ÉIGSE MRS. CROTTY TRADITIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL AND SUMMER SCHOOL
Éigse Mrs. Crotty Traditional Music Festival and Summer School in Kilrush Co Clare will take place from August 13th to 17th. This festival celebrates the wonderful musical legacy of a talented and celebrated Clare woman – Elizabeth Crotty. Mrs. Crotty was a gentle and unassuming woman and a natural musician who enjoyed a unique mastery of the concertina. In fact people would seek out her company and sit quietly captivated as she played. But what she loved most of all was teaching and encouraging young musicians.
She became a pioneer of the Fleadh Cheoil movement and was elected the first President of Comhaltas in Clare, a position she held until she died. “Like all top class musicians, she had her own individual and unique style of playing” said Michael Tubridy, formerly of the Chieftains, “…she had a great rhythm and life in her music.”
It is a testament of her legacy that her stature in Irish traditional music grows even stronger. She has influenced many people through her music and her contribution to Concertina playing and to traditional Irish Music in general lives on in a very real way through this festival.
The Summer School will run over three days (Thur, Fri and Sat) with classes in Concertina, Fiddle, Flute, Set Dancing, Sean Nos Dancing and Traditional Irish Singing at all levels. It will also include Lectures, Concertina Maintenance Workshops and Concertina Masterclass.
The Open Air Céilís will take place each evening in The Square and will prominant Bands including The Five Counties Céilí Band, The Four Courts Céilí Band and the Tulla Céilí Band This is a wonderfully atmospheric setting for spectators and dancers alike right in the heart of the town. Take a look at the festival website www.eigsemrscrotty.com and check out the pictures of céilís in previous years and you’ll get a flavour of the tremendous energy and fun.
The festival also includes the Mrs Crotty Memorial Concert which this year features John Carty supported by Dympna O’Sullivan. Concertina Recitals, Open Air Sessions and Pub Sessions with renowned musicians are arranged throughout the festival.
PRO: John Kennedy Tel +353.87.2229518
Céilí Enquiries: Vincent O’Halloran Tel +353.65.9052411
Summer School Enquiries: Lisa Walsh Tel +353.87.2940985
Email: eigsemrscrottykilrush@eircom.net
Website: www.eigsemrscrotty.com
