Gleneagle Hotel, Killarney
March 2nd – 6th 2011

www.thegathering.ie

Preparations are well underway for the twelfth Gathering Traditional Festival which is set to take place at The Gleneagle Hotel, Killarney from March 2nd to 6th 2011.

This festival is firmly established as one of the most popular celebrations of Irish song and dance the world over. It has grown in strength since its inception way back in 1999 and incorporates a finely tuned mix of concerts, céilís, sessions, workshops and masterclasses.

Concerts
The stellar line-up of concerts already confirmed for 2011 include performances by De Danann, Shaskeen, Fidil, The Glacken Brothers, Noel Hill & Tony Linnane, Guidewires, John Carty & Brian Rooney, John & Pip Murphy and many more.

Céilís
The toe-tapping tunes for the ever popular Gathering Céilís will be provided by Jerry McCarthy, The Copperplate Céilí Band, The Abbey Céilí Band and Johnny Reidy & Swallows Tail. Set-dancing workshops for beginners, advanced and children will take place throughout the weekend and impromptu sessions galore, of the highest caliber, are a given.

Showcase Concerts
In a new initiative organised by The Gathering Committee, the 2011 festival will present a series of Showcase gigs whereby new and established Irish traditional music acts will be afforded the opportunity to perform in front of an audience of festival organisers and bookers from throughout Ireland and Europe.

“It has always been our aim to be exponents of Irish culture and this year we plan to build on this through our Showcase gigs,” said festival Chairman John O’Shea.

“These gigs will provide trad bands with the opportunity to perform in front of festival organisers from throughout Europe who will be actively seeking to book acts for upcoming festivals. This will provide new and emerging Irish talent with the unique opportunity to tout their wares to the ideal audience.”

“The advantage for festival organisers and agents is that they will have the opportunity to witness the artists performing firsthand with a view to booking them for future traditional and folk festivals around the world.”

Any traditional Irish bands interested in participating in this initiative should forward their CD and CV to John O’Shea – The Gathering Festival, C/o Gleneagle Hotel, Muckross Road, Killarney, Co Kerry, email johngathering@hotmail.com or phone 087 2348824 / 064 66 33544

For hotel reservations call The Gleneagle Hotel on 064 66 36000.