“Blisteringly good roots music” – Americana UK

www.musicnetwork.ie

With true Appalachian soil caked onto their boots, Furnace Mountain are set to delight Irish audiences with their distinctive take on rootsy Americana in a Music Network tour from October 28th, 2014. Making live music happen across the country, Music Network provides an opportunity to see some of the world’s most foremost musicians at affordable prices, funded by the Arts Council.

One of the fast–rising stars of the American roots scene, Furnace Mountain draws its repertoire from the old-time, bluegrass and folk ballad tradition. The quartet’s members all grew up on or near the mountain in Virginia bearing the same name as the group. At times lively and raucous, at times poignant and poetic, Furnace Mountain has won critical acclaim for its fresh, authentic sound. Heart–worn and effortlessly sweet vocal harmonies interweave with spirited fiddle playing to interpret some of the oldest songs ever written alongside original compositions.
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www.thewillisclan.com

The Willis Clan has had an exciting summer that kicked–off with being contestants on America’s Got Talent. With over 4 million views on YouTube, the family act of 12 siblings is getting the attention of a worldwide audience.

See their audition performance here on the following link to Youtube: m.youtube.com/watch?v=7h8J48UXoBc

American fans were delighted to catch live performances at fairs and festivals during the summer holidays and meet The Clan in person. Audiences loved watching the band’s version of A Few of My Favorite Things, seeing the little ones dance and hearing songs from Chapter One – Roots and Chapter Two – Boots. But fans were particularly excited to hear new songs from The Willis Clan’s third album tentatively scheduled to be finished by the end of this year.

Next year Irish fans will be thrilled to know that The Willis Clan will be touring in Ireland for the month of June. So far they have shows booked at the INEC and the Acoustic Club in Killarney and the Town Hall Theatre in Galway. More dates to be confirmed soon.

For more information visit www.thewillisclan.com

October 19th – 24th, 2014

The Online Academy of Irish Music

www.irishmusicholidays.ie

If you would like to come to Ennis, Co. Clare to focus in on your flute playing and immerse yourself in flute specific workshops and masterclasses for five days there are still places available.

The week is packed with lessons to hone in on your technique and expand your repertoire. The morning workshops with Kirsten Allstaff are centred on learning new tunes while at the same time focusing on issues that challenge all flautists – tone production, embouchure, articulation and stamina. Learning as part of a small group of adults is a rewarding and fun experience.

Dr. Niall Keegan and Kevin Crawford will each host an afternoon masterclass during the week. Students can get tips and advice on various aspects of flutes and flute playing. An evening concert will showcase the flute playing of all the tutors.
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www.caladhnua.com

Caladh Nua is a tightly–knit and vibrant young band with its origins deeply rooted in the Southern counties of Ireland. Comprised of five versatile musicians and singers playing a wide selection of instruments – from banjo to fiddle, guitar to bodhran and tin whistle to button accordion – the band has captured the essential qualities of traditional Irish music and balanced them finely with an innovative contemporary flair.

Through a series of international tours and festivals across the globe, which saw the band take the stage in cities such as Paris, London, Vienna, Copenhagen, Berlin, Mumbai, New York and Vancouver, Caladh Nua has cast a uniquely captivating net of Irish music and song over an ever widening worldwide audience.
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www.leitrimarts.ie

As part of the Leitrim Equation Traditional Music Development Programme, musician and singer/songwriter Eleanor Shanley is leading a programme of professional development workshops for traditional musicians to enhance their skills in presenting on stage, marketing and promotion, how to get gigs, and how to get your music played on air. The programme is designed for traditional musicians and singers of all ages, but it is particularly suitable for those planning to make their living from traditional music.

Eleanor will be joined by musicians of international reputation and experts in each field including: Musicians Kevin Crawford, Cathy Jordan, Dónal Lunny, Charlie McGettigan and John Carty; Toner Quinn, The Journal of Music; Sandra Joyce, Irish World Academy of Music and Dance; Keith Conroy, Sound Engineer; Declan Drohan, Musician/Drama Tutor; Karen Ryan, Return to Camden Festival; & Aine Hensey, RTE Radio.
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Just how important and influential has been the recording of Irish traditional music in North America? The answer will be illustrated by flute player Marcas Ó Murchú, when he presents a lecture entitled: A Century of Irish Traditional Recordings in the USA – a modern viewpoint. This will take place on October 18th from 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm in the Crescent Arts Centre, 2 University Road Belfast (£5 donation).

Marcas is originally from Belfast but has been living in Derry for many years. He is a master of the rolling Sligo–Leitrim–Roscommon style of flute–playing. He teaches at many of the music schools throughout the country, including Senior flute at the Willie Clancy Summer School.
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Gleneagle Hotel, Killarney
February 18th – 22nd, 2015
www.thegathering.ie

With a finely tuned mix of concerts, ceilís, workshops and sessions The 16th Gathering Traditional Festival returns on February 18th – 22nd, 2015 to The Gleneagle Hotel.
The Gathering Traditional Festival promises music session’s morning, noon and night. Concerts with A Stór Mo Chroí, Arcady, The Unwanted, Jackie Daly, Paul De Grae, Mike McGoldrick, Johnny Ringo McDonagh, Dezi Donnelly and many more.
For those of you with energy to burn the ever popular Ceilís return with Uí Bhriain, 5 Counties Ceilí Band, Neily O Connor, Striolan Ceilí Band and Johnny Reidy Ceilí Band.
Our popular set–dancing workshops for beginners, with Gearoid Devanney and advanced with Tony Ryan is back and Songs and Stories from Kerry with Eddie Lenihan & Ray O Sullivan.
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November 27th–30th, 2014

www.birminghamtradfest.co.uk

The eyes of the Irish music world will all be on Birmingham towards the end of the year as it ushers in the arrival of a brand new major Traditional Music festival.

Between November 27th and 30th, the city’s Irish Quarter in Digbeth will welcome hundreds of traditional music lovers, as it plays host to a colourful programme of concerts, sessions and workshops; the festival’s name derives from a famous reel composed by Sligo flute player, Josie McDermott, after a trip to the city in the 1960’s.

In an exciting and varied line–up, both core traditional and more contemporary tastes will be catered for, as some of the biggest names in the genre are showcased: Frankie Gavin and De Dannan; the Brian Finnegan Trio; the reunion of 1980’s Birmingham band Long Acre (featuring Kevin Crawford of Lunasa); Siobhan Peoples and Murty Ryan; along with many others. What’s more, the weekend will also include many sessions, a festival club which will run well into the early hours after concerts have taken place, and workshops on a broad range of instruments taught by experienced tutors from across the UK and Ireland.

This will be a unique celebration of Irish culture, with something to offer to all Irish music fans, and the chance to enjoy hearing some of the biggest names on the circuit in this vibrant city. Don’t miss out on this very exciting venture.

For more information and to book tickets, visit the website www.birminghamtradfest.co.uk

FOUR DAYS OF GREAT MUSIC

November 6th – 9th, 2014

www.irishfestival.dk

During the first long weekend in November, Copenhagen will be buzzing with Irish music. The annual festival includes some of the best new acts together established bands and legends from Ireland.

Enjoy traditional Irish atmosphere, music, song and dance at the many concerts and sessions and be sure not to miss out on the big Sunday céilí. The Copenhagen Irish Festival is situated in the heart of the city and close to hotels and public transport. Concerts, sessions and céilí are all located at the old meat market quarter that is now a cultural hotspot.

For further information visit the website www.irishfestival.dk

facebook.com/copenhagen.irish.festival

November 2nd – 9th, 2014

www.fiddlefair.com

Baltimore Fiddle Fair is extremely proud to present the very first Fiddle Fair Autumn school, a unique opportunity to spend a week in beautiful Baltimore, West Cork and learn from two of the absolute masters of the fiddle tradition: Kevin Burke and Tim O’ Brien. The price of ?999 includes airport transfers, seven nights accommodation at the amazing Inish Beg estate, www.inishbeg.com, breakfast and dinner every evening, six days of classes at Inish Beg (morning and afternoon with Tim and Kevin) and a tailor– made immersion in Baltimore and the islands.
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