugely influential groups Planxty, The Bothy Band, Altan and Moving Hearts. A gifted composer, arranger and producer, Lunny has also worked with rock and pop musicians such as Van Morrison, Rod Stewart, Elvis Costello and Kate Bush.

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.

Further information from (01) 671 9429 or visit the website www.musicnetwork.ie

Pat O’Connor and Eoghan O’Sullivan play NYU’s Glucksman Ireland House - IrishCentral

2013-04-04T08:00:00.001-07:00

Coming up this Friday night at Glucksman Ireland House is another pure-drop tandem visiting from Ireland in fiddler Pat O’Connor from Ennis, Co. Clare and Eoghan O’Sullivan from Co. Cork. They are touring around the U.S. and hitting the Big Apple.

via:
Pat O’Connor and Eoghan O’Sullivan play NYU’s Glucksman Ireland House - VIDEO | From The Hob | IrishCentral:

New Irish Folk & Trad Music Festival announced

2013-04-04T07:58:00.000-07:00

Cover of Luka Bloom

Details of Ireland’s newest folk and traditional music festival have been announced in County Clare.

Luka Bloom, Martin Hayes, Donal Lunny, John Spillane, Steve Cooney and Hermitage Green are amongst the acts lined up to perform during the inaugural Doolin Folk Festival on June 14th to 16th 2013. Sponsored by Smithwick’s Pale Ale the three-day festival will take place on the grounds of Hotel Doolin, less than a mile from the site of the famous Lisdoonvarna Festival of the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Musician and Event Promoter, Conor Byrne explained that the Festival will feature “traditional and folk musicians who have had a connection with the area over the years as well as up-and-coming, cutting-edge folk and Trad acts to the village thereby reviving Doolin’s reputation as a hub for Trad and Folk musicians.”

The Doolin Folk Festival line-up so far includes Luka Bloom, Scullion, Steve Cooney, Martin Hayes, We Banjo 3, Iarla O’Lionaird, Donal Lunny, Hermitage Green, Andy Irvine, Fidil, I Draw Slow, Beoga, John Spillane, Socks in the Frying Pan, and JP Trio with plenty more acts to be announced in the coming weeks. The festival will also feature food stalls, a traditional crafts fair and a farmers market.

Commenting on the decision to host a folk music festival in Doolin, Festival organiser and Hotel Doolin manager, Donal Minihane stated: “The festival will celebrate all that is good about music in Doolin and North Clare, further enhancing Doolin’s reputation as a centre of excellence in Traditional & Folk Music and bringing Folk music to a wider audience. We hope that this festival will be an annual event and that it will become one of the highlights of the Clare Summer Events Calendar. The festival will share the ethos of the much loved Lisdoonvarna Festival, albeit on a much smaller scale. In fact many of the artists featuring over the weekend such as Donal Lunny and Luka Bloom would have played at the original Lisdoonvarna Festivals.

“The Doolin Folk Festival has the potential to be the best Boutique Folk Festival in Ireland,” Mr. Minihane added.

“We believe we have all the ingredients in to make this a huge success. We have the right location, plenty of accommodation locally at all price ranges from camping to hostels to BB’s and hotels. We have the musical expertise and contacts, experience in running events and festivals, beautiful scenery, a reputation for traditional Irish Music that is renowned worldwide, great restaurants and pubs and other ancillary attractions such as the Cliffs, the Aran Islands and The Burren. We believe the event will be well received and supported locally and give a great boost to the area with up to 2,000 people expected in Doolin over the three days. We are particularly delighted that RTE Radio 1 has been named as the event’s official media partner,” he concluded.

Hotel Doolin is investing approximately €100,000 in three festivals during 2013, including the Doolin Folk Festival, Doolin Writers Weekend & Short Story competition from 24th to 26th May 24-26, and the second annual Doolin Craft Beer Festival August from 23-25 August.

Day and Weekend Tickets for the Doolin Folk Festival are on sale from www.ticketmaster.ie

Further information from www.doolinfolkfestival.com

New Irish Folk & Trad Music Festival announced » Irish Music Magazine:

Lúnasa to Release Album with RTE Concert Orchestra (World Music Central)

2013-02-18T01:26:00.000-08:00

Cover of Lúnasa

Lúnasa, one of the finest Celtic music bands from Ireland will release their new album titled Lúnasa with the RTE Concert Orchestra this year. The album is a musical collaboration between the all-star Irish traditional band and the distinguished national orchestra of Ireland. Lúnasa with the RTE Concert Orchestra is scheduled for release on April 16th on Lúnasa Records, distributed by City Hall Distributors in the United States. It will be preceded by a digital release in time to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in March.
Lúnasa with the RTE Concert Orchestra began when RTÉ approached Niall Vallely, one of Ireland’s most talented rising composers and arrangers and brother of Lúnasa’s Cillian Vallely, with the idea of creating arrangements and working with a traditional band. Niall suggested Lúnasa for the project, and the result is a captivating union of Ireland ‘s top traditional band and Ireland ‘s national orchestra to create a very new sound in Irish music.

Their first joint concert was a sold-out performance at Dublin’s National Concert Hall on June 19, 2012 that was later broadcast on RTÉ Radio 1 and followed by the recording of the album. The RTÉ Concert Orchestra, whose credits include projects with talents as diverse as Luciano Pavarotti and Cleo Laine and Ireland’s Sharon Shannon, Sinéad O’Connor, Imelda May and The Coronas, is conducted by David Brophy.

Lúnasa includes Kevin Crawford on flute; Seán Smyth on fiddle and low whistles; Trevor Hutchinson on double bass; Cillian Vallely on uilleann pipes and low whistles; and newest member Ed Boyd on guitar.

The band will begin a month-long U.S. concert tour on February 22, 2013.

Celebrated Irish Acoustic Band Lúnasa to Release Album with RTE Concert Orchestra | World Music Central.org:

The Goodman Project - Sat, 16th of Feb 2013 -Seamus Ennis Cultural Centre

2013-02-15T02:38:00.000-08:00

MICK O’BRIEN, EMER MAYOCK & AOIFE NÍ BHRIAIN

TUNES FROM THE GOODMAN MANUSCRIPTS

Mick O’Brien (uilleann pipes/flute/whistle), Emer Mayock (flute/whistle) and Aoife Ní Bhriain (fiddle) come together to mark the release of their CD Tunes from the Goodman Manuscripts with repertoire drawn from original sources collected by Canon James Goodman in the mid 19th century in his native province of Munster.
The manuscripts, which since his death have been held in the Library of Trinity College are of great significance because they preserve much of the traditional music of the south of Ireland as it was sung and played in the years before traditional culture there was devastated by the Great Famine of the 1840s.
The Goodman manuscripts have preserved music that could easily have disappeared from the Irish repertory and provide unique insights into the evolution of Irish traditional music.
Mick, Emer and Aoife have chosen music ranging from unusual versions of tunes in the modern repertoire to those apparently unique to the collection.

Highly recommended.

http://www.seamusenniscentre.com/events/e/1237

Competition for young Irish musicians: An Ré Nua - The New Era

2013-02-15T02:25:00.000-08:00

Cover of Donal Lunny

In search of the best new talent on the trad/folk scene

Young emerging acts with their own unique brand of Irish traditional music are encouraged to take part in an exciting new project in association with Comhaltas Dhoire and Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin.

‘An Ré Nua ~ the New Era’ is a competition designed to encourage young and innovative musicians to compete against each other for a chance to kick start a career in folk and traditional music.

Bands, duos and singers will have the opportunity to perform at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, sharing a bill with popular acts such as Flook, Beoga, Cara Dillon, Tim Edey & Brendan Power, and Dervish.

Eibhlín Ní Dhochartaigh, chairperson of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann and Arts Development Officer at Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin said: ‘I’m really excited about this new project. It’s the perfect way to gear the city up for the overload of great music we will have in August, but it also gives young musicians a fantastic platform for furthering a career in music.’

The winners from each of the three categories will record their music for a new compilation album called An Ré Nua 2013, showcasing the high standard of contemporary trad/folk music from young musicians. They will will also receive a mastercopy of their music as an EP.

Odhrán Ó Maoláin, the project co-ordinator, says the opportunity is too good to refuse: ‘The eyes of the cultural sector are on Derry this year, making it the ideal location for the An Ré Nua project. Acts that take part should expect maximum exposure to the folk music industry and loads of media interest.’

The winners will have their music professionally recorded and the album will be launched at the first ever Fleadh Cheoil in Derry City. They will also be booked for a prestigious gig as part of the Fleadh’s illustrious live music line-up. In addition, all finalists will get a showcase spot at Music City, another major music event in the City of Culture programme.

The preliminary heats will coincide with Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin’s monthly arts programme for 2013, giving all competitors the opportunity to share a stage with the hottest acts on the traditional music scene. This will include visits from the likes of Lau, who are several times winner of ‘Best Group’ at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards and whose recent album Race The Loser was received to widespread critical acclaim, earning a five star review from the Guardian and a spot on Later… with Jools Holland.

Goitse, Rura, Donal Lunny, Pádraig Rynne and Sylvian Barou are also names involved in the project, with the first heat taking place on 8th March, followed by an energetic live set from the ever popular PJ McDonald, Bríd Harper, Gerdy Thompson and bodhrán maestro John Joe Kelly.

There will be three categories in the competition: bands, duos and singers. The competition is open to participants in the UK and Ireland and there is no age limit. New emerging musical acts are advised not to miss out on this exciting new project which could be the perfect launch pad for a career in Irish folk music.

Entries must be submitted by 1st March 2013 and anyone interested can register online at fleadhcheoil.ie or call the fleadh office on +44(0)28 71 373 573.

Comhaltas: Dún Uladh Workshops 16/02/2013

2013-02-11T23:56:00.001-08:00

Music and Language workshops coming up on Sat 16th of Feb at Dún Uladh, Omagh.

Workshops 16th Feb Cost £10 Each 2-7PM

Fiddle – Brid Harper
Whistle – Sharon McDermott
Accordion – Patricia McDermott
Singing – Kathryn McLaughlin
Bodhrán – Seamus O’Kane

Contact for more details 028 8224 2777 or info@dunuladh.ie

Comhaltas: Blog: Dún Uladh Workshops

Trad band Mórga for Matt Molloy’s

2013-02-11T03:24:00.000-08:00

Four-piece trad group Mórga are playing in Matt Molloy’s, Westport, on February 12, as part of their nationwide spring tour.
Comprised of David Munnelly on accordion, Domnic Keogh on bodhrán, Danny Diamond on fiddle, and Jonas Fromseier on banjo and bouzouki, Mórga are renowned for playing high-energy, ‘souped-up’ Irish traditional music, they were all inspired by the great bands of the 1970s.
Belmullet man David Munnelly’s prowess on the accordion has become famous, and he is known for his colourful style which includes bold bass fingerings, complex arrangements and modern compositions and a masterful knack for letting a tune take its own time. He has recorded and toured with some of the greatest Irish bands and musicians, including The Chieftains, De Danann, Gerry O’Connor, Arty McGlynn and Sharon Shannon.
Dominic Keogh, who hails from Kilmovee, is a founding member of Mórga, which has been playing music since 2008. Dublin fiddle player Danny Diamond has also been with the group from the start. His fiddle playing is soulful and technically precisce, and his command of classical technique combines with immersion in the Irish tradition to create a sound all his own. Originally from Denmark, Jonas Fromseier took up the banjo in his teens. He has also performed with Irish music and dance show Celtic Crossroads, touring extensively in the US and playing hundreds of gigs for massive crowds.
Mórga’s eponymous debut CD, released in 2008, was hailed by critics as ‘powerful, compelling, and full of life’ (Alex Monaghan, Irish Music Magazine) and a ‘sizzling’ and ‘impressive debut with limitless spark in its fuse box’ (Siobhán Long, The Irish Times). The band toured extensively after its release, and took a break in 2011 to recover. Now, they’re fully recharged and ready to take their audiences by storm.

Paddy O'Brien Autobiography - The Road from Castlebarnagh

2013-02-11T03:22:00.001-08:00

By Paddy O’Brien, foreword by Martin Hayes

‘I entered the world in 1945, the middle of the twentieth century, but my family’s way of life had not changed substantially for more than a hundred years …. The area around our house is still known as Castlebarnagh, which is a small townland near Daingean in northeast County Offaly, in the midlands of Ireland ….’

The Road from Castlebarnagh covers the many adventures of Paddy O’Brien, Irish traditional musician, composer and collector, as a boy growing up more than half a century ago in the midlands of Ireland. Paddy grew up in a small thatched house without running water or electricity, near the town of Daingean in County Offaly. It was a time when the social life of the Irish countryside often took place around the fireplace, where stories were told and music was played. In his book he writes of the many colourful characters who shaped his perception of Irish life and culture. Showing Paddy’s flair for storytelling, The Road from Castlebarnagh is the story of how a young musician absorbed his surroundings while developing his own distinctive musical style.

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New season of Geantraí on TG4

2013-02-11T03:19:00.000-08:00

The long running popular traditional music series, Geantraí starts a new 10 week run on TG4 starting on Sunday 17th Feb at 10pm and repeated Friday 22nd at 8pm. The series presented by a different musician each week is produced in genuine traditional music pub locations around Ireland and as well as featuring many of our best known musicians it is also a platform for emerging young musicians. The opening programme in the Geantraí series comes from PJ Hayes Pub in Carlingford, Co Louth and is presented by fiddle player Dónal O’Connor where among the guests are At First Light, Zӧe Conway and singer Pádraigín Ní Uallachain.

Other musician/presenters in the series will be banjo player Daithí Kearney, harp and concertina player Freda Hatton, fiddle player Liam O’Connor, fiddle player Michael Harrison, flute player Joe Byrne, fiddle player Dónall Donnelly, concertina and harp player Holly Geraghty, singer Seán Tyrrell and fiddle player Ronan O’Flatherty.

West Clare Set Dancing 1972

2013-01-16T00:57:00.000-08:00

Filmed by a Danish company in 1972, this was the Clare segment of a musical trip around Ireland. The location was Marty O'Malley's house. Musicians include Willie Clancy (whistle), Kevin Burke (fiddle), Junior Crehan (fiddle), Ita Crehan (whistle), James Kelly (fiddle), Tommy McCarthy (pipes), Jacqueline McCarthy (concertina), Marion McCarthy (whistle), Mick O'Connor (banjo). Wooden flute player may be PJ Crotty. Don't know who silver flute player is. Dancers include Marty O'Malley, Tom Lenihan (?), Ita Crehan (Ita plays whistle also, so obviously some editing was done). The reel they play is Down the Broom.

Comhaltas: Blog: 2013 Bliain na Cruinne an Chomhaltais

2013-01-16T00:49:00.000-08:00

Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

A CELEBRATION OF THOSE WHO KEPT THE CULTURAL FLAME ALIGHT WORLDWIDE

Comhaltas has designated 2013 as BLIAIN NA CRUINNE to celebrate those who having left the shores of Ireland kept our Irish cultural traditions alive in the countries of their adoption. Their talents and service will be acknowledged at Fleadhanna, Seisiún, concert tours, cultural events, overseas conventions etc.

A special medallion has been struck to mark Bliain na Cruinne.

Irish traditional music has over the years enjoyed a very special place among the Irish community abroad. In fact, in many ways the emigrant exponents of Ireland’s native abroad had a strong and abiding influence on the fortunes of music making at home. This has continued to the present day. Against this background Bliain na Cruinne will have a special significance for all those who revere the cultural traditions of the Irish nation.

Ireland owes a debt of gratitude to all those who having emigrated from her shores never forgot their roots. They continued to serve their homeland in exile. They preserved and cultivated their distinctive national identity. In many ways they had a deeper understanding and appreciation of this identity than those who remained at home. Through their dedication, our emigrants transmitted their enhanced awareness of the Irish ethos to their people at home. In the process our culture has been enriched and revitalised.

The contribution made by the Irish nation in exile to the welfare of Ireland is immense. This is manifested in the international standing of Ireland. Our economy through investment, tourism and expertise, regularly benefits from the €40 million people of Irish extraction in North America. We also salute those non-Irish who generously embrace and celebrate with us our rich cultural heritage.

Comhaltas: Blog: 2013 Bliain na Cruinne an Chomhaltais:

East Clare Young Musicians - Feakle 2012

2012-12-06T11:41:00.001-08:00

HD video of the Young Musicians' Showcase ... Feakle Festival, 2012

Réalta Cd Launch in Clontarf - Comhaltas

2012-12-05T12:48:00.000-08:00

Craobh Seán Treacy CCE will launch Réalta 2012. A new CD featuring the young musicians and singers from the branch at Clasac,Clontarf on Saturday 8th of December at 7:00pm. All are welcome The CD will be launched by Helena rowsome,a founder member of the branch and will be followed by an open session.

Comhaltas: Blog: Réalta Cd Launch

Irish Trad Music Blog

The Doyle family - set of reels

Excitement building ahead of Fleadh - Comhaltas President - Derry Journal

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