December 27th, 2012 – January 1st, 2013
Gaoth Dobhair, Co. Donegal
www.frankiekennedy.com

The 19th Annual Scoil Gheimhridh Frankie Kennedy happens in the stunning surroundings of the Donegal Gaeltacht in Gaoth Dobhair, and is without question one of the highlights of the traditional Irish music calendar. This year is no exception. There will be classes in various traditional Irish musical instruments, as well as dance, from some of the most respected musicians around. There are events for all the family, including Children’s Art workshops – not to mention a series of concerts from Ireland’s finest artists, including: Altan, Andy Irvine, Séamie O’Dowd, Iarla Ó Lionáird, Steve Cooney, At First Light, and the return of the New Years Hooley Ceol, Craic & Céilí with Breanndán Begley & Steve Cooney & Reel it plus many more.
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www.revels.org

An Irish Celebration of the Winter Solstice. Directed by Patrick Swanson with George Emlen, Music Director

In 1907 immigration from Europe to the new world of the United States was at a peak. The Irish formed a significant part of this relocation, bringing with them their unique culture of poetry, dance and music plus a powerful instinct for survival. This year’s Christmas Revels puts us on the deck of R.M.S. Carpathia as the hopeful émigrés create a wild and memorable Christmas at sea. With a powerful chorus, blazing jigs and reels, bold and lively children, fantastic stories, the best of Irish dancers and all the magical Revels touchstones like the joyous and participatory Lord of the Dance, this promises to be a very special Christmas at Sanders Theatre!
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Benefiting Wauwatosa Community Food Pantry, Local Irish Band Tallymoore to Headline Christmas Show
www.irishfest.com

Milwaukee Irish Fest will present a special holiday concert featuring local Irish band, Tallymoore on December 15th, 2012 at 8 pm at the Irish Fest Center, located at 1532 Wauwatosa Avenue in Milwaukee, Wis. The event will bring the Celtic Christmas spirit to life while benefiting the Wauwatosa Food Pantry. “Irish culture has many unique traditions – and that includes holiday tunes,” said Barry Stapleton, director of the Ward Irish Music Archives at the Irish Fest Center. “The Tallymoore Christmas Concert is another example of how we continue to share the Irish experience with the Milwaukee community.”
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www.jigsandreels.ie

At Jigs & Reels the aim is to promote Traditional Irish Music. By including a variety of instruments and various methods of teaching they are providing an easy, exciting learning experience available to everyone. They believe many more people would learn Irish music if there were easier ways of learning available. Some people may be embarrassed to learn in front of others, some will think they are to old, others will feel they haven’t the time to commit to a regular weekly lesson or may feel it could be too expensive.
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www.aransongs.blogspot.com

Aran born fiddler and researcher, Deirdre Ní Chonghaile has launched a blog on the songs of Aran. The blog follows her progress on a project based at NUI Galway. The aim of this bilingual project is to publish an edition of songs composed in Aran. Supported by accompanying CDs/MP3s and by a partner website, this will enable the people of Aran to have access to these endangered songs, to preserve them, and to present them to communities beyond Aran. The blog has some fascinating stories and some historic photographs to accompany the text.

This new TV show presented by Mairead Ní Mhaonaigh, and as we went to press we were told us that the final touches were being completed to the new six part series, Aniar Aduaidh, to be screened on RTÉ1 beginning this January! She says it will be a mix of great music, chat and a few surprises along the journey from Donegal across Ulster to Co Down!

Check your RTE schedules for the broadcast times.

www.marietheresemccartin.com

Renowned pianist, Thérèse McCartin, is bringing her musical career on a new journey with her latest recording, Another April Day. The Artist is donating a proportion of all sales to charity, namely Bee for Battens, The Saoirse Foundation. Described as “easy listening” the finished album is both beautiful and moving in equal measures. The recording also features original compositions by Therese with Another April Day. The special touch & handiwork of acclaimed producer and arranger, Frank McNamara, a well–known face from The Late Late Show, has ensured Therese’s latest work shines through in every note.
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www.maryjaneandwendy.com

Seinn, their new album, reflects the great love and response that Mary Jane and Wendy have for Nova Scotia tradition and for each other. The CD achieves a delicate balance between the musical sensibilities of two artists, showcasing traditional and original compositions, from the melancholy of Gaelic song to the joy of fiddle tunes. Some of the material was learned from the recordings of older Cape Breton singers and fiddlers, some were chosen from existing repertoires, and some were written specifically for this project. The record fuses roots arrangements with a traditional presentation, capturing the enjoyment and fun that Mary Jane and Wendy have together onstage and off.
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www.itunes.apple.com

Sixteen–year–old, Mairéad Hickey from Cork, winner of eight All–Ireland fiddle titles and the current Irish National Concert Hall Young Musician of the Year, has just launched an exciting update to her ‘Irish Fiddler’ app for traditional Irish fiddle tunes. Mairéad has played traditional and classical music all over the world and has been on television several times.
The application combines Mairéad’s talent and love for Irish music with the latest technology to deliver an easy to follow method that enables students to learn how to play traditional Irish polkas and jigs on the fiddle. ‘Irish Fiddler’ received national news coverage in Ireland and is proving to be a big hit with users all over the world.
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February 8th–10th, 2013
Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare
www.oac.ie

Oidhreacht an Chláir will present the first annual Concertina Cruinniú on February 8th, 9th and 10th, 2013 in Miltown Malbay.
While well–established annual events such as the uilleann pipers’ Tionól, the harpists’ Cúirt Cruitearachta, Cruinniú na bhFliúit in Cúil Aodha and Cairdeas na bhFidléirí’s fiddle week in Glencolumcille provide a forum for enthusiasts and practitioners on most traditional instruments, there has been no similar celebration of the concertina in Ireland for a number of years.
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