New competition for trad musicians

Sharon ShannonCover of Sharon ShannonIN Ireland people love the sun but rarely get to see it. What people do see is a lot of rain, wind and general cloudiness but does this stop people from having an amazing summer? No, so to celebrate the remarkable ability to stay upbeat even in the wintriest of summers Findtradfolk has a competition with an unbelievable prize.

Findtradfolk Summer Sessions is looking for trad musicians who can still bring out the sunshine with amazing music even through a sunless summer.

Organisers have a great prize on offer. Grouse Lodge has very kindly offered the the winner of the competition a day recording in their first class recording studio situated in a breath taking Georgian estate.

The winner will be playing in a recording studio where national and international greats such as Liam Clancy, Muse, Sharon Shannon, Dame Shirley Bassey, Luka Bloom and Michael Jackson have all played. Not only that, accommodation is also available for the night as Grouse Lodge is Ireland’s only residential recording studio.



As well as world class recording facilities, Grouse Lodge is also close to some spectacular scenery. The estate and local area is steeped in ancient Irish history and folklore ideal for walks and hill climbing. The Hill of Uisneach, near Ballymore village is a ten minute drive away from Grouse Lodge. Uisneach is was the royal residence of the High Kings of Ireland and also the location of the pagan festival Bealtaine. Located on the side of the hill is the Cat Stone (it is said to resemble a cat). Legend has it that the Mother Goddess Erui who gave her name to the island of Ireland (Eire) is buried underneath the cat stone.

To enter participants must email a video no bigger than 100MB through Wetransfer.com (findtradfolk@gmail.com) showing what you think best represents a great summer trad session. Even without the sun. The Findtradfolk logo must be included in the video so organisers know it’s just for them. The videos will be narrowed down to five finalists on August 1 and those five will go to the public vote, with the winner announced on August 3. Videos will be judged on the quality of the music, how people get the idea of summer across in their videos and on fun and creativity.


New competition for trad musicians - Entertainment - Leinster Express:

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