Clarinbridge Arts Festival 1st – 8th October, 2006

galway | arts and media | press release Wednesday September 27, 2006 19:16 by Over The Edge

Welcome to 2nd Clarinbridge Arts Festival 2006 comprising a most varied and interesting programme of activities featuring The Galway Choral Association and ConTempo directed by Mark Keane, renowned harpist, Kathleen Loughnane, traditional Irish musicians, Tom Cussen, Charlie Harris, Mary Staunton, Breda Keville, Liam Lewis, Tim Lyons, special guests and highly acclaimed singers from the UK, Peta Webb and Ken Hall, Jack Harrison, classical music with Katharina Baker and Derek Hoffmann, literary events with John Quinn, Michael Coady, poetry slam with Kevin Higgins and Brendan Murphy, ‘Music of the Surf with the Clarinbridge Drama Group, environmental events with Gordon D’Arcy, Dr John Joyce, Irish Seed Savers and Slow Food, arts exhibitions, workshops and children’s events – all to be enjoyed in the beautiful village of Clarinbridge and surrounding areas. In addition, thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and artists, this excellent programme of events can be experienced free or at a nominal cost.

Sunday, 1st October:
11.00am: The festival will kick off on Sunday, 1st October with a static display of the classic Mini at Kilcornan from 11.00- 5.00 followed by a parade from Clarinbridge to Ardrahan.
12.00: In addition, all day, there will be exhibitions of designs and photos and a model village at áil Rúin Design Centre. The exhibitions will continue throughout the festival.
2.00pm: An exhibition of Contemporary Art by inspirationireland.com will be launched at Assets Furniture, Kilcolgan.
4.00pm at the Church of Ireland, Ardrahan, there will be a classical and traditional Irish music concert featuring local musicians.
7.00pm: Poetry Slam at The Old SchoolHouse Restaurant:
Poetry Slam comes to the Old School House Restaurant, Clarinbridge on Sunday, 1st October at 7.00pm. Hosted by the past and current winner of Cuirt Festival Poetry Grand Slam, Kevin Higgins (winner 2003) and Brendan Murphy (winner 2006) The Old Schoolhouse is a most fitting venue for this exciting event and a most enjoyable night is promised at this internationally famous restaurant. Everyone welcome to participate. Entry €5 on the door.

Monday, 2nd October:
7.30pm on Monday , at Clarenbridge Antiques there will be the opportunity to learn how to differentiate between real and fake ‘bargains’ in a talk by Clare Griffin entitled ‘What is it made of?’.
8.30: This will be followed at 8.30 at Claire’s Tea Rooms with a combined Slow Food and Irish Seedsavers evening. Here, an opportunity is being offered to savour old varieties of Irish apples complimented by various cheeses and wines from Sheridan’s Cheesemongers in the wonderful atmosphere of Claire’s Tea Rooms.

Tuesday, 3rd October:
5.30pm: Opening of art exhibition at the Parish Hall featuring Kilcornan Arts Project and local artists.
9.30pm: On Tuesday, internationally known instrument maker and founder of Shaskeen, Tom Cusssen will host a special festival ‘First Tuesday’ at Jordan’s bar from 9.30 onwards. Look out for a host of special guests.

Wednesday, 4th October:
On 4, 5, 6 October at 8.00pm at the Parish Hall the Clarinbridge Drama Group will perform ‘Music of the Surf’. Directed by John Forde this is the first performance of the original play written by Michael Conniffe from Tawin island, Maree.

9.30pm: On Wednesday, again another member of Shaskeen, highly respected accordion player Charlie Harris will bring Sherry’s Bar alive with his well known rendition of Cooley’s reels in a night of outstanding traditional Irish music. Charlie will be joined by special guests.

Thursday, 5th October:
9.30pm: On Thursday, traditional Irish music will continue in Sherry’s bar hosted by John and Martin Forde. During the course of the week, there will be a display of sean-nos dancing by Yvonne and Siobhan.

Friday, 6th October:
9.00pm: Friday is a special night for singers with special guest from the UK, Peta Webb and Ken Hall. Both these singers are well known and highly regarded in the English and Irish folk circuit. Additional guest on the night are well known singers and musicians Tim Lyons and Jack Harrison. This is an opportunity to join in an evening of outstanding live music, traditional and folk singing with perhaps, a few sea-shanties thrown in.

Saturday, 7th October:

11.00: Film show for children at parish Hall

12.00-2.00pm: Exhibition of farm machinery at Tom Brett’s farm. Contact: 087 2556072

1.30pm: Lunchtime Session:
Traditional Irish music will continue on Saturday with a special lunchtime session hosted by
Mary Staunton at Moran’s the Weir. Mary Staunton is not only a wonderful accordion player, she is also a great singer and delivers songs ranging from sources such as Pete Seeger to Emmylou Harris. Mary had recorded with internationally known musicians such as Sharon Shannon and Steve Earle.

9.00pm: Our GALA EVENT will take place Saturday, 7th October at 9.00pm.
We are delighted to have the opportunity to participate in this year’s world-wide celebration of Mozart in a performance by The Galway Choral Association and ConTempo, under the direction of Mark Keane. This will be a performance of W A Mozart’s Coronation Mass in C.
The Galway Choral Association choirs have won numerous prises at the Dublin and Sligo Feis, Cork International Choral Festival and Navan Choral Festival. They appear regularly on TV and radio. The choir has recently returned from a trip Vienna where they performed as part of the Mozart’s centenary celebrations.
The ConTempo Quartet (Galway Ensemble in Residence) is one of the world’s most celebrated young string quartets and have contributed enormously to classical music in Galway inspiring many through their performances and workshops.
Mark Keane has been Director of the Galway Choral Association since 1998 and is currently organist at the Church of Christ the King, Salthill. A regular recitalist, he has performed extensively throughout Europe and won many prizes for organ performance. Mark is also in demand as an accompanist and has worked with many choirs, ensemble and soloists.
This is an evening not to be missed.
Tickets €10.00 available from Mulligan Records, Clarinbridge Antiques or
086 8351230.
8.00pm: Please note: Preceding the 9.00pm performance, ticket holders are invited to free refreshments from 8.00pm onwards at Paddy Burke’s (the deck).

Sunday, 8th October:
1.00pm: Jordan’s Bar: Lunchtime session:
On Sunday lunchtime, we are delighted to welcome Breda Keville, Clare Keville and Liam Lewis for this festival lunchtime sessions. Breda has recently released her first CD ‘The Hop Down’ to great acclaim…described by Kernan Andres (Galway Advertiser ) as ‘probably, the traditional Irish music album of the year’. Breda’s CD also features Claire Keville (Clare FM) and Liam Lewis This is a unique opportunity to hear live these excellent three musicians.

4.00-6.00pm: Kilcornan House: ‘Treasures in our Midst’.
Last but definitely, not least we have the opportunity to visit the historic Kilcornan House and hear the outstanding harp music of Kathleen Loughnane. Kathleen is the leading exponent of the Irish harp and is widely acclaimed for her arrangement, playing and teaching of Irish harp music. The moods in her playing range from the exuberant lift of her dance music to the haunting beauty of her slow airs".
In addition, we will be celebrating the local natural environment with well-known wildlife expert, artist and author, Gordon D’Arcy in a multi-media presentation. We will have readings from John Quinn and songs and poetry from Paddy Costello, Noel and Deirdre McFadden and Pat Jordan.
Again, a unique event and not to be missed. Tickets €5.00 available from Mulligan Records and Clarinbridge Antiques. Booking early advised as limited ticket availability.

Enquiries: Contact Anne Fox 086 8351230 or Clare Griffin 091 796522 or
Email: anne.fox@amicustec.ie.
See also: www.clarinbridgeartsfestival.ie

Workshops:
Bodhran workshop: Learn to play the bodhran with the legendary Johnny Ringo McDonagh Sunday, 1st October: 12.30 – 4.00pm: Booking essential: 086 4073935

Sean-nós dancing Learn the ever popular art of sean- nós dancing with
Padraig O’ hOibicín. Sunday, 1st October: 12.30 – 4.00pm: Booking essential: 086 4073935

Digital Photo Workshop: Tuesday, 3rd and Thursday 5th Oct: 7.00pm – 10.00pm
There will also be the opportunity to learn how to get the most from you digital photos in this two part workshop, directed by award-winning photographer, Dave Ruffles.
Booking essential: 086 8351230

Children’s Events:
Saturday, 7th October: 2.00pm:
Illustration workshop with book illustration, Mary Murphy, suitable for 7-9yrs olds.
Booking 085 7360568.

Scoil Mhuire, Clarinbridge and Killeeneen National School are involved in special arts festival projects highlighting their respective projects, Oyster beds and Rahasane Turlough. The exhibitions will be opened during the festival week. Details: 085 7360568.

Bookclub: Those with in interest in setting up a book club or joining one should come along on Thursday, 5th October to Suaimhneas at 11.30. Contact 086 8351230 for details.

Installation:
As last year, the Arts Festival will have an installation based on The Water Tower. Look out for this as you pass through the village at night.

Please refer to our website www.clarinbridgeartsfestival.ie for full programme details or email anne.fox@amicustec.ie for update.
Festival brochures are available from local shops and Mulligan Records, Galway.
Enquiries for all events, please contact Anne Fox 086 8351230 or
Clare Griffin 091 796522.