Monday 27th December 2010 - Sunday 2nd January 2011

Gaobh Dobhair, Donegal

www.frankiekennedy.com

With

Altan | Solas

T with the Maggies

Matt Molloy with John Carty & Arty McGlynn

Catriona McKay & Chris Stout | Máire Ni Choilm

Seamus Begley, Tim Edey with Mick O’Brien

& Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh | Paul Brady | Luka Bloom |

The 17th Annual Scoil Gheimhridh Frankie Kennedy opens its doors in the stunning surroundings of the Donegal Gaeltacht in Gaoth Dobhair. There are a wide range of events in traditional Irish music instrumental, song and dance classes as well as lectures and events for the family- not to mention a series of concerts from Donegal’s finest musicians from the rest of the country and abroad, including Altan, Solas, T with the Maggies, Matt Molloy, Séamus Begley, Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh , Chris Stout and Catriona McKay, as well as special appearances from Luka Bloom and Paul Brady plus many more.

The school was set up in Gaobh Dobhair in 1994 after the sad passing of Belfast born flute player Frankie Kennedy, who was a founder member of Altan. The school carries on the contribution to Irish music made by Frankie - encouraging the development of musicians, both young and old by offering the best tuition available. Adding to this, students at the school will get a feel for the Donegal Gaeltacht – its atmosphere through events in the community, sessions and concerts in the local venues.

The schools aim is to highlight  the significance of Donegal – their songs, tunes, and the musicians. There are two CD launches – One of rare recordings  fromNeillidh Boyle to the debut release of the fantastic local sean-nós singer and Oireachtais winner Máire Ni Choilm. There will be lectures by Caoimhín Mac Aoidh on the journey of Gweedore’s Uilleann piper Tarlach Mac Suibhne.

Events for Kids such as lantern making and procession on New Year’s Even, ‘Give it a Go’ supported by National Concert Hall’s ‘Learn and Explore Music Education Programme’  and concerts by local young musicians An Crann Óg add to the family and community atmosphere of the winter school programme.

One of the highlights of this years Winter School is Gradam Francie Mooney. This award each year will be given to an established singer songwriter who has performed or written in the Irish language. We are delighted to announce that this years award will go to Tyrone singer Paul Brady.

All events take place in the Gaobh Dobhair region of Donegal in Dún Lúiche’s Errigal Hostel and Ionad Cois Locha, Ionad Naomh Pádraig in Dobhair and Teach Hiúdi Beag in Bun Beag. Classes cover flute, fiddle, uilleann pipes, tin whistle, bodhrán, button accordion, bouzouki, sean nós singing, house dancing, concertina and guitar.

We look forward to seeing you there in Donegal this winter, where the magic of the Irish music tradition is very much alive.

FOR FURTHER LISTINGS/ PROGRAMME AND MEDIA INFORMATION OR IMAGES PLEASE CONTACT

Helen McNulty |  087 986 2638 | helenmcnultyart@gmail.com