Irish Trad Music Blog

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia ) January 16th–20th, 2014 www.wmw.ie The Shannonside Winter Music Weekend has been going from strength–to–strength over the last few years, and next January’s event marks another step forward for this eclectic festival of the best in acoustic music.  Between January 16th and 20th, almost 80 concerts, pub gigs, sessions, and shows will keep the villages of Sixmilebridge and Bunratty buzzing and bouncing with acts from far and wide, as well as the cream of local talent.

(Photo credit: hober ) ‘Last Night As I Lay Dreaming’ explores the life of traditional singer Robbie McMahon from Spancilhill in Co.Clare who is credited with bringing the folksong ‘Spancilhill’ to a worldwide audience. The film documentary charts the huge contribution Robbie McMahon has made to the world of singing down through the years, both through his own compositions and his unique interpretation of traditional songs. Set against the backdrop of community life in rural Ireland, ‘Last Night As I Lay Dreaming’ features captivating performances from ‘The King Of Spancilhill’ himself along with contributions that set his achievements in a wider context, highlighting the important role the singer and songwriter has traditionally played in their local communities, recording significant events and keeping that memory alive for future generations.

English: Cliffs of Moher, County Clare, Ireland (Photo credit: Wikipedia ) The Clare County Library has launched the Music of Clare project, on the library’s website at  http://music.clarelibrary.ie/   A large selection of tunes associated with the county is available in sheet music form, with associated recordings from Clare musicians such as Willie Clancy, Terry Bingham, Micho Russell, Mary Custy and many more. The aim of the project is to present a sample of the musical culture of the county of Clare.   “The library service in Clare offers a wide range of music for lending throughout the county, and we have had a very strong traditional music collection in Miltown Malbay for many years”, says Clare County Librarian Helen Walsh. “This new online project will allow immediate access to all those interested in the music of County Clare, and will greatly enhance the existing historical and cultural resources on the library website itself”, she adds.

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia ) August 8th – 13th, 2012 www.feaklefestival.ie This year the Feakle Festival of Irish Traditional Music marks its 25th year. The Festival has over the years remained true to its original concept, to present the music of East Clare and beyond in an intimate setting for genuine music lovers to enjoy. Over the years the Festival has garnered many loyal fans that travel annually from all corners of the world every August to Feakle. Many come just to listen, others to learn at the various workshops and some to join in and play at the many sessions. The Arts Council, Clare County Council and local business support the Festival but like all Arts events around the country there has been cuts. To assist the Festival in making up the loss of these cuts they introduced a “Feakle 25 Friend” campaign. “Feakle 25 Friends” will have priority booking, priority seating and a free DVD and poster. The deadline for becoming a “Friend” is June 21st. Visit the Feakle Fe...