This Friday, 3rd October, at 8pm, DeBarra’s Folk Club will feature in episode two of the new season of Seisiún, which showcases incredible nights of live music from legendary venues synonymous with the best Irish contemporary music of the past 40 years. These iconic venues open their doors to musician Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh to showcase the best and brightest of bands, musicians and singers who have proud associations with these much cherished independent venues.
Each episode features the driving forces at the heart of each venue who have kept the stage doors open in good times and in bad. DeBarra’s owner Ray Blackwell highlights the significance and importance of these venues as cultural linchpins and social spaces that contribute so much to local communities and to regional music culture, as well as crucially providing space for new bands to cut their teeth.
Joined by founding proprietor Bobby Blackwell, the pair tell stories about how Noel Redding, the bass player from the Jimmy Hendrix experience, came to hold court here for nearly 20 years in the renowned Folk Club, attracting national and international talent, helping to change the cultural and music character of the town itself. Another residency of renown is John Spillane and his band of Wrens, who made the pilgrimage to perform in DeBarra’s for this episode, as he has done for the past 23 years.
New kids on the block The Cardinals, from Kinsale, deliver a powerhouse of a performance from the intimate little stage. With performances from some of West Cork’s most talented traditional musicians such as Jimmy Murray and Richard Lucey and local singer songwriter Rawney, this episode has local talent all over it. Last but not least, The Kates rock the stage with their five piece all female ensemble of local musicians who harmonise to create their unique new sound.
Speaking on the upcoming episode, Ray Blackwell of DeBarra’s says “For over 40 years, DeBarra’s Folk Club has been a cherished destination for music and lasting memories, welcoming all who cross her weathered threshold. Though the journey has not always been easy, it is the vibrant music, talented musicians, supportive audiences, and the strong sense of community in Clonakilty that inspire us to persevere.
Today, independent grassroots venues and musicians face an urgent struggle for survival, a challenge that extends far beyond the borders of Ireland and resonates globally. The alarming decline in grassroots stages and intimate venues is a reality we cannot overlook. It’s often only when these spaces are lost that communities begin to understand their profound significance – not only as cultural cornerstones but also as essential contributors to the local economy.”
Other episodes of the series feature similarly iconic venues like Róisín Dubh in Galway, the Spirit Store in Dundalk and Cleere’s in Kilkenny, with musicians such as Bell X1, The Hothouse Flowers, Jack Lukeman, Mary Coughlan, Ryan Sheridan, Gurriers, IMLE, Annika Kilkenny and Dug.
While retaining that local and relaxed character, independently run venues such as these have earned reputations for hosting live music that dwarf those of far larger, more prestigious and better resourced concert halls and theatres, and they do so independent of State supports and resources. Seisiún seeks to amplify and enhance a sense of belonging and pride of place rooted in these venues, their unique locations, and their struggle for survival.
Join for a celebration of the unsung heroes of Irish music, the venues that have stood the test of time and nurtured the country’s most gifted artists. A feast of music awaits on Seisiún!
DeBarra’s Folk Club will feature in episode 2 of Seisiún, on Friday 3rd October at 8pm. The series is available to view on RTÉ One and the RTÉ Player.
Programmes in the Series:
3rd October Ep 2, DeBarra’s Folk Club – Clonakilty
10th October Ep 3, Spirit Store – Dundalk
17th October Ep 4, JJ Cleeres – Kilkenny
Seisiún is produced by Hedgerow Films in association with Whitethorn Productions for RTÉ, with support from the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland.