Author: Zoé Piater

The Half Room, an emerging ensemble featuring renowned singers Pauline Scanlon and Nicola Joyce of Galway trio The Whileaways, alongside Eoin Wynne and Fabian Joyce, announces the release of their debut single, “Helen of Kirconnel Lea.”.

Inspired by the tragic love story of Helen Irving, “Helen of Kirconnel Lea” tells the story of Helen, the daughter of the Laird of Kirkconnell, who was loved by two men. Forced to choose between Adam Fleming of Kirkpatrick, whom she loved, and Bell of Blacket House, Helen’s life ended tragically when she shielded Adam from a fatal shot fired by her spurned suitor.

The harmonic blend of The Half Room finds equilibrium in the earthy authenticity of vocalists Eoin Wynne and Fabian Joyce, and the seasoned artistry of Nicola Joyce and Pauline Scanlon. With minimalist guitar arrangements and subtle ambient accompaniment, The Half Room encapsulates folk music in its rawest form, ensuring the spotlight remains firmly on the song and the singer.

The formation of The Half Room began as a weekly gathering of friends sharing their love for folk songs, evolving into a band set to release their debut album in autumn 2024.

For more info about The Half Room and their music visit http://www.thehalfroom.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheHalfRoom
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehalfroom_/
Bandcamp: https://thehalfroom.bandcamp.com/album/the-half-room

The final ‘Views of the Valley‘ songwriting camp of 2024, supported by IMRO, took place last week in Shillelagh, Co. Wicklow.

16 Songwriters and Producers came together from all corners of Ireland and beyond. The participants mainly focused on writing for their own Artist projects.

This was the second camp to take place this year, and the fifth one to date.

The event gave the opportunity for Artists to combine their individual talents with that of others, to create individual pieces of musical works. The genres were diverse, and included RnB, KPop and Country.

The camp once again took place at Minmore Mews in Shillelagh, against the backdrop of the beautiful Wicklow landscape.

To date, the camp has been responsible for 5 single releases.

The next ‘Views of the Valley’ camp will take place in 2025, with dates to be confirmed.

For more information, follow @viewsofthevalley on Instagram.

Roscommon based singer songwriter Angela Gavigan, is an avid fan of the written word and writes poetry and song in her own unique style. In 2020, she completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Creativity and Cultural Entrepreneurship at Trinity College and has since honed her songwriting skills through workshops and masterclasses given by John Spillane, Wallis Bird, Gráinne Hunt and Emma Langford. Angela’s musical influences are John Spillane, Christy Moore, Dolores Keane, Niamh Parsons, Eddi Reader and June Tabor. At a songwriting workshop given by John Spillane at Listowel Writers Week in 2018, Angela wrote Hills & Hollows and Winged One. John and Angela subsequently recorded 3 of Angela’s compositions – Hills & Hollows, Riversong and Seventeen Sycamores, all of which feature on her debut EP, Hills & Hollows.  John provides accompaniment on guitar, with Dave Murphy on piano and Nigel Grufferty on violin. The EP was produced by John Spillane and recently released worldwide. Her work is inspired by nature, folklore and spirituality as well as by the everyday events which mark and shape our days.

This is a song that I wrote in praise of the tree. Specifically, it refers to the long line of mature sycamore trees in front of the house where I grew up and which towered over me throughout my childhood.  They were then, and still are a very unique feature in our local landscape – they were a very deliberate planting associated with Hollywell House.

I was inspired to write this at a time when there was significant deforestation occurring across the globe, but in particular, in the Amazon Rainforest.  As they produce the air that we breathe, our reliance on trees is absolute.

“A stunningly beautiful song. A chestnut of a song. It deserves and has to be released out into the world. It should be the first track on the EP. I am so delighted to be near this song, it brings a very warm feeling, I love it.” – John Spillane

“I’m taken in by the singing, the accent of the delivery, it’s a beautiful ballad. I’ll be listening again.” – Christy Moore

Angela Gavigan Facebook

Angela Gavigan Instagram

Dublin’s THEE U.F.O (Unique Freaks) release their latest single entitled Flutter (I Found Love) which is available to stream and download from today (July 3rd). It is the first single to be taken from their upcoming EP ‘Glowing Friends’ which is set for release later this summer on the bands own Gelatinous Records, and is the first new music since their album ‘Beaming A Moments Reflection’ which came out to great acclaim in March of this year. The band will head to London on Saturday, July 27th to play at the Bad Vibrations All-Dayer at legendary London venue The Shacklewell Arms.

Flutter (I Found Love) is available to stream on all usual platforms and to download from Gelatinous Records Bandcamp page Here

Live
July 27th –  Bad Vibes All-Dayer, The Shacklewell Arms, London

Thee U.F.O Started by Darragh Hansard & Beth Doyle, initially formed as an Industrial noise duo were the couple would wear wigs and boiler suits, they quickly shifted gears bringing forward some of  Darragh’s Psychedelic Garage songs from a previous band and writing some softer Anti Folk songs. Thee U.F.O now find themselves melding their first incarnation of abrasive noise with psychedelic driven song writing. The Band began post covid gigs playing with the likes of Lifts, Search Results & Many more, Playing the Workmans Bank Holiday shows, Whelans Midnight Hour & Freehouse Gigs In galway, including DIY shows hosted by the Band themselves. The bands 2022 release ‘Ponderous Fug’ embodies these worlds meeting with songs like ‘Operator’ being a full aural assault, and ‘Transparent Seed’  giving flavors of Krautrock and Punk. Transparent Seed was featured in Thin Airs best Songs of 2022 and Ponderous Fug found itself in their best Irish Albums of 2022, also Receiving an Honorable mention from Nialler9 ‘s best albums of 2022 as well as multiple reviews in various outlets. The band released ‘Junk Funk Garbage’ at the end of 2023, which received a healthy amount of airplay from Radio including 2FM’S The Alternative with Dan Hagerty and BBC6’s New Music Fix with Deb Grant and Tom Ravenscroft. while their previous single ‘Surveyor’ was Nialler 9’s number 1 Irish songs you should hear this week. March 2024 saw their latest album ‘ Beaming A Moment’s Reflection’ released to great critical acclaim and airplay in foreign regions like, USA, Italy and the UK.

Irish indie-rock band Fake Friends return with their second single, “Girlfriend,” to be released on July 5th. The infectiously catchy, upbeat track explores a breakup from the girl’s perspective, touching on love, loss in a dwindling relationship.

“The chorus came to me quickly, but I struggled with the verses,” Cathal Flaherty explains. “I finally finished it during a rough patch in my relationship, which inspired the song.”

Recording “Girlfriend” took longer than expected, with three separate versions before the band settled on the final mix. The song features Benjamin Loose (Republic of Loose) on Bass and Luke Tai on Drums as well as additional guitars and backing vocals from Larry Hogan. Girlfriend comes off the back of the band’s debut single ‘Maybe’ which has been playlisted across stations all over Ireland and the UK.

Fake Friends recently signed a three-year deal with Song City Records and are working on more music with producer Larry Hogan at Dublin Studio Hub, set for release later this year.

About Fake Friends

Fake Friends is a project between actual friends Cathal Flaherty and Patrick Kelly, born out of lock down in 2020. Both musicians have been writing together since and along with some other friends have been recording in Dublin Studio Hub since 2023. The duo along with their full band headlined a sold-out Whelan’s in Dublin in July 2023 and have since then signed a massive €300,000 deal to AMA Music Agency and Song City Records. 2024 is shaping up to be an exciting year for the duo from Kerry and Carlow with more singles on the way and more gigs to be announced.

Fake Friends are available for interviews and in studio sessions.

FACEBOOK – INSTAGRAM – X/TWITTER

Kerry born Artist-Songwriter, Tanya O, is set to release her new single “I Still Look For You” on July 12th 2024 across all digital platforms.

(Available to pre-save today, June 28th)

Tanyaco-wrote “I Still Look For You” with internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter, Pa Sheehy. (ex-lead singer of “Walking on Cars”) On the song, Tanya said “I wanted to write a song that drew from the heartbreak and loneliness of losing someone or not being able to see someone for whatever reason. The song developed into a theme of missing all of the little everyday moments with them now realising how significant these moments were. The song carries with it a feeling of hope, longing and searching for this person and almost forgetting that they are gone. I really put my soul into this song and I am proud of that.” Tanya has a distinctive sound with a haunting voice and writes songs laced with emotional lyrics. She is an accomplished singer and piano player and has performed on the Irish and Canadian music circuit for over 10 years.

The Irish Post – “What a Voice”
Irish Daily Mirror – “Tanya is Killing it”

Your Roots Are Showing – Ireland’s Folk Conference 2025 Killarney, Ireland – Your Roots Are Showing, Ireland’s premier folk conference, returns from the 15th to the 19th of January 2025, at The Gleneagle Hotel in Killarney. This esteemed event is set to gather musicians, industry professionals, and music enthusiasts from around the globe for five days of immersive experiences, celebrating the rich heritage and dynamic future of folk music.

About the Conference
Your Roots Are Showing is more than just a conference; it is a vibrant celebration of folk music from around the world. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in an array of activities designed to inspire, educate, and connect. The conference features:

Workshops and Panels: Led by renowned musicians and industry experts from around the world, these sessions will cover various topics, including songwriting, performance techniques, music marketing, and the cultural significance of folk music.

Official Showcases: A highlight of the conference, the Official Showcases provide a platform for both emerging and established artists to perform in front of an audience that includes talent scouts, festival bookers, and fellow musicians.

Networking Opportunities: Attendees can connect with like-minded individuals, fostering collaborations and partnerships that can propel their musical careers forward.

Exhibitions and Trade Shows: Explore the latest in musical instruments, recording technology, and folk music merchandise from leading brands and local artisans.

Music Trail: This turns the town of Killarney into a stage for spontaneous performances and musical discoveries.

Keynote Speaker: We are delighted to announce that this year we have 2 time Grammy Award and Pulitzer Prize winner Rhiannon Giddens as our keynote speaker.

Call for Artists: Apply for the Official Showcases

We are excited to announce that applications for the Official Showcases are currently open and will close on the 7th of July 2024. This is a unique opportunity for musical artists to gain network and perform at one of the most significant folk music events in Ireland. We strongly encourage Irish artists to seize this chance to showcase their talent to a diverse and influential audience of talent buyers and industry professionals.

To apply, visit our official website at www.showingroots.com/showcase-application and complete the application form before the deadline.

Why Attend?

Your Roots Are Showing offers unparalleled access to the heart of the folk music industry. Whether you are an artist looking to break into the scene, a seasoned professional seeking to expand your network, or a fan eager to immerse yourself in the folk music culture, this conference is the place to be. The event promises to be a melting pot of creativity, tradition, and innovation.

Venue

The Gleneagle Hotel, located in the picturesque town of Killarney, provides the perfect setting for this celebration. With its world-class facilities and proximity to some of Ireland’s most breath-taking landscapes, attendees will not only engage in enriching musical experiences but also enjoy the natural beauty of the region. Use the promo code ROOTS25 for special rates.

Tickets and Registration

Early bird registration is now open. To secure your spot at Your Roots Are Showing 2025, visit our website and take advantage of discounted rates available until the 30th of June 2024. We will then move to our ‘Mid-Bird’ pricing. For more information on ticket prices, accommodation packages, and the full conference schedule, please visit www.showingroots.com Join us in Killarney this January for an unforgettable journey into the soul of folk music. Your Roots Are Showing is where tradition meets innovation, and the next chapter of folk music history begins.

Keep up to date with YRAS:
Website – www.showingroots.com
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/ShowingRootsIRL
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/showing_roots/
Twitter – https://twitter.com/Showing_Roots
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/your-roots-are-showing

Photo credit: Miki Barlok

Following her appearance on this week’s America’s Got Talent on June 25 Cork’s Stephanie Rainey is pleased to announce two headline shows in Vicar Street on November 14, 2024 and Cork City Hall on December 18, 2024.

To mark her pivotal American television debut on the eve of the tenth anniversary of Stephanie’s iconic career launching single ‘Please Don’t Go’ the Cork songwriter revisited the song from a new perspective and released ‘Steph’s Version’ this June 2024. In 2015, Stephanie emerged onto the music scene with ‘Please Don’t Go,’ a song born from the depths of her soul, dedicated to her one-year-old nephew, Fionn, who tragically lost his life to meningitis. At a time before ‘going viral’ was even coined, the single reached 5 Million people worldwide on YouTube and Facebook when it was first released. Almost 10 years since its first release ‘Please Don’t Go’ has found new audiences with over 8 million Spotify plays and a staggering 40 million combined views on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram since September 2023.

The recent resurgence of ‘Please Don’t Go’ catapulted Stephanie to the top of the Singer-Songwriter Chart in Canada, claiming the number 1 spot, and reaching number 2 in the United States. Her heartfelt music also charted on the main iTunes Charts in Ireland, Australia (reaching number 16 on the Main Chart), and the UK (reaching number 31). The outpouring of support online underscores the song’s profound impact, with countless messages attesting to its ability to guide individuals through grief and healing. The accompanying music video, a poignant tapestry of personal tributes, amplifies the song’s universal message of love and loss.

As a result of this recent resurgence Stephanie travelled from Ireland to bring this heart stopping anthem to the America’s Got Talent stage. This audition aired to an audience of 10 million viewers in America alone this June 25. Her new found TikTok fanbase, with over 27 million views, confirms her anthemic songwriting continues to inspire and resonate with audiences around the world, proving that music can be a force for healing and unity.

Often compared to the likes of Adele, Dermot Kennedy and Ed Sheeran, Stephanie Rainey possesses a unique voice that is both authentic and honest. Since her breakthrough, Stephanie has amassed over 70 million streams across all her social media platforms and has become one of Ireland’s most played female artists on radio.  Stephanie Rainey’s success in 2021 and 2022, with hit singles like ‘Ross & Rachel,’ ‘No Cowboy,’ ’13,’ and ‘Remember Who Your Friends Are’ also showcased her appeal to a new generation of fans. ‘Remember Who Your Friends Are’ climbed to No.2 in the Irish Breakers Radio Chart and the top 20 Irish Homegrown Chart. These singles were playlisted across national radio stations such as 2FM, RTE Radio 1, iRadio, Beat 102-103, Cork’s 96FM, Today FM, and Northern Ireland’s Cool FM. Stephanie also made her Irish TV debut on Ireland’s prestigious Late Late Show and The Heart of A Saturday Night.

Tour Dates
November 14 – Vicar Street, Dublin
December 18 – Cork City Hall

Tik Tok / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube

Killruddery House | Bray, Co. Wicklow
Saturday, June 29 at 18:30

General Admission €55
https://www.thetrailblazery.com/aware-ajeet-killruddery

This Saturday 29^th June, The Trailblazery will welcome celebrated Mexican artists AWARË to Ireland for the first time in the midst of their extraordinary European tour, along with special guest Ajeet, for a special performance in Wicklow’s historic Killruddery House.

AWARË weave a magnetic sonic atmosphere with a blend of rich and soulful instruments anchored by crafted electronic environments and heart-touching vocal timbre. As vivacious rhythms begin to gradual y awaken the senses, energy rises into a cheerful dance that serves as a powerful catalyst to step into a realm of oneness, where hearts unite and spirits soar.

FROM SILENCE – AWARË DOCUMENTARY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPSKO6d7vOA

Ajeet’s music is similarly described as healing, transporting ~ offering a moment of peace in a fast-moving world. With her trademark soaring yet meditative folk-tinged offerings, Ajeet’s textured melodies and poetic lyrics make for an entrancing musical experience.

On the night, ticketholders will arrive at the heritage yard to enjoy restorative delights from Killruddery House’s seasonal menu of food and drinks impeccably sourced from local produce:

Food menu: Garden Room Coffee Shop + Pizza Shed will be open on the night, serving:

• Ice cream
• Salad Bowls e.g. Morrocan salad – Carrot Harrisa, Romesco, Pickled cucumber freekeh (suitable for Vegans)
• Pizzas (Margarita / Killruddery Pork) @ €15 each
• Spelt Broccoli Miso
• Sandwiches

Drinks menu: 

• Mojito – Made with crushed ice, Killruddery garden mint, sugar syrup, Lime, and White rum €12.50
• Mockjito (Mocktail) – Mojito mix as above replacing alcohol with Killruddery pressed apple juice   €8.00
• Killruddery Well Water taps for refillable bottles, + minerals
• Tea and barista coffee

Doors open at 18:30 to the beautiful Killruddery Yard where there will be a lovely options for food and drinks. Concert begins at 20:00 inside the atmospheric 19th Century Grain Store, where you are invited to dance the night away with the stars above your head and flowers below your feet.

Event info page: https://www.thetrailblazery.com/aware-ajeet-killruddery

Event tickets page: https://killruddery.rezgo.com/details/363900/an-evening-with-awar-special-guest-ajeet

Belfast TradFest 2024: World’s finest traditional musicians flock to Belfast for the fastest growing festival of traditional music in Ireland, featuring over 370 events in the City.
Belfast TradFest, Northern Ireland’s premier traditional music, song, and dance festival, is back for its much-anticipated 6th annual edition. Running from July 21st to 28th, this year’s festival promises an exhilarating week of concerts, masterclasses, sessions and summer school events, bringing together some of the finest talents in the world of traditional arts.

The Dunville’s Irish Whiskey Session Trail features over 70 sessions in seventeen of Belfast’s oldest and best-loved pubs, including Madden’s Bar, The Garrick, Kelly’s Cellars, The Deer’s Head, The John Hewitt, The Sunflower, The Duke of York, and Hatfield House and many more.

All sessions are free admission, run for 2 hours and are ‘Céilí House’ style Listening Sessions. For the first hour of each session the master musicians set the scene for the session then invite the ‘room’ to join in. These sessions offer the aspiring musician an opportunity to listen to and observe music played by musicians of the highest calibre. This style of session reflects the céilí house traditions of the previous century, where aspiring musicians and listeners would gather at the home of a local master musician. The master would ‘hold
court’ and oversee an evening of entertainment, which would start with a skilful performance, followed by an invitation to join in.

Belfast TradFest is delighted to partner with Dunville’s Irish Whiskey to produce a bespoke bottling of only 300 bottles of Special Dunville’s 1808 Belfast TradFest 2024 Series Irish Whiskey at 46%, with a customised Belfast TradFest 2024 label and a ‘Bourbon & Virgin American Oak Cask Finish’.

Available to purchase online from July 21st at https://www.echlinville.com/shop
Available to sample at Session Trail bars and to purchase and collect in person at; Madden’s Bar, The Garrick Bar & Friend At Hand Irish Whiskey Shop, Hill St. Belfast.

Full Festival Club Line Up
For those looking to extend their festival experience into the night, the Festival Club at the The John Hewitt Bar & The Deer’s Head offers the perfect setting. Each evening, these vibrant spaces will host the very best of entertainment where festival-goers & artists can mingle and dance the night away. The lively atmosphere of the Festival Club embodies the spirit of camaraderie and spontaneity that is central to traditional music and will feature acts such as; SuperCéilí, Huartan, Piaras Ó Lorcáin, Alan Burke, Poka, Jack Warnock, Úna McGlinchey, Ruairí Howell, Oisín Bradley & Rory McEvoy, Jordan Lively Band, McGarrity – McPherson, Luke Savage band and The Big Mad Horn Céilí Band.

Afternoon Events
The packed programme also includes 54 afternoon events such as CD launch with Conor Caldwell & Ryan Molloy, Paddy Tunney book launch with the Tunney Family, talks with the likes of Tara Howley, Martin Dowling, Mark Wilson, George McAdam, Joanie Madden, Eilís Lavelle, lectures, seminars, dance workshops with Diane Cannon & Mary McGuiggan, film screening with Zoë Conway, demonstrations & discussions, reed making workshop with Aaron O’Hagan, family Céilís, taster sessions and much, much more.
As part of the opening weekend of Belfast TradFest everyone is invited to take part in the TITANIC CÉILÍ. A free, one day outdoor family event on Sun 21st July 1-5pm, celebrating traditional music, song, and dance at the Titanic Slipways on Belfast’s Maritime Mile.

Last year’s event attracted 6,000 revellers and the music stage will feature All-Ireland champions The Blackwater Céilí Band, Rosie Stewart, Jack Warnock, Belfast Wren Boys Cleamairí Feirste, Ards CCÉ, Major Sinclair Memorial Pipe Band and Glengormley School of Traditional Music. The event, in association with Maritime Belfast, includes an outdoor Céilí, with sets such as The Waves of Tory and Siege of Ennis, called by dance master Ronán Eastwood for all ages to experience. The fun doesn’t stop there with Bodhrán circles, children’s maritime art workshops, face painters and a live four-hour traditional music session on the deck of the SS Nomadic also taking place.

The Belfast Summer School of Traditional Music in partnership with Ulster University is the hub around which the festival is built. Young and ‘not so young’ come to Belfast to learn from a line-up of the most sought-after traditional musicians from across the globe, for a 5-day long programme of masterclasses and series of talks, workshops, demonstrations, instrument clinics and film screenings. This year’s line-up of tutors features no less than seven previous TG4 Gradam Ceoil Award recipients and amongst the list of world class talent will be Ceoltóir na Bliaina Derek Hickey, Tyrone’s Ryan Molloy, legends such as Mary Bergin & Mick O’Brien, acclaimed Belfast composer and musician Neil Martin, Co. Kerry’s Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, banjo maestro Cathal Hayden, Tara Breen of The Chieftains, Cross Border Orchestra Bagpiper Grahame Harris, Sean Nós dancing dynamo Mary McGuiggan & Belfast’s very own set dancing master Ronán Eastwood. The Summer School is designed not only to hone technical skills but also to immerse attendees in the cultural and historical context of the music.
Professor Cathy Gormley-Heenan, Ulster University Provost, said, “We are thrilled to be collaborating again this year with Belfast TradFest by hosting their Summer School in Belfast. This partnership exemplifies the university’s commitment to fostering cultural enrichment and educational excellence. Welcoming hundreds of TradFest participants each year into our university spaces reinforces the vital role that music and arts have in connecting and inspiring the wider community. We look forward to a summer filled with the sounds of traditional music and the creative exchange that Belfast TradFest brings to Ulster and to the city.”

A Rich Tradition of Excellence
Having firmly established itself as a cornerstone of the cultural calendar since the first edition in 2017 and drawing enthusiasts from across the globe, the festival’s mission is to celebrate and preserve the rich heritage of traditional Irish & Scottish music, while fostering new talent and creating a vibrant platform for artists to share their craft. It also prides itself on its cross cultural and cross traditions ethos bringing people from all backgrounds and all ages together to celebrate, engage with and enjoy traditional music. This year’s lineup is a testament to this commitment, featuring an array of internationally acclaimed musicians, singers, and dancers, alongside emerging local artists.

Star-Studded Performances
• The festival’s opening concert will set the tone for a week of spectacular performances. Headlining the concert is the legendary Clannad songstress Moya Brennan with her five-piece band. Known for their soulful renditions and masterful musicianship, they will be joined in the iconic Empire Music Hall by the dynamic duo of Zoe Conway & John McIntyre, whose innovative approach to traditional music has garnered them worldwide acclaim.

• For 40 years, American all-female group Cherish the Ladies have won the hearts of audiences around the world, with their rousing blend of traditional music, captivating vocals, and propulsive step dancing. They have played from the White House to the Olympics, recorded 18 critically acclaimed albums and an Emmy award winning PBS television program, “An Irish Homecoming”. They will play the Mandela Hall for their Belfast TradFest debut.

• Trans-Atlantic supergroup Lúnasa, described by MOJO as “The new gods of Irish music” will play their biggest Belfast show to date, in the Empire Music Hall. Featuring Cillian Vallely of the famous Armagh uilleann piping dynasty, the group also features Cookstown bass player Trevor Hutchinson who has played with The Waterboys & Sharon Shannon alongside Kevin Crawford, Seán Smyth and Ed Boydof Flook.

• West Kerry songbirds Pauline Scanlon & Éilís Kennedy aka Lumiere return to Belfast with their brand of distinctly feminine sounds, where voice is the primary instrument and Ireland as motherland is re-imagined

• Appearing for their debut performance at the festival are Cathal Hayden’s Bow Brothers, featuring some of the finest fiddlers on the planet, whilst also on the bill at The Empire Music Hall will be the legendary triumvirate of musical maestros Mary Dillon, Neil Martin & Dónal O’Connor. Featuring the voice of Déanta and older sister to Cara Dillon, this new trio promises to breathe new life into timeless Ulster songs and tunes, marrying Mary’s evocative vocals with the expressive interplay of fiddle, cello, harmonium & uilleann pipes

• Described as a musical genius, Seamie O’Dowd is rooted deeply in the traditional music of Sligo but has also played in many genres of acoustic and electric music. He plays the Sunflower Folk Club for what will be a rare solo show.

• County Tyrone singer Niall Hanna and Beoga’s Damian McKee are performing and releasing their upcoming solo albums for the very first time at Belfast TradFest this July in the Black Box.

• With their debut album reaching #1 in the World Music Charts, Jiggy have gained a worldwide audience and are now in high demand at festivals across Europe. Mixing and melding Irish traditional music, world rhythms and cutting-edge dance grooves they will bring an electrifying energy to Mandela Hall alongside the brilliant trio of Tara Breen, Pádraig Rynne, and Jim Murray.

• Making their debut Irish performance at Belfast TradFest, BIIRD are a brand new 11-piece, all female, superstar collective made up of some of Ireland’s best traditional musicians and singers. Their members have won multiple All-Ireland titles, toured the world performing on shows such as Riverdance, Lord of the Dance, The Late Late Show & Electric Picnic, to name a few. Sharing the stage also at the Mandela Hall will be West Kerry sensation Pólca 4 who will excite revellers to dance the night away and surely raise the roof at the festival’s closing concert.

• The Bunting Collection housed in Queen’s University Belfast, perhaps the most significant collection of ancient Irish airs extant, was collected at the Belfast Harpers festival on Donegall St. in 1792 by St. Anne’s Cathedral organist Edward Bunting. The annual Belfast TradFest ‘Belfast Harp Festival’concert will this year celebrate Bunting with a very special concert in the Crescent Arts Centre featuring Monaghan harper Eilís Lavelle, Co. Clare’s Aisling Lyons, Tin Whistle legend Mary Bergin and RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Singer of the year Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, amongst others.

• A special show entitled “Ceol na nGael / Wild music of the Gael” will showcase some of the most exciting performers of traditional music today in Áras Mhic Reachtain. Hosted by RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards nominee Diane Cannon, the concert will also feature TG4 Gradam Ceoil Musician of the Year Derek Hickey and Composer of the year Ryan Molloy, County Monaghan Banjo player and member of The Blackwater Céilí Band George McAdam, outstanding exponent of the Co. Clare concertina style Lorraine Ní Bhriain and master uilleann piper Mick O’Brien from Dublin.

• Legendary Belfast virtuoso fiddler Seán Maguire will be celebrated in The MAC with an annual fiddle concert in association with the Seán Maguire Music Society. This promises to be a spectacle of virtuoso fiddling by the likes of Tyrone legend Cathal Hayden of Four men & a Dog fame, Dundalk’s Zoe Conway, current TG4 Gradam Ceoil Composer of the Year Ryan Molloy, Tara Breen of The Chieftains, Lúnasa fiddler Seán Smyth, Belfast’s Conor Caldwell, current Fiddler of London River McGann and Seán Maguire pupil Johnny Murphy with some of his own fiddle students.

• In association with Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich, “Na Máistrí / Masters of Traditional Music” will feature the cream of traditional music talent, presented by Belfast composer and musician Neil Martin. Also on the bill will be Tyrone singer Dàibhidh Stìubhard, County Clare’s Tara Howley & Pádraig Rynne, member of Trans-Atlantic supergroup Cherish the Ladies Mirella Murray, world champion bodhrán player Aimée Farrell Courtney & Donegal guitarist John McIntyre formerly of Rock outfit The Revs.

• Belfast TradFest prides itself on its cross cultural and cross traditions ethos and this year it will once again celebrate this work. ‘With Pipe & Drum’ concert in the Titanic Hotel Drawing Rooms in East Belfast will feature frontwoman of Cherish the Ladies and American-Irish legend of traditional music Joanie Madden, alongside the very best of Scottish & Irish traditions. Friends of Campbell College Pipe Band will be led by Belfast Highland piper Grahame Harris, also on the bill; County Down snare drummer and BBC presenter Mark Wilson, Mick McAuley a member of Irish-American ensemble Solas, Belfast’s own Gary Hastings, Mary Bergin who is considered to be the world’s greatest tin whistle player, World Champion Bodhrán player Aimée Farrell Courtney, Glengormley School of Traditional Music and Scottish Smallpipe legend Fin Moore. The concert will he hosted by Belfast TradFest vice chair, piper Andy McGregor.

• In partnership with Belfast Pride, The Black Box will host one of the annual highlights of the festival Pride Céilí. This spectacle of dance, colour, excitement, fun and inclusivity that must be seen to be believed, is just one of the five Céilís that take place during the festival, hosted by world renowned Belfast Céilí dance caller Ronán Eastwood.

• As part of this programme the Belfast TradFest Invitational Solo Highland Piping Competition will take place in the Deer’s Head, Belfast on Sunday, July 23 at 4pm. Five of Ireland’s top pipers compete to be crowned winner of the Belfast TradFest Solo Highland Piping Competition. Each piper will perform a 6-8 minute medley selection of their choice showcasing their unique playing styles. Competitors include; Alastair Donaghy, Alan MacPherson, Scott Wallace, Reece Doherty & Alan Glenholmes.

Supporting the Arts & The Economy
Belfast TradFest is proud to contribute to the local economy and the arts sector. The festival’s success is made possible through generous support of the funders and sponsors including Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Belfast City Council, Tourism Northern Ireland, Ulster University, Dunville’s Irish Whiskey, Cathedral Quarter Belfast BID, Belfast One BID, RTÉ Supporting the Arts, Maritime Belfast, Comhaltas, and IMRO, as well as volunteers and the dedicated efforts of the team and board of trustees. This year, the festival is partnering with several local businesses and cultural organizations to ensure a broad and impactful reach.

Aine Kearney, Director of Events at Tourism NI, said: “Tourism Northern Ireland welcomes the launch of the Belfast TradFest which will take place in Belfast later this summer.
“It is fantastic to see how the festival has grown in scale and international appeal over the last number of years. With a programme packed full of music and cultural experiences, co-created by internationally acclaimed and local artists, the event demonstrates the Giant Spirit we have on offer.

In 2021, Belfast was awarded UNESCO City of Music status, only the third UK city to receive the accolade. The organisers of the Belfast TradFest seek to promote Belfast UNESCO City of Music as a traditional music capital of Ireland.

Music is a key part of our intangible heritage and has proven to be a strong motivator for visitors. Belfast TradFest is an example of our mission to support the development of authentic tourism experiences which bring our unique heritage to life in an invigorating and responsible way.”

Belfast TradFest 2024 invites everyone to join in the celebration of traditional music, song, and dance. Whether you are a seasoned musician, a casual listener, or someone looking to experience the vibrant culture of Belfast, the festival offers something for everyone.

Tickets for all events are now available on the festival’s official website.
Summer School accommodation is available to students and their families. The accommodation is a two-minute walk from Ulster University, where classes take place.
Sign up now for fantastic accommodation offers of £349 per person for 7 nights in Belfast city centre.

For more information on Belfast TradFest 2024, including the full programme and ticket details, visit www.belfasttradfest.com.

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