Saturday 26th
Patrick O'Keeffe Festival
Various venues, Castleisland patrickokeeffefestival.com
The Sliabh Luachra fiddle master, Patrick O’Keeffe left a legacy that resonates throughout our tradition, and not just within the confines of the Rushy Glen. This year’s gathering is a testament to the man’s impact. From Téada and Séamus Begley to Jack Talty, John Daly and Aidan Connolly, along with festival regulars Gerry Harrington and Tim Dennehy, there will be tunes and songs for all appetites.
After Matt Cranitch’s launch lecture last night, there’ll surely be plenty of late night musings about the finer points of O’Keeffe’s tunes, his teaching methods and his bespoke notation.
Saturday 26th
Séamus Ennis Grand Centenary Concert
Holmpatrick Church of Ireland, Skerries 8pm €25/€10 eventbrite.ie
A fine line up of musicians gather to celebrate the centenary of the late iconic piper, broadcaster and archivist, Séamus Ennis. His son, Christopher joins Finbar Furey, Martin Hayes, Paddy Keenan, Gerry Banjo O’Connor, Caitlin Nic Gabhann and Ciarán O’Maonaigh, Leo Rickard and Raphy Doyle, Siobhán Moore, Bill Haneman and Séamus Wade, and Ray, Fionnula, Aido and Helen Lawlor. A fitting tribute to a musician who spent much of life in The Naul, near this north county Dublin coastal town.
Saturday 26th
Achill International Harp Festival
Various venues, Achill Island, until Monday
This year’s celebration of all aspects of the harp extends its reach far and wide, with harpists travelling from Scotland (Catriona MacKay), Wales (Ben Creighton Griffiths), Mexico (Tlen Huicani) and as far afield as Colombia, from where a young harp ensemble are travelling to perform with Liam Ó Maonlaí. Anchored by some of our finest harpists, including Laoise Kelly, Kathleen Loughnane, Síle Denvir and Elaine Hogan, this is likely to be many harpists’ dream gathering.
Saturday 26th
The Vision Symphony with Dave Flynn's Irish Memory Orchestra
Glór, Ennis 8.30pm €20/€18/€15 glor.ie
World premiere of a unique symphony that sees Dave Flynn’s Irish Memory Orchestra join with visually impaired and blind musicians. Also featuring the Visionaries Choir, led by Frank Kelly. The Orchestra will be conducted by Bjorn Bantock and performers will include Jack Talty, piper Mark Redmond, harpist Anne-Marie O’Farrell and guitarist Niwel Tsumbu.
Wednesday 30th
Máire Ní Ghráda and Cónal Ó Gráda
Glór, Ennis 8,30pm €10 glor.ie
The second concert in this autumn/winter Words and Music series, piper and Clare resident Máire Ní Ghráda is joined by her brother, flute player Cónal, (a member of The Raw Bar Collective) for an intimate performance.
