www.richesofclare.com

Saturday, April 17th, was a day of celebration for music in County Clare. The annual Riches of Clare free lunchtime concert series has been running since 2005 to mark the occasion, a free promotional CD that was recorded during last summer’s series was released on the day. In keeping with the ethos of the series, the CD features performances from many Clare based musicians, including Tony Linnane, Maeve Donnelly, Shane Mulvey, The Kilfenora Céilí Band, Padraig Rynne and Chris Droney.

The CD is free of charge and will be available during the 2010 series and from libraries throughout the county. The 2010 series will continue to be free of charge, and 16 concerts are planned. Ennis concerts take place on Wednesday afternoons in the now familiar base of the Clare Museum.

The series will also visit Kilkee and Ballyvaughan this summer. Sixty-eight musicians took part in the series last year, in Ennis and throughout the County. The Riches of Clare is organised by the Arts Office of Clare County Council and is overseen by Siobhán Mulcahy, County Arts Officer.

Recording of the concerts was done by Lucy Polden and Jack Talty. Lucy is based in Dublin as a recording engineer and has worked with many well-known bands in our Capital. Jack Talty is from Lissycasey, a nephew of well known concertina player, Noel Hill. Jack has his own recording studio in Lissycasey and has recorded many well know musicians from and outside the County.

More information at www.richesofclare.com or the telephone the Clare Arts Office at 065-6899091. A text message reminder service is available by sending RICHES to 087-419 9293. A text will be sent on each day of a concert reminding people who is playing, and of the venue.