Dublin’s Temple Bar Tradfest kicks off this month on 25th January with some great headlining performances and a host of other events including pub sessions, music trail, Singers Club and a family programme. The festival has been building a solid reputation since its launch in 2006 and this year’s event promises to be a huge crowd puller.
Temple Bar Tradfest runs from 25-29th January and some of the highlights are:
Wed 25th January
Michael McGoldrik (With Ed Boyd and John Jo Kelly)
McGoldrik should need no introduction to most of you. The Manchester born man has featured in numerous collaborations and bands. This gig sees him back with Ed Boyd and John Jo Kelly for a lively evening of traditional Irish music.
Mick O Brien
Mick O’Brien is a hugely talented Uilleann pipe player who recorded his first album with his family at he age of 13. Some of you are probably more familiar with his regular duet with the innovative Hardanger fiddle player Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh.
Thursday 26th January
Ralph McTell with Orlaith Keane
Although most famous for his 1974 hit ‘Streets of London’, for which he got an Ivor Novello Award, Ralph released his début album Eight Frames a Second in 1968. With over forty years performing on the road he is one of the leading lights of the folk circuit. He released Somewhere Down The Road in 2010 which was his first album of original material for 10 years.
Joining him is Orlaith Keane whose aunt is none other than the famous Dolores Keane, and she does possess an equally powerful voice. Last year so her début solo release ‘The Home Place’. We think this will be one of those warm magical performances, one to remember.
Edel Fox
Edel Fox has been honing her concertina playing since the age of 7. She hails from Milltown Malbay in County Clare which is home to the Willie Clancy Summer School and annual Festival, so no shortage of influences! She has just released her début solo CD entitled “Chords and Beryls”
Voices and Harps with Moya Brennan and Cormac de Barra
Voices & Harps is the new album from Moya Brennan and Cormac de Barra, both of whom are from a strong musical backgrounds. Many of you will recognise Moya Brennan’s voice as that of the lead singer of Clannad.
Fri 27th January
The Dubliners
I dare say this performance will sell out quickly. This is a very special concert that will celebrate The Dubliners 50th Anniversary. It will take place in Christ Church Cathedral as they celebrate the founding of the band in O’Donoghues Pub on Merrion Row in Dublin’s fair city! They will also be joined by some well known names in Irish music on the night.
Frankie Gavin
Frankie Gavin is a big name on the Irish music scene and beyond having guested on The Rolling Stones ‘Voodoo Lounge’ album and performed for many State officials including JF Kennedy. He also plays with DeDannan with whom he has made 16 albums and his playing continues to amaze many.
Tommy Sands
Tommy Sands is a legendary songwriter and a prominent peace campaigner. His latest album Arising From the Troubles features his daughter Moya and son Fionán.
Walking the road between two cultures, he dreams of an Ireland without conflict. Indeed, his songs speak to all that Ireland is, from its troubled past to its indomitable spirit and a vision of “a land of dreaming”. And his work around the globe speaks to our common heritage, using music to bridge cultural differences.
Sat 28th January
Cor Chuil Aodha
The choir: Cor Chuil Aodha was founded by Sean ORiada in 1964 after moving with his family to Cuil Aodha in the Cork Gaeltacht. Since his death in 1971 his son Peadar has been director of the choir and it is he who composes much of their music. They have achieved cult status in traditional circles.
Sun 29th January
Fidil & Solo Cissikho with special guests Tarab
The festival finale gives a global spin with the help of Fidil: the groundbreaking trio of Aidan O’Donnell, Ciaran Ó Maonaigh and Damien McGeehan. They are joined by seventh generation griot Solo Cissokho in this entertaining dialogue between Donegal and Senegal.
A Gala Benefit for The Pecker Dunne
Pecker Dunne is one of the founding fathers of the culture and human rights and equalities of the Travelling community.
The Pecker travelled all his life sustaining himself by the playing of his music. He became widely known for his playing skills which includes ‘hacking’ ‘snapping’ and ‘feathering’. These are features of a style that is unique to the playing of traditional music within the broad Irish Traveller family culture. These rhythms and styles were gathered as a result of the ancient nomadic lifestyle of these travelling musicians. The Pecker mastered the art and craft of many an instrument, the mandolin, the fiddle and the banjo. He is distinctively known for his most precious of gifts, his voice and what that voice can deliver. It is the envy of some of the world’s most renowned rock, pop, folk traditional and opera singers.
Friends and family will be paying tribute to The Pecker Dunne on this special evening. All revenues from this honorary concert will go directly to the care and well-being of Mr Dunne.