July 13th – 15th, 2012
www.rencontresdeluthiers.org

Instrument-makers, concerts, folk dances and a unique atmosphere, the festival has become the meeting place of traditional music in Europe. A unique show of instrument makers which welcomes 130 instrument makers from the whole world presenting and selling their instruments: bagpipes, hurdy-gurdies, accordions, wind instruments, percussion and many more.
(more…)

September 21st – 23rd, 2012
www.ardara.ie

Following on from the huge success of last years festival which brought people from all over the world to the scenic town of Ardara the organisers are confident of a successful weekend again this year. The organisers hope to provide something for everyone to enjoy, with Concerts, Céilís, Barn Dances, Sean nós, Set Dancing, Workshops, Pub and Street Sessions.
(more…)

March 2nd – 18th, 2012
www.cavantowncomhaltas.ie

Preparations are well in place for the March NYAH County Cavan Traditional Festival 2012, which will see hundreds of musicians and artists descend on the Breffni territory throughout the month of March to take part in a packed programme of events across the county, ranging from major concerts to intimate pub sessions, with a host of extras including music and song workshops, the Jig of Life award, and book and CD launches.
(more…)

March 2nd – 4th, 2012
www.johnjoemaguire.com

Based in the scenic village of Swanlinbar in West Cavan, which is situated in the valley between the Cuilcagh and Slieve Rushen Mountains. Geologically, Swanlinbar is part of the famous Marble Arch Geopark. In bygone days it was very famous for it’s sulphur spa wells and in the 1780’s people travelled from all over Ireland to take the waters. The interest in spa wells gradually died out but the spa well at Drumod near the village is still used by many locals to this day. The local comhaltas branch hopes to bring a revival of the music, song and dance to an area traditionally steeped in this great heritage! John Joe Maguire was widely regarded and respected as one of the greatest flute players in Ulster. He was a humble, talented musician whose music touched many in the South Fermanagh and West Cavan area and his legacy will live on through this festival been held in his memory.
(more…)

www.colemanirishmusic.com

At the most central crossroads in Co. Sligo, Gurteen Cross, stands the modern, yet impressive building that is Ceoláras Coleman! This building is the focus for and home to a state of the art traditional music programme! The visitors’ experience is informal, welcoming and friendly. The Centre seeks to provide visitors with a tailor-made first-hand experience of traditional Irish music including a twelve minute audio-visual presentation. The Music Shop stocks an extensive selection of music CD’s, instruments, music books as well as souvenirs and books of local interest with a wider appeal.
(more…)

www.eleanormcevoy.com

The National Concert Hall announced the official unveiling of a portrait of Eleanor McEvoy by the acclaimed Irish artist Robert Ballagh in the John Field Room in The National Concert Hall, Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin 2 on Friday January 20th, 2012.
(more…)

Breed Media
www.breed-media.co.uk

Irish Music Magazine welcomes to the fold one of our newest advertising partners, Breed Media. Breed is an award-winning music & media manufacturing, creative & ecological packaging agency. You may have seen their striking Pink Floyd-inspired ad in the last issue – an ad created to convey what Breed strives to achieve with all its customers. Founder Tom Hunt: “Breed Media was born 2007 to evolve our industry; to breed change and reduce the environmental impact of media manufacturing for this & future generations. Further, we wanted to work with artists to create engaging future classics – CD, DVD, vinyl & unique packaging to breed new interest in their works.” And Breed has fast become the CD manufacturer of choice for many Irish traditional music artists.
(more…)

Mayo musician Tim McHugh wins Seán Ó Riada gold medal
www.rte.ie/rnag

Flute player Tim McHugh from Newport in Mayo was announced as winner of the Seán Ó Riada gold medal and prize money of €2500 on Friday January 13th. He was amongst 15 traditional flute and whistle players who took to the stage in the Rochestown Park Hotel in Cork to compete in the final. The judges on the night were renowned musicians Mary Bergin and Michael Tubridy, and they were joined by Matt Molloy via Skype from 1500 miles away in the Canary Islands.
(more…)