June 2017 issue

COVER STORY

SEÁN KEANE

Coming away from a chat with Seán Keane, you are always left with a sense of positivity and quiet determination, writes Eileen McCabe.

FEATURES

A RAY OF SOULSUN LIGHT

Eileen McCabe profiles Damien Dempsey due to release his new album Soulsun.

THE JEREMIAHS

Seán Laffey talks to James Ryan of The Jeremiahs as they prepare to release their second CD and take the big leap forward to an American tour.

CORDEEN CONNECTIONS

Benny McCarthy tells Seán Laffey that discovering the musical connections between Ireland and Newfoundland has been one of his best musical experiences to date.

MEMORIES OF GREAT SESSIONS

Seán Laffey travels to Kilkenny to meet Mick “Citern” Walsh.

RITHIM RÉIDH

Master melodeon player, Mícheál Darby Ó Fátharta’s new CD, An Rithim Réidh, was launched recently. He spoke with Aidan O’Hara about himself and his music.

DELIGHTED ‘DÚCHAS’ CELEBRATE THEIR SIANSA GAEL LINN 2017 WIN!

The young traditional music group ‘Dúchas’ from Corofin, County Clare are the Siansa Gael Linn 2017 winners!

STORIES FROM IRISH AMERICA

Reidin O’Flynn spends an evening with Mike McHale.

MAURICE McGRATH

Mark Lysaght talks to a songwriter who has an ear for historical detail.

BEN MARCH BODHRÁNS

Miltown Malbay based Ben March talks to Seán Laffey about his bodhrán making business.

FESTIVALS

Our regular update on Festivals & Summer Schools from Ireland, UK, Europe and North America.

BLAS AT 21

Seán Laffey found out about some exciting developments at Blas when he met with Course Director Pamela Cotter.

MINNESOTA IRISH MUSIC WEEKEND

Gwen Orel catches up with Norah Rendell to discuss the 10th Anniversary Festival.

GALWAY BAY’S CELTIC MUSIC FEIS

2017 will herald the 14th year of the Galway Bay’s Celtic Music Feis; celebrating Irish, Scottish, and Celtic Music.

FLEADH CHEOIL NA hÉIREANN 2017

One of the great story tellers, gifted and prolific songwriters, Ralph McTell, will team up with Lúnasa, one of the finest traditional music outfits, to mark their 20th Anniversary celebrations during Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in August.

LIVE REVIEWS

THE GATHERING FESTIVAL

The Gleneagle Hotel & INEC Killarney, February 23rd–26th, 2017. Seán Laffey reports.

REGULARS

TUITION

Another selection of tutorials brought to you in association with Waltons Music. You can now listen to these tunes on-line at www.waltonsmusic.com

UP AND COMING – THE MUSICAL MAGUIRES

Grainne McCool talks to The Maguires, an Irish traditional music family band from Wicklow.

TUNE STORY – TWENTY–ONE STEPS

Seán Laffey writes that this is a relatively new song, written by Mick “Citern” Walsh about his adopted home of Kilkenny City.

CD REVIEWS

Another selection of CD Reviews from the International World of Folk and Traditional Music.

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