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February 22nd – 26th, 2012
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 February 22nd to 26th, 2012.
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November 17th –20th, 2011
Lúnasa, Guidewires, The Anxo Lorenzo Band and Dáimh; uilleann pipers, Seán Óg Potts, Ronan Browne and Mick O’Brien; singers Karan Casey and Róisín Elsafty; and musicians from Brittany, Scotland, Galicia, Central France, Greece and the USA – just a taste of whats in store at the 18th William Kennedy Piping Festival which takes place in Armagh from November 17th - 20th, 2011.
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October 27th – 30th (Music and Song)
November 4th – 6th (Dancing)
The 13th Return to Camden Town Festival boasts an impressive line-up over its two long weekends of music and song (October 27th – 30th, 2011) and dancing (November 4th – 6th, 2011). With concerts, album launches, workshops, céilís and sessions featuring: Noel Hill, Tony Linnane and Alec Finn/Brian Rooney, John Carty and Arty McGlynn/Lúnasa/ Brock McGuire Band/Shaskeen/The London Lasses and Pete Quinn/Niamh Parsons and Graham Dunne/Damien O’Kane, Ed Boyd and John Joe Kelly/Catherine McEvoy, Micheál and MacDara O’Raighallaigh/Raw Bar Collective (Conal Ó’Gráda, Benny McCarthy, Dave Sheridan)/The Abbey Céilí Band/ Mairéad Casey/Gary Connolly/Peter McAlinden/Mick O’Connor and Antoin McGabhann/Michelle O’Brien and Laoise Kelly/Tom McElvogue, Des Hurley and Chris O’Malley/Luke Daniels and Junior Davey/ Paddy Egan, Colman Connolly and Tad Sargent/ Hungry Grass/Rún/Ivy Leaf Céilí Band and more.
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October 28th – 31st, 2011
Ninteen years after the Patrick O’Keeffe Traditional Music Festival was founded in his honour and 48 years after his death the legend of ‘The Last of the Great Fiddle Masters’ lives on. In the course of the October bank holiday since 1993, Castleisland has taken on the mantle of breast of the beating heart of Sliabh Luachra music and culture. There, in the Co. Kerry town and in the course of the now famed weekend, dawn to dusk sessions of the finest traditional fare have drawn patrons back year after year and pushing out the boundaries with new areas of the world represented with every passing festival. Just as the fall of 1993 approached, RTE Radio 1 presenter/producer, Peter Browne prompted that some event or other should be held to honour O’Keeffe – as the year marked the 30th anniversary of his death.
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October 14th – 16th, 2011
October 14th–16th marks the return of the 5th Scoil Cheoil na Botha traditional weekend to Scotstown, Co. Monaghan. Building on the success of the preceeding Scoil Cheoil na Botha weekends and reflecting an upturn in traditional music fortunes in Co. Monaghan, Scotstown will once again host some of the finest traditional musicians, singers and dancers from around the country. The festival will be launched on Friday 14th October with an opening session in Mc Cague’s Bar, Scotstown.
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October 7th – 9th, 2011
www.feilefrankmcgann.com
Strokestown will be buzzing this October when Féile Frank McGann enthusiasts get together to for this year’s Féile. Joining the Féile team for a great weekend’s entertainment will be top trad musicians such as Seamus Begley, Dave Sheridan, Fiachna O’Mongain, Seamus O’Mongain, Mick O’Brien, Geraldine Cotter, Joe Skelton, Suzanne Leahy, Micheal O’Raghallaigh, Danny O’Mahony, and a host to other musicians. The weekend, which has become an established event in the traditional music scene, will attract musicians and listeners from all over the Country and from further afield.
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September 29th –October 16th, 2011
www.dublintheatrefestival.com
The 54th Ulster Bank Dublin Theatre Festival will run from September 29th – October 16th, 2011 and will include 28 shows in 25 venues, running over 18 days proving once again that Dublin loves Drama.
Each year the Festival gives audiences the opportunity to see many world class shows and enjoy unique Festival experiences as well retaining a commitment to supporting new Irish theatre. 2011 is no exception and features a wealth of exciting international and Irish work. Opening the Festival in the Gaiety Theatre is the spellbinding and breathtaking Donka, A letter to Chekhov, a dazzling feat of aerial acrobatics, multi-media illusion and circus magic.
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September 23rd – 25th, 2011
www.johnnydohertyfestival.com www.ardara.ie
Following on from the huge success of last years festival which brought people from all over the world to the scenic town of Ardara the organisers are confident of a successful weekend again this year. The organisers hope to provide something for everyone to enjoy, with Concerts, Céilís, Barn Dances, Sean nos, Set Dancing, Workshops, Pub and Street Sessions. The Opening Concert is Fidil on Friday the 23rd at 8:30pm in the Beehive Bar. Céilí & Sets with Emerald Céilí Band at 10:00pm – 1:00am in the Nesbitt Arms Hotel.
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On October 1st–2nd next, friends and fans of the well-known Sean-nós singer from Carna, Connemara, Seán ‘Ac Dhonncha - or “Johnny Joe Pheatsín” as he was otherwise known – will descend on Ahascragh, a small, picturesque village in East County Galway, Sean’s homeplace for over thirty five years. On this special, inaugural Tribute Weekend, musicians and singers from all over Ireland will travel to honour Seán’s legacy and to celebrate his life and singular contribution to Irish language and culture.
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November 1st–4th, 2011
Music Network courses for performing musicians
www.musicnetwork.ie
Music Network is currently seeking applications from Irish and Ireland-based professional musicians and composers interested in participating in Making Overtures. The closing date for receipt of applications is Monday 26th September, 2011 at 5pm.
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