May 15th – 17th, 2009
www.skerriestraditionalmusic.com

Skerries Traditional Music Weekend Festival now in its 8th year is growing in strength from year to year. The annual funding provided by Fingal County Council Community Culture and Sports Division, The Arts Council and our Local Businesses allows the Festival to promote the traditions in the Fingal Region.

The Festival kicks off this year with a Grand Concert in the Little Theatre on Friday the 15th May. The Fingal area has a wealth of young talent waiting to be exposed and the opening concert is an ideal platform for the young local musicians, singers and dancers. Joining our local performers will be many of Ireland’s music and dance masters including Donegal fiddler Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh, John Wynne & Jacinta Mc/Evoy & John McEvoy, Sean McKeon to name but a few. This magical mix will make it a night to remember. Early booking is advisable – 087 6528643.

To whet your appetite go walk about to the many sessions in our local pubs i.e. Keane’s Bus Bar, The Gladstone, Joe May’s and Carroll’s Pier House Hotel.

Saturday sees some very special Music Workshops with a variety of instrument. Niamh Parsons will host a half day Singing Workshop with full details to be posted on the website. Pat Murphy and Mairéad Casey will thread the boards with Sets, Two Hand Dances and Sean Nós Dancing.

The Methodist Church is the venue for a very intimate recital and is extremely popular each year. As there is limited seating early booking is essential on 087 6528643. Full details on this recital will be available on our website www.skerriestraditionalmusic.com

Plans are at an advanced stage for the introduction of a singing session on Saturday night the 16th May with Niamh Parsons and special guests.

The annual Fancy Dress Set Dancing competition continues to be a very popular event held at O’Carroll’s Pier House Hotel with Triskell Ceilí Band providing excellent music. Needless to mention you will not be judged by your footwork!! (No entry fee or cover charge) Do come along and enter a team and enjoy the craic. It kicks off ( in every sense of the word) at 10.00pm participants please come early to ‘tog out’.

Lively sessions will also take place in the pubs.

On Sunday, as usual, prepare yourselves for a fabulous Recital in Skerries Mills at 12 noon, with the renowned Mary Bergin (whistle) and many guests.

Why not set sail to Blue Bar at 3.30pm for an afternoon of musical magic for Focus on Fingal with Paul Kelly and guests including, Mick O’Brien, Dermy Diamond and Family and many more.

To complete a brilliant traditional weekend come and enjoy an evening of pure celebration in Skerries Rugby Club at 8.30pm with Skerries Céilí & Set Dancing Group as you dance the night away with The Brian Boru Céilí Band.

For further information please log on to www.skerriestraditonalmusic.com
Email skerriestradmusic@gmail.com or ring 087 6528643.