20th James Morrison Traditional Music Festival August 3rd–5th, 2012
The 20th James Morrison Traditional Music Festival which runs from Friday, August 3rd–5th, 2012 in Riverstown, Co. Sligo, honours Riverstown native, the late Tony McDermott. The unspoiled rural village of Riverstown, in an idyllic setting on the banks of the River Unshin, two miles off the N4 at Drumfin, for a most enjoyable music festival. Riverstown’s Irish name is Baile Idir Dhá Abhainn (between two rivers). It is an undiscovered tranquil rural retreat 9 miles from Sligo Town, locally noted for the relaxed warmth of its residents.
A convivial and also welcoming village atmosphere is the hallmark of an intimate festival which focuses on the real traditional experience, featuring trad pub sessions all day and night, a superb concert, open air ceilís, music workshops, a symposium on the late
Tony McDermott, an art workshop.
The Official Opening will be performed by Ms. Judy Mc Dermott. The Opening concert on Friday, August 3rd features a host of traditional musicians including: Vincent Griffin, John Daly, Danny O’Mahony, Chris Maguire, Michael Curran, John & Marie Walsh, Orlaith & Brogan McAuliffe, Emma O’Sullivan & Conal McCormack, Dave Sheridan, Josie & Una Canavan, local Sean-nos dance school, Jnr & Snr Riverstown, CCE.
Renowned accordion player, Danny O’ Mahony, will reflect on the connections between Tom Carmody and James Morrison during the 1930’s and 1940’s, the golden era of Irish music in New York, on Saturday at 7.45pm in the Morrison Teach Ceoil. The Teach Ceoil, officially opened in May 2011, is dedicated to the life and music of James Morrison.
A heart–warming symposium on the life and times of the late Tony McDermott will commence in The Teach Ceoil on Sunday, August 5th at 7.00pm.
Among the artists playing at sessions are Danny O Mahony, Patrick Reddin, Luke McGinley, Orlaith & Brogan McAuliffe, Sheila O’Dowd, Paddy Ryan, Mick Shannon, Seamus Tansey, Fiona Doherty, James O’Halloran, Michael Hurley, Philip Doddy, The Moylurg Céilí Band
(members) and The Damien & Jason McGuinness Céilí Group. Artist, Gordon D’Arcy’s, workshop on Saturday at 11.00am is always a totally absorbing experience for those children selected to take part. Tutors for the Saturday afternoon workshops include Marie Walsh (Button Accordion), Vincent Griffin & John Daly (Fiddle), Emma O’Sullivan (Sean-nós dancing), Dave Sheridan (Flute & Tin Whistle)
and Gerry Phelan (Banjo). A Seomra na Gaeilge will be located in The Teach Ceoil.
The Sligo Pipe Band, local and visiting musicians and dancers will gather at The Diamond for a rousing session on Saturday afternoon (12.00 – 1.30pm). The Diamond is also the location of the Saturday and Sunday open air Céilís. The Festival has frequently been favoured with balmy August Bank Holiday weather where locals and visitors can enjoy the very best of traditional music.
For further information visit the website www.morrison.ie or www.comhaltas.ie
