www.sligolive.ie
25th - 30th October, 2007
“I will arise and go now, and go to…” Sligo Live! From one of the past great masters of the pen, W.B. Yeats, to one of the great masters of Irish Dance and Irish concert flute playing, Michael Flatley will launch the Sligo Live Festival 2007 from the W.B.Yeats monument in Stephen’s Street, Sligo on Thursday, 13th September @ 2pm. He will be joined by Mayor of Sligo Councillor Jonathan Mc Goldrick, Dervish, organisers of the Sligo Live Festival 2007, local councillors and members of the public.

Michael will meet fans and Sligo friends in front of the W.B. Yeats monument, recognising the wonderful work that Sligo Live is doing to promote great music, most notably Irish Traditional Music. Many know Michael for his extraordinary dance talents. He is also one of traditional Irish music’s finest flute players and honed his craft from the Sligo style of Irish traditional music as a teenager while on holiday trips to County Sligo. Michael will kick start a rousing music session in typical Sligo Style where he will be joined by musicians from the region including Matt Molloy, Dervish and other special guests. The Mayor of Sligo, Councillor Jonathan Mc Goldrick will host a civic reception in Sligo’s City Hall that evening, to honour Michael’s return to his Sligo roots.

Michael Flatley’s roots grow deep in Sligo and his music was influenced by Sligo Style Traditional Music. His father, who turns 80 the week after the Festival, hails from Culfadda, Sligo. Michael is flying his parents over to the Festival so the family can celebrate this event. Sligo Style Traditional Music has produced some great Irish musicians including Seamus Tansey, Peter Horan and Matt Molloy of the Chieftains, all like Michael Flatley, masters of the concert flute.

Sligo Live Festival 2007 is a volunteer driven festival which places Irish traditional music and contemporary acts side by side. Acts performing at this year’s festival include The Buena Vista Social Club, Alabama 3, Duke Special and Dervish. Also confirmed to play at the festival are Beoga, Foy Vance, Prison Love, At First Light, Tucan and Shelly River Band featuring Seamie O’Dowd. Jon Kenny’s hilarious comedy reflecting the quirky side of Irish life and the fascinating combo of Mary McPartland, Tommy Peoples and Steve Cooney add further reason to go and experience this exciting combination of culture. Other highlights of the weekend will include free traditional pub sessions, Roots Music Dance Mixes, a nightly Festival Club with performance and session stages, Exclusive Master Classes in Sligo Style Traditional Music, Street Theatre, set dancing ceili, the celebrated and prestigious Fiddler of Dooney competition.

The Sligo Live Festival runs from Wednesday, 24th October to Monday, 29th October 2007 in a selection of Sligo venues. This must attend event has become a haven for discerning lovers of Irish and Roots music in select intimate venues around Sligo. Its unique and individual fun events make it a perfect weekend for family and friends. Tickets for Sligo Live are priced from €15 to €110 for a weekend pass and are on sale now. For full festival line up, dates including ticket and accommodation information, log onto www.sligolive.ie to register for early-bird tickets.