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Month: April 2011

Irish Blood | English Heart

Written by Press Officer on . Posted in News.

IRISH BLOOD,
ENGLISH HEART:
Second Generation Irish Musicians in England
by Sean Campbell
Published by Atrium
An imprint of Cork University Press
 
Second-generation Irish musicians have played a vital role in the history of popular music in England. Irish Blood, English Heart is the first full account of popular music-making amongst the Irish diaspora.
 
This book explores the role of Irish ethnicity in the lives and work of these musicians, focusing on Kevin Rowland and Dexys Midnight Runners, Shane MacGowan and The Pogues, and Morrissey/Marr and The Smiths. It follows the diverse 'routes' pursued by second-generation Irish musicians, tracing their different styles and personas. The book disputes the view of England's Irish as a peripheral and problematic presence, seeing the second generation as a highly active and creative presence at the forefront of both British and Irish culture.
 
The book includes the following previously unpublished material:

– An account of Kevin Rowland’s meetings with Sinn Féin representatives in the early 1980s, leading to his plans to perform a Dexys concert for the republican movement
– An account of The Pogues’ reception in mid-80s Ireland, when they were viewed as suspect (English) interlopers, making unwelcome incursions into Irish culture, leading to claims that the band were ‘anti-Irish racists’
– An account of The Smiths’ Irish tour in 1984, when the band received threats from paramilitary factions and were praised by An Phoblacht
 
Advance praise for Irish Blood, English Heart:
'Irish Blood, English Heart is a constantly intriguing and often provocative book about the complex process – and peculiar freedom – of not wholly belonging to one culture or the other' – Sean O’Hagan, The Observer
 
Sean Campbell is Senior Lecturer in the Department of English and Media at Anglia Ruskin in Cambridge, UK. He was raised in an Irish family in the north of England in the 1970s and 80s. He is a musician and writer, and is the co-author of Beautiful Day: Forty Years of Irish Rock (Cork University Press, 2005) His next book will be Combat Rock: Popular Music and the Troubles.
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IMRO Member Offer – The Philip Lynott Exhibition

Written by Breffni Banks on . Posted in News.

Due to its popularity, the Philip Lynott Exhibition has extended its run until the May Bank Holiday. IMRO has secured a special discounted ticket price for all our members to visit the exciting new Philip Lynott Exhibition this April and May.

Thousands of music fans from Ireland and abroad are visiting Dublin for this major exhibition honouring Irish rock legend Philip Lynott.
 
2011 marks the 25th anniversary of the death of the Thin Lizzy singer and this stunning exhibition gives a unique insight into the background, work and life of Ireland’s pioneering rock star.
 
The Exhibition is being held in a specially constructed space on the top floor of Stephen's Green Shopping Centre, right in the heart of Philo's beloved home town.
 
Hot Press is mounting the exhibition, which is supported by the Department of Tourism, Culture and Sport, the Dublin UNESCO City of Literature, Dublin City Council, Dublin Tourism, the Irish Daily Star and RTÉ 2fm.
 
Now running until May 2011!! Open Daily
Stephen's Green Shopping Centre, Dublin
 
As an IMRO member you are entitled to the following discounted prices:
SPECIAL IMRO PRICES
ADULTS: Only €8 (weekdays) or €10 (Sat/Sun)!
FAMILIES:  Only €22 (weekdays) or €25 (Sat/Sun)!
To avail of this offer, enter the special IMRO code PHILADULTIMRO or PHILFAMILYIMRO when you visit http://www.ticketmaster.ie/promo/q1fn1g?camefrom=CFC_IE_AFF_HP_PLE&brand=ie_hotpress
Here's what visitors to the exhibition have to say: 

"Comprehensive, informative and pure rock 'n’ roll, this is the definitive Phil Lynott story." – Ryan Tubridy, RTÉ 2fm

“The best and most authentic rock exhibition I’ve been to" – Tony Fenton, Today FM
 
"The exhibition reminds us all of just how important Philip was to the industry. His inspiration continues to be felt by many of todays bands. Long live the king." – Roddie Cleere, WLR FM / Roisin Dubh Trust
 
"This show should never end! Dublin needs a permanent nod towards the genius that was Philo and that is Lizzy – Just go see it!" –  Marty Miller, Radio Nova
 
"Wonderfully engaging…. it's a treasure trove of rare and interesting information — and a must for Thin Lizzy fans" – Nadine O'Regan, The Kiosk, Phantom 105.2
 
"An impressive and reverential exhibition… it's almost as grand in its own way as the National Library of Ireland's exhibition on the life and works of W.B. Yeats." – Fintan O'Toole, The Irish Times
 
"I found out things I didn't know, some things I had forgotten and enjoyed the experience profoundly" – Cathleen Lynott, Philip's daughter
 
"Magnificent, majestic, almost mystical… it truly captures Phil's spirit." – Brush Shiels
"It's brilliant!" – Marti Pellow, Wet Wet Wet
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World Premiere’s For Vincent Kennedy

Written by Press Officer on . Posted in News.

The coming days will see the world premiere’s of two new works by the composer Vincent Kennedy.

On the Friday 15th and Saturday 16th April the world premiere of Where the North Wind Blows will take place. Vincent was commissioned by the The North Wind Blows project to write this music.  That project is a Peace and Reconciliation project funded by the International Fund for Ireland and administered by the County Donegal VEC Music Education Partnership. Vincent has written a 10 minute piece of celebratory music for an ensemble made up of Lambeg Drum, Bodhrán, two Brass Bands, a Ulster Scots Highland Pipe Band, and additional woodwind and percussion. The players are from different community backgrounds in Counties Donegal and Tyrone. Vincent will conduct the premiere with St Joseph’s Brass Band Strabane, the Bready Ulster Scots Pipe Band, Glenties Brass Band, and woodwind, brass and percussion players from the Donegal School of Music. The first performance takes place at the Balor Theatre Ballybofey, County Donegal on April 15th at 8pm and the following evening a second performance takes place at the Alley Theatre, Strabane.
Also in these performances will be the world premiere of Open Air by the Belfast composer Neil Martin and arrangements of You are the Voice, She Moved through the Fair, and The Water is Wide by Brendan Breslin and Maggie by Stephen Cairns as well as a performance of the ever popular Highland Cathedral by the entire ensemble.

On Love: Live Music Day, Friday April 8th the distinguished cellist Annette Cleary will give the world premiere of Vincent Kennedy’s Etude for Cello as part of a cello recital entitled “From Baroque to Modern”. The premiere will take place at Newcastle Hospital, Newcastle, Co. Wicklow at 12pm followed by a further performance at 2.30pm at the Happy Pear, Main St. Greystones.  Speaking about the world premiere Vincent Kennedy said “I think that particularly on “Live Music Day” musicians should endeavour to perform in places from where people are unable to get out to performances. I am delighted therefore that the premiere of “Etude for Cello” is taking place in Newcastle Hospital.”
 
Speaking about this work Vincent said “While experiencing the splendour of the great Atlantic waves breaking along the coast of North Donegal, as clouds bigger than mountains floated above on a perfect blue sky, I heard in my mind the beginnings of what became “Etude for Cello”. I worked on it later that day so that I could leave the music as a gift dedicated to the Gormley family whose hospitality I was enjoying at the time.”
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Bill Whelan and Brendan Graham first inductees to new IMRO Academy

Written by Webmaster on . Posted in Press Releases.

Bill Whelan, best known as the composer of Riverdance and Brendan Graham the co-author of the hugely successful song, ‘You Raise Me Up’ became the first inductees to the new IMRO Academy which was launched by the Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO) this week.
 
The IMRO Academy’s mission is to celebrate and mark the successes of Ireland’s iconic songwriters and composers who have made a very significant cultural and social impact in Ireland and/or internationally. Two IMRO members will be inducted into the Academy each year.
 
Victor Finn, CEO, IMRO, said: “Both Bill and Brendan have contributed enormously to the recognition of Ireland across the Globe and their extensive work more than merits them being inducted into the new IMRO Academy.”
 
Commenting, Bill Whelan, said: ”It is a double honor for me to be inducted into this new Irish Academy of Composers – not alone because I share it with my long-time friend and colleague, Brendan Graham – both founder- members of IMRO, but also because I look forward in the coming years to the growth of this Academy into an association of Irish talent, as yet unimagined. ”
 
Brendan Graham, said: ”Through the years of scratching out songs and hoping to find a listening ear, you never expect to be the recipient of such an acknowledgement as this, and in the company of a friend of long standing, such as Bill, whose work you admire and have been inspired by. Surprised and grateful are words that spring to mind.”
 
Victor Finn, CEO, IMRO, added: “As a country we have real diversity and quality of music. It is the most important ingredient in fostering our reputation of being a dynamic and culturally rich nation. No creator goes out with the expressed intention of being a flag bearer for Ireland but nonetheless this is the inevitable consequence when their work resonates so powerfully with overseas audiences. We believe that the IMRO Academy will celebrate Ireland’s creatives.”
 
The induction ceremony coincided with the IMRO sponsored Independent Broadcasters of Ireland (IBI) annual conference dinner which took place in Dublin on Monday evening. Following the ceremony, Brendan and Bill presented a very special world premiere performance of their new composition, ‘The High Line’, written together in New York recently. In addition, there were guest performances of songs/compositions from the extensive catalogues of both music creators. Among those who performed were Brian Kennedy, Secret Garden, Zoe Conway, The Discovery Gospel Choir, Morgan Crowley, Bill Whelan, An Ceolfhoireann na hÉireann (conducted by David Brophy), Charlie McGettigan, Paul Harrington, Mick Donegan and Mick O’Brien.

Colette Henry – Album Launch

Written by Press Officer on . Posted in News.

“Colette Henry is a fine new Jazz singer with crystal clear delivery and empathy for classic songs. One to watch.” Dermot Rogers, Dublin City FM.

“Colette is a bright young vocal star on the rise and proved a big hit in the Festival Club at the 2010 Jazz Festival in Cork.” – Jack McGouran, Programme Director, Guinness Cork Jazz Festival.
“Colette is a most positive all rounder ****” Sean Brophy, Presenter of Jazz Spec, Dublin South FM
“Sublime album, perfect late night music” Totally Dublin
“Her debut album is proof of the wisdom of spending time on voice-training and style development… Lush Life has been sung by some of the greatest. Without copying any of them, Colette Henry interprets it in her own way, making it sound as natural as breathing.
Her pure voice falls gently on the ear, while her precise diction and feeling for the lyrics bring out all the nuances of Billy Strayhorn’s haunting song.” – Grainne Farren, Sunday Independent 27th March 2011.
“We heart Colette Henry’s album. It’s an impressive debut that trascends genres and finds its own rather unique groove.” – IMAGE magazine April 2011.
‘You stole my heart’ is the name of Colette Henry’s debut album and that’s what it does, it steals your heart.  Colette’s voice transcends genres as she moves effortlessly between a purity of tone that haunts you, and the gritty power of a soul singer.  Audiences find there is an honesty and energy in her performances that draws them; this album distills this experience with creative integrity.
As a singer with almost 15 years experience in many different genres, she has spent over 2 years crafting her debut album, writing and producing many of the songs in a way that is fresh and accessible to a wide audience.
Her influences create a landscape of sound that show a genuine love of the timeless jazz songs, sultry tango rhythms and a good kick of modern R&B.
In a fast paced world, this album creates an intimate space and reveals its beauty slowly; it creeps inside to melt and steal your heart.
*************
To launch the album, Colette and her band of stellar musicians (Johnny Taylor – piano, Andrew Csibi – double bass, Dominic Mullan – drums)
are putting on a very special full-length show.   They will play songs
from the album as well as other uptempo swing tunes, feisty blues and bittersweet ballads.  It promises to be a lively night that takes the audience on the journey of making the album as Colette tells the stories linked with the music choices.
You are invited to come along and join us upstairs in 4 Dame Lane. Our show will be followed at 10.30pm by excellent DJ Ian Clarke who’ll be playing chart, soul, funk and house, till 3am.
Listings information:
Date: Friday 8th April 2011 7pm
Event: Colette Henry Album Launch + full show
Time: Doors 7.00pm, Show 7.30pm, DJ 10.30pm
Price:  €8/14 with album
Venue: (upstairs) 4 Dame Lane, Dame Lane, Dublin 2.
Website: www.colette.ie
Spotlight

 

Help The Homeless Charity Gig

Written by Press Officer on . Posted in News.

‘ALISON, Daughter Of Our Nation’ Charity Gig.

Maggies Farm featuring Tony Floyd Kenna, Heather MacLeod & The Sisters Of Fate will perform at a charity concert for the Capuchin Day Centre For Homeless People on April 11th. They recently released ‘Alison, Daughter Of Our Nation’ written by Tony Floyd Kenna, to promote this great cause.
 
Guests on the night will include RAID, Peter Fitzpatrick and The Pinfires. The venue is Walters, Dun Laoghaire.
The Capuchin Day Centre provides meals and day care facilities for people who are homeless or in need and food parcels for those on the poverty threshold. Alison is the story of a homeless girl living on the streets of the city. Cold, hungry and unwanted, Alison is brushed aside like dust and in time will disappear, just another statistic.
 
It is hoped to raise both awareness and badly needed funds with this talent laden gig. All are welcome.
 
The song is available for download on itunes, all profits go to The Day Centre.
Full information and links at
http://www.myspace.com/559443908
 
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Glinsk Song Contest

Written by Press Officer on . Posted in News.

CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRIES HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO APRIL 15th
Glinsk Song Contest has arrived at its 24th year. Indeed, each year the support of songwriters has grown. We thank all of you for such sustained and continuous support throughout the years.
Glinsk Song Contest attracts a huge variety of styles and themes among our entries each year and all are welcome.
If your song is one of the thirteen chosen for the final on Sunday 3rd July, then Glinsk Song Contest will do all the arrangements etc for you. You must provide a singer of your own choice who will be accompanied by the Glinsk Song Contest orchestra.
We look forward to receiving your entry over the course of the next couple of weeks. Let Glinsk Song Contest be your ‘shop-window’ this year. Glinsk Song Contest is the oldest and biggest Song Contest in Ireland.
Glinsk Song Contest acknowledges the generous support of IMRO over the years. Without the support of IMRO – Glinsk Song Contest could not have survived.
Log onto /wp-content/uploads/sites/default/files/glinsk_2011.pdf to download an application form.
We look forward to hearing from you….

Best Wishes,
Martin Ward (Director Glinsk Song Contest)
 
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Villagers headline Marlay Park concert

Written by Press Officer on . Posted in News.

Villagers are set to perform their biggest headline show to date on Saturday 23 July under canvas at Marlay Park, in one of the first of a new series of intimate concerts to be staged at the south Dublin venue called @ The Park.

Joining Villagers as special guests for their Marlay Park performance will be Baltimore, Maryland duo Beach House.
Tickets from €33.60 are on sale at 9am on Friday 8th April from Ticketmaster through the following outlets:
In person: from 100 Ticketmaster outlets nationwide
24hr hotlines: Tel: ( ROI ) 0818 719 300/ ( NI ) 0844 277 4455
Buy online: www.ticketmaster.ie <http://www.ticketmaster.ie
Ticket prices are inclusive of booking fee.
Taking place in the picturesque surrounds of Marlay Park, @ The Park will provide fans with some of the best live music the venue has seen, all located within a dark intimate surroundings of the tent giving people the festival experience set to the view of the Dublin mountains in the background.
Throughout the years the park has provided a stage for some of the world’s biggest performers including Radiohead, The Who, Aerosmith, The White Stripes, R.E.M., Daft Punk and Van Morrison.
 
Since the release last May of the Mercury-nominated debut album Becoming A Jackal, Villagers have been constantly on the move.  2011 got off to a great start for Villagers with Becoming A Jackal going platinum in Ireland and being shortlisted for the Choice Music Prize – Album Of The Year 2010. Then it was announced that the band would tour with Elbow in the UK and Ireland on all their Arena shows, the last being at the O2, Dublin on 31st March.
 
Villagers will be releasing a new single “The Pact” on Friday 13th May – video to follow shortly. Ahead of that the band will be playing dates around Europe and the UK. And for the first time, Conor and co will play the O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire in London on May 21st before heading on to summer shows including T In The Park, Latitude and Green Man.
 
Hailing from Baltimore, Maryland, Beach House released their third critically acclaimed album Teen Dream early 2010. Described as dream pop with their atmospheric rhythms and haunting lyrics the duo charmed indie music enthusiasts across the world with their languid songcraft. Last year their track 10 Mile Stereo was chosen to feature as the music for Guinness 250 campaign. Beach House have toured with acts such as Cat Power, Grizzly Bear and Vampire Weekend and are sure to be a eagerly anticipated addition to the @ The Park line up.
Tickets for Villagers w/ Beach House @ The Park on sale from 9am on Friday 8th April.
 
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