July 6th- 10th, 2015
www.ccemadweek.org

NEA Funding Recognizes DC Irish Cultural Arts Program

MAD Week, the premier Irish traditional music and dance instruction immersion program in the Washington, DC region, is the recipient of a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). Musical Arts and Dance (MAD) Week is sponsored by the O’Neill-Malcom Branch of the international Irish cultural organization, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (CCE).
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On tour 8 – 20 September
www.musicnetwork.ie

Kathleen MacInnes, voice
Dermot Byrne, accordion
Brian Finnegan, flute/whistle
Mike Vass, guitar/fiddle

“A voice like peat smoke and good whisky, as robust, sassy and soulful as it is supple and expressive.” THE GUARDIAN, on Kathleen MacInnes

“Displaying a delicate and sensitive touch, Dermot Byrne has brought his accordion into new territory. Every note has a sweetness to it and every track glistens.”  TRADCONNECT, CD Review

“Brian Finnegan is without doubt one of the world’s finest whistle players.” THE LIVING TRADITION

“Superbly sensitive fiddler/guitarist…” THE GUARDIAN, on Mike Vass

If you haven’t caught award-winning singer Kathleen MacInnes live before, you’re in for a real treat. On stage the Hebridean songbird is a natural, sharing a joke one minute then breaking hearts the next with a soulful, earthy voice that lingers with the listener long after the last note has been sung. A regular performer at the prestigious Celtic Connections festival, in 2010 her singing reached audiences worldwide after being featured in Ridley Scott’s film Robin Hood.
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Release brand new album: ‘HEAVEN’ OUT May 29th

+ IRISH TOUR DATES ANNOUNCED:

JUNE 5TH THE MARKET PLACE THEATRE, ARMAGH

JUNE 6TH CULTURLANN- DERRY

JUNE 9TH THE SET THEATRE, KILKENNY

JUNE 14TH MCGRORYS CULDAFF, DONEGAL

JUNE 19TH ST JOHNS THEATRE, LISTOWEL, CO KERRY

JUNE 21ST INEC ACOUSTIC CLUB, KILARNEY

JUNE 24TH ROOTS, BOOTS & BANJOS, GALWAY

JUNE26TH TOWN HALL, WESTPORT

Life for the Willis family has never been what one might call normal. They have chosen to walk the path less traveled in all areas of life and their newest studio album release, Heaven, is the musical culmination of their journey thus far. Written, performed, engineered and produced by various members of the 14 person family, listeners will hear a top level record full of meaningful songs, striking harmonies, driving rhythms and soaring anthems. The band comprises of the oldest seven children ranging from ages 23 to 13: Jessica, 23, on fiddle and lead vocals, Jeremiah, 22, on acoustic and electric guitars and uilleann pipes, Jennifer, 20, on accordion and mandolin, Jeanette, 19, on whistle and dobro, Jackson, 16, on drums and banjo, Jedidiah, 15, on bass, and Jasmine, 13, on keys.
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O’FLAHERTY’S BAR ( downstairs), OLD STOREHOUSE,
CROWN ALLEY, TEMPLE BAR
( behind the Central Bank )
6p.m. – 8p.m. ( Doors open 5.45 p.m.)

TUESDAY, 19 MAY 2015
DANNY DIAMOND ( fiddle )
EOIN Ó BEAGLAOICH ( Concertina ) &
MÍCHEÁL Ó CATHÁIN ( Harp, Songs )
bring the current series of concerts to a close with
their wonderful music and song  -
don’t miss it !
ADMISSION:€15 ( includes complimentary nibbles!)

Bar open/tea and coffee available
Booking recommended ( limited space ! )
087/2547574 or niamh@gael-linn.ie

June 18th – 21st, 2015
www.rockymountainirishfestival.com

Surrounded by the majestic Rocky Mountains in Estes Park, Colorado, the Rocky Mountain Irish Gathering is truly a magnificent event for the entire family.  The Gathering is a celebration of Irish culture and history uniquely presented through both educational and fun exhibits, film, lecturers, storytellers, vendors and music all in a festival atmosphere with special guests from Ireland and the US.  Irish or not, come hear the sounds of pipes and drums as they echo across the festival grounds, watch the lightning fast pace of feet as multiple Dance Troupes showcase their best of all ages. Hear an entire musical performance sung in Gaelic!
Special guests include Don Mullan, Kevin O’ Hara, Dr. Sarah O’ Brien, Fintan O’ Toole, Kristin Leary, Grace Brady, Dr. Miriam Nyhan and Bryce Evans. The Friday Concert includes Trinity Irish Dancers, Seo Linn and Colm Keegan.
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www.crowvalleymusic.com

Niall Vallely’s new book of tunes has just been released. It features 101 tunes that Niall has composed over the last 25 years. As well as 54 tunes that have been recorded by Niall himself (solo and as part of Nomos and Buille) and by the likes of Lúnasa, Zoe Conway, Michael McGoldrick, Kan, Dàimh and the Poozies, there are 47 previously unpublished tunes. There are 116 pages including an introduction by Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin, photographs and a discography as well as the 101 tunes.

The new book of compositions by Niall Vallely to be launched on Friday May 15th at 8pm in Áras na bPíobairí – 43 Scotch Street, Armagh.The book will be launched at a concert at which Niall and guests will play some of the music from his book 101 Tunes. Groups from Armagh Pipers Club will also play selections of tunes from the book. The event starts at 8pm and admission is free. Food and refreshments will be served.