May 14th - 16th, 2010
www.skerriestraditionalmusic.com

The 9th Annual Festival of Skerries Traditional Music Weekend takes
place from 14th to 16th May.   The seaside town of Skerries, located
in the Fingal area of Dublin is the perfect location for this annual
Festival, as all events are situated within walking distance of each
other and participants have the opportunity to immerse themselves in
the music, song and dance taking place during the weekend.

The annual funding provided by Fingal County Council Community
Culture and Sports Division, The Arts Council and our Local
Businesses allows the Festival to continue its work in promoting the
traditions and unique culture in the Fingal Region.

The Festival kicks off this year with a Grand Concert in the Little
Theatre at Skerries Community Centre on Friday the 14th May.   The
Fingal area has an abundance 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 Mary Bergin,
Gerry O’Connor, Mairéad Casey, Cathal McConnell, Breda Keville,
Nollaig Mac Cárthaigh, Micheál O’Raghallaigh and Eibhlín de Paor to
name but a few.   This magical mix will make it a night to remember.
Early booking is advisable – 087 6528643.
Following the concert you can whet your appetite even further by
going walk about to the many sessions in our local pubs, Keane’s Bus
Bar, the Gladstone Inn, Joe Mays and Carroll’s Pier House Hotel.

Saturday sees a variety of Music Workshops covering a wide range of
instruments.    This year a special workshop for Piano Accompaniment
will be introduced with Garry O’Briain and Noreen Gavin giving the
expert tuition.   Full details are posted on the website.    Mairéad
Casey and Tony Ryan will thread the boards with Sets, Sean Nós
dancing and Two Hand Dances.
The Methodist Church is the venue for a very special 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 are available on our website www.skerriestraditionalmusic.com
There is a wealth of talented traditional musicians in the Fingal
area and further afield who will appreciate the opportunity to join
in the Early Session planned for Saturday the 15th May in Carroll’s
Pier House Hotel at 8pm.      It is a great chance for those budding
musicians to rub shoulders with the cream of the crop.   This is
definitely an occasion not to be missed, so be sure and check out the
website for full details.
In 2009, the introductory singing session in Arabica Café was a
fantastic success and enjoyed by one and all.   The gathering of
singers and musicians perform in the relaxed surroundings of the
Arabica Coffee Co. Café.   This intimate session provides the perfect
accompaniment to a glass of wine or coffee slice – “A delightful
listening experience.”  The singing session is here to stay and will
take place at 93.0pm on Saturday the 15th May with Niamh Parsons,
Paul Kelly, Claire Keville and many more.
Lively sessions will also take place in The Gladstone, Joe Mays pubs
and Carroll’s Pier House Hotel

On Sunday, as usual, prepare yourselves for a fabulous Recital in
Skerries Mills at 12 noon, with the renowned Mary Bergin (tin
whistle) and guests including Troy Bannon, Clare Keville, Gerry
O’Connor plus many more.   This get-together is extremely popular and
the event never fails to captivate the audience.

Focus on Fingal Blue Bar 3.30pm
Join Paul Kelly as you ‘Focus on Fingal’ with The Cormorants, Niamh
Parsons, Siobhán Moore, Alan Byrne & Friends and many more.    Focus
on Fingal strives to promote the hidden wealth of music, song and
dance which is associated with the Fingal area of County Dublin and
its surroundings   The players and performers are rooted in that
landscape, and through their various arts, continue to nurture and
present the cultural heritage of this unique and special region.

To complete a brilliant traditional weekend come along and dance the
night away with Skerries Céilí and Set Dancing Group in Skerries
Rugby Club at 8.30pm to the magical music of The Brian Ború Céilí Band.
For further information please Email skerriestradmusic@gmail.com  log
on to www.skerriestraditionalmusic.com or ring 087 6528643