Scoil Samhraidh Willie Clancy is a week-long summer school in traditional music and set dance held annually at Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare. The first and biggest of such events, it commemorates the town’s best-known uilleann piper, Willie Clancy, and has been running since just after his death in 1973.
The week long summer school, in which it registers hundreds of students to learn traditional Irish music and set dance with over 150 teachers, and all-inclusive music festival takes place Saturday 6th through to Sunday 14th July. This year, the new leaseholders of Tom Malone’s Pub & Markethouse, Brian and Susan Flynn have launched the perfect lineup for music aficionados who prefer to “experience” live music and interact with artists performing a diverse range of acts, spanning genres like trad rock, folk, ballad, musical theatre, and more. Daily sessions of traditional Irish music will be held in the bar featuring musicians who have toured the world to international acclaim. This year the Flynns are focused on conceiving, creating, and executing impactful, music-based live experiences delivered across multiple mediums.
ÉIRE CEOL, a Limerick based duo, will open the festival for the Markethouse. A fresh and lively band with magnetic energy and musical nods to classic ballad and trad. THE ATLANTIC REBELS, a Clare based trio, founded by singer and songwriter, DAMIEN GORMLEY, are known to rock out their rebel type ballads. An electric trio that will no doubt entertain with their fast energy. DUFRANE, a young lively foot stomping duo and the rawness of performance and poetic lyricism combine to make something refreshingly hip and unexpectedly timeless. TINY GIANTS, a 4 piece band from Limerick will be bringing their signature brand of soulful music to Miltown Malbay. They certainly have a unique twist on all songs and this band knows how to bring the party. CLOVER, one of Ireland’s premier folk and ballad band, having toured Ireland, Scotland, UK, Spain & Australia will be rocking out their compelling mix of Irish favourites. THE ROGUES, a 3 piece band from Limerick are known for their massively energetic performances covering The Wolfe Tones, The Dubliners, Christy Moore, The Dublin City Ramblers, The Fureys and more. THE BUSKER, the widely popular one man band, Paul Fahy has over 15 years music dedicated to the music business playing and performing the best of rock, pop, rock n’roll, country, Irish and a variety of favourites. FRETLESS, will close the festival. A Miltown Malbay based duo, singer and songwriter Seán O Malley and drummer Alan Clancy, will bring their seductively compelling mix of ballad and bluesy rock, blending ethereal vocals with guitar and cajón til the early hours.
Musical enthusiasts can experience the history of the bar, it’s traditional and showband roots. The travelling troubadour Maggie Barry, along with the great Michael Gorman, Bridie Gallagher, Joe Heaney, the hypnotist Edwin Heath and many more performed in the Markethouse. There is even a rumour that Van Morrison himself played there!
Tom Malone’s Pub & Markethouse looks to be no doubt bringing together leading artists to deliver a very unique music festival experience for everyone. With the mix of trad and bands and the unique acoustic sound of the bar, punters will surely be leaving Miltown Malbay with good memories!
Saturday 6th – Éire Ceol
Sunday 7th – The Atlantic Rebels
Monday 8th – Dufrane
Tuesday 9th – Tiny Giants
Wednesday 10th – Clover
Thursday 11th – The Rogues
Friday 12th – The Busker
Saturday 13th – Fretless
INHOUSE DAILY TRAD MUSIC SESSIONS
