www.tradweek.com
www.fleadhcheoil.ie

The students from Meitheal 2013 will re–unite for a special performance at Fleádh Cheoil na hÉireann in Derry on August 16th, just after Scoil Éigse. Meitheal Orchestra & guests will perform an hour–long webcast the highlights of which will also be broadcast on TG4. The location will be the historic and picturesque Guild Hall.

With the Meitheal Orchestra, the event will feature Martin and Kavan Donohoe, Garry Shannon, Ernestine Healy and more.
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www.webanjo3.com

We Banjo 3 are to play two major gigs in Dublin this July. On Thursday July 11th they play the prestigious Steeple Sessions at Stephen’s Green, including masterclasses that day. Then on July 18th, We Banjo 3 are one of the headliners for WoodSongs Old Time Hour, a live show broadcast from Dublin’s National Event Centre via Kentucky to over 1 million listeners on 500 radio stations worldwide. Other acts on the night include Paul Brady, Mary Black and Niall Toner. This is a huge opportunity for a band that has been receiving rave reviews for their innovative and virtuosic  exploration of the musical heritage of Ireland and America.

For further information visit the website www.webanjo3.com

www.alankellygang.com

Alan Kelly Gang are: Alan Kelly (piano accordion), Steph Geremia (flute, whistle & vocals), Tony Byrne (guitar & vocals), Maureen Browne (fiddle)

Reaping the rewards of recently adding their name to the roster of prestigious North American agency, Folklore Productions, the Alan Kelly Gang will hit the dusty mountain roads of Western and Central Canada this July and August. Putting in festival appearances at some of Canada’s most prestigious folk festivals including Edmonton Folk Music Festival, Winnipeg Folk Festival and Vancouver Folk Music Festival, this will mark the start of their North American presence. March 2014 will see them return back over the Atlantic for concerts in Central and Eastern USA, for their first stateside tour.
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www.mariannegreen.com

Marianne Green first entered the Irish music scene with her debut album Dear Irish Boy. The album was recorded at the foot of the Mourne Mountains in Colum Sands’ studio Spring Records, in Rostrevor. Now she returns to Rostrevor to play at the Fiddler’s Green International Festival.
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www.kenmareirishmusicfestival.com

The dust in Kenmare, Co. Kerry has finally settled after their first “Féile Neidín” trad festival, the general consensus by organizers/ musicians and attendees being that it was a huge success and roll on next year! The event was blessed by beautiful weather on the Friday and Saturday which made the Trad Session boat trips on Kenmare bay idyllic, those lucky enough to have gone out on the Saturday were treated to an on–boat performance by Caladh Nua who were the main Band in the Carnegie Arts Centre on the Friday night.
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www.arcmusic.co.uk

Legendary celtic band Clannad have announced a partnership with ARC Music for their new album. Scheduled for release in September 2013, this new album will be the band’s first album of new material since 1998’s Grammy–winning Landmarks, and the first with the full original line–up since 1989’s Past Present.

Clannad – siblings Moya, Ciaran and Pol Brennan, and their twin uncles Noel and Padraig Duggan began recordings for their as–yet untitled new album in April. Pol had previously left Clannad following the release of Past Present, but returned to the band in 2011 to perform a special concert at Dublin’s Christ Church Cathedral, which was released on CD and DVD early in 2013, also through ARC Music. The reformed line–up have been touring globally over the last several months and are planning an even more extensive worldwide tour to coincide with the release of the new album.
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October 11th – 13th, 2013
www.Feilefrankmcgann.com

Despite the continuing austerity, anticipation is building for Féile Frank McGann 2013, which will be held in Strokestown, Co. Roscommon on October 11th, 12th, and 13th. While plans are being finalised, an exciting line–up of artistes, workshops, recitals and other events is promised for the weekend.

This niche festival, described by many as one of the best in the Country, has maintained a constant standard that others have sought to attain.
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November 7th – 10th, 2013
www.irishfestival.dk
Copenhagen Irish Festival is a yearly treat for Irish music enthusiasts, presenting the legends, the hip and the up–and–coming bands and all during one weekend in November. Over the years Copenhagen Irish Festival has helped launch many Irish bands start an international career.

Bands such as Altan, Dervish, Danú, Gráda and Caladh Nua all had some of their first concerts abroad at the festival.  Also the well–established play a prominent part of the festival program, like last year Sharon Shannon and Paul Brady. This year the festival marks its 35th anniversary. There will be concerts from Thursday through Saturday as well as the popular jam sessions and the ever growing Sunday Céilí.

All the action takes place right in the heart of Copenhagen in the locations of recent years, Den Brune Kødby. The festival is looking forward to announcing the 2013 program shortly and welcomes visitors from home and abroad.

For further information visit the website www.irishfestival.dk

facebook.com/copenhagen.irish.festival

October 2nd–6th, 2013
Oulu, Finland www.irkku.fi

The 8th annual Irish Festival of Oulu takes place from October 2th– 6th, 2013 in Oulu, Finland. This 5–day event in the very North of Europe showcases the best of Irish culture in signature style, attracting audiences from near and far.
Described by fans as “versatile, full of craic, welcoming, and intimate”, the 2013 festival has a world–class programme showcasing all artforms, including storytelling for grown–ups and children with Eamonn Keenan, music workshops with top tutors and dance classes for everyone from beginner to advanced competition level.
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Musicians all around the country will fill the streets and venues of Ireland today with music for love:live music, Ireland’s National Music Day

- Over 275 free live music events to take place nationwide
www.lovelivemusic.ie

Over1,800 musicians will turn Ireland into a huge stage today as they host a range of free live music events in some of the most exciting venues around the country as part of love:live music, Ireland’s National Music Day, now in its fourth year.
Some of the highlight events taking place around the country today will include a rare opportunity to see the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra rehearse as it opens its doors to the public to mark this special day ahead of the Young Europeans Concert this evening. Ennis Town will host ‘Clare Connections’ featuring a line-up of some of Ireland’s leading names in traditional Irish music including Lúnasa and The Kilfenora Céilí Band and Ennis is also calling on the public to get involved in helping to break the world record for ‘the largest tin whistle ensemble’. The Baltimore Singers, directed by the renowned Katy Salvage, will perform choral arrangements of Coldplay’s Fix You, Adele’s Skyfall and other chart hits for the residents of Schull Community Hospital. The Manden Ensemble will brighten up the Friday commute with a fusion of contemporary and traditional West African music at Heuston Station from 08.00am. Noisy Plug Sessions, an initiative aimed at helping well-known local bands gather fans in towns where they areless well known, will take place in various venues across the country.
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