Louth and Proud
Louth and Proud …and invading Cavan!
This summer’s All Ireland Fleadh in Cavan will witness a friendly invasion on the night of the 21st of August, when the Town Hall will welcome a night of traditional music from Louth. “Louth and Proud” will showcase the range and depth of talent in County Louth, and will see a host of musicians from the Wee County taking over the town centre venue for a rousing evening of music and song. Traditional music in Louth has always boasted great players and teachers, and the health of the tradition from Carlingford to Drogheda will be confirmed by the impressive line-up of musicians who will perform in this special one-off concert as part of the Fleadh celebrations The concert will climax with Ravensdale fiddler Donal O’Connor taking to the stage as part of critically-acclaimed traditional band, At First Light.
According to Louth Arts Officer, Brian Harten, the concert will be a memorable one. “Counties such as Louth, Cavan, Monaghan and Fermanagh share many things, including a rich tradition in music. In the past, this music has sometimes been overlooked, but over the past few years, there has been a renaissance in the playing and re-discovering of tunes and songs native to this border region. In Louth, we’re delighted to be working with Martin Donohue and Catriona O’Reilly, Cavan Arts Officer, in bringing a showcase of music and musicians from the Wee County to perform at the Fleadh Cheoil.”
One of the organisers of the concert is Gerry O’Connor, a proud Louth man, and one of Ireland’s foremost fiddlers. As well as performing on the night, he’s looking forward to the concert himself. “Louth and Proud” really sums it up. We have something to be very proud of in Louth, and the concert will be a great opportunity to showcase brilliant individual musicians such as Zoe Conway, Áine McGeeney, and Kevin Shields, as well as highlighting the singing tradition of Drogheda and the south of the county.”
O’Connor, whose playing and teaching brings him all over the world, sees the Fleadh in Cavan in 2010 as a very special event. “For musicians all along the south Ulster, north Leinster border, this is our Fleadh, and it’s a natural fit for a Louth night to take place at the town hall of a near neighbour.”
Gerry’s son, Donal O’Connor, plays fiddle and keyboards in At First Light, the traditional band who will bring the night to an end. Described as “a fire breathing delight”, At First light will guarantee feet on the floor and dancing in the aisles. And for the night of the 21st of August only, all of the band will be honorary Louth men!
The full line-up for Louth and Proud will see Jim McArdle, Éilish Quinn, and Mick Dunne performing music and song from mid- and south Louth. Their recently-launched cd, “Madame, I’d Like to be Ticklin’ Your Hay” has been warmly received.
John Joe Gardiner, after whom one of the Dundalk branches of Comhaltas is named, made a significant contribution to the development of traditional music in north Louth, and two of his grandsons, Kevin Shields on flute and Don O’Kane on guitar will perform music learnt “at the knee” over many years.
Also from Dundalk, Áine McGeeney has just returned home from a world-wide tour with Michael Flatley’s “Lord of the Dance”, and is now performing with her own band, Goitse.
Zoe Conway and John McIntyre possess a rare facility to draw pieces into their repertoire from classical, jazz and world music, and express this material in way which not only displays the sheer range and knowledge of both instrumentalists but also exhibits the wonderful versatility of their instruments. This married couple are sheer collective genius!
Seán Corcoran is a renowned traditional singer and bouzouki player whose long international career in Irish music has included everything from pioneering field recording to publishing, festival-directing, broadcasting, university teaching and documentary film-making. He is also a member of traditional group, Cran.
Gerry O’Connor is one of the finest fiddlers in Ireland today. “Sparkling”, “Dazzling”, and “Sublime” are just of the terms used to describe O’Connor’s music and style. Joining Gerry on the night will be Nuala Kennedy on flute, who herself has been described as “Stunning” and “Peerless”. Nuala’s new album “Tuned In” was met with wide critical acclaim.
The concert will be hosted by Dearbhla Lennon, World Championship dancer, Lord of the Dance and Riverdance soloist, television presenter – a seriously talented personality.
Irish Music Magazine described At First Light thus – “…surely one of those special pioneering acts who push the boundaries and redraw the map. And that can’t be a bad thing. For five very experienced and knowledgeable artists at the peak of their creativity, the future looks bright. And given that we are witnessing the birth of something special, something exciting and exceptionally vigorous, we would be wise to take heed.”
Tickets will be available on the door that night. “Louth and Proud” is an initiative of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann and the Arts Service of Louth County Council. For further information, see www.createlouth.ie and www.fleadh2010.ie
