Four iconic live music venues synonymous with Traditional and Folk music are opening their doors to musician Muireann Nic Amlaoibh showcasing the best and brightest of bands, musicians and singers who have proud associations with these much cherished family run venues. The Saw Doctors, Mick Flannery, Stockton’s Wing, Lisa Canny and The 4 of Us join us to celebrate the rich musical heritage of Campbell’s Tavern in Galway, The Cobblestone in Dublin, Connollys of Leap in West Cork and McGrory’s of Culdaff, Donegal.
Trailblazing new talent such as Clare Sands, Inni-K, Strung, Matthew Berrill, The Friel Sisters and Cormac McCarthy are just some of the names who cut their musical teeth performing live in these special spaces and they join in this unique celebration.
At the heart of each venue are the driving forces who have kept the stage doors open in good times and in bad. Whether that’s hearing from Tom Mulligan in the Cobblestone about the iconic role this venue has played in showcasing new music talent or Willie Campbell recalling the famous names who started on the stage in Campbells of Headford. Sam McNicholl in Connolly’s of Leap and John Reynolds of McGrorys in Culdaff highlight the significance and importance of these isolated rural venues as cultural linchpins and social spaces that contribute so much to local communities and to regional music culture.
While retaining that local and relaxed character, family run venues such as McGrory’s, Connolly’s, Campbells and the Cobblestone 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 us 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!
Seisiún is brought to you by the production team behind Cúltír (TG4) and the new series of Geantraí (TG4). The series will begin on Friday, 1 September, 2023 at 8.30p.m. on RTÉ 1 and programmes 2, 3 and 4 will air Friday, 8, 15 and 22 September at 8.30p.m.
