Folk Centre

Two years ago, during his gig in McCarthys Bar Dingle, The Frames' lead singer Glen Hansard was joined on stage by piper and whistle player Eoin Duignan and the result was 'Kachina' a song celebrating the spirit of the invisible forces. On that special night Glen spontaneously came up with the words for the melody and with their strong message of hope he dedicated the performance to Eoin’s daughter Triona to encourage her out into the world.

'Kachina' is also being released to celebrate the life and energy of Tadhg Ó Coileáin, who was a major force on the committee of Féile na Bealtaine, the Dingle Arts Festival which is currently in it 11th year. Tadhg’s untimely death last year was a huge loss to his family, his friends and his community.
With music written by Jon Sanders and Eoin Duignan and lyrics by Glen Hansard, 'Kachina' has been recorded with backing vocals contributed by Eilis Kennedy and is released along with 'The Dance Of The Gipsy Queen' from Eoin’s CD 'Coumineol' and 'Bealtaine' written by Jon Sanders from his forthcoming album Latitudes. The release is a limited edition especially for Féile na Bealtaine.
Another commemorative release marks the passing of the Winding Stair Bookshop and Café, that unique and magical outlet overlooking the Liffey, which was started by Kevin Connolly in 1982 and acquired an almost cult status not just in Ireland but much further afield. It may be gone but its passing will be marked by the release of an album named after it by Johnny Coppin of '70s folk-rock band Decameron. The 13-track collection comprises material from Ireland, England, Scotland and America – a mix of his own new songs plus some favourite tracks.
The Green Room at the Holiday Inn in Dublin’s Pearse Street plays host to Kevin Doherty & James Delany for an evening of traditional singing on Tuesday 10th May. The 20th sees Dawn Kenny hitting the stage there and tickets are available for both these shows from the venue and don’t forget their forthcoming Chris Hillman show in June which will be one of the high points of the summer.
Zoe Conway will be touring during May, kicking off in Drogheda’s Millmount and finishing up in Whelan’s on the 18th with a few interesting stops along the way, including what is almost a hometown gig in The Markethouse, Middletown in Co. Armagh on the 6th. Although she’s best known as a traditional fiddle player, Conway's background is equally steeped in classical music (she has a huge amount of orchestral experience) and on this outing she’ll be varying the repertoire considerably. Considering that she has recruited a Rev in the shape of John McIntyre as one of her sidemen for this excursion, you might expect a wide variety of approaches on offer.
Another young fiddle player sticking their head over the parapet is Andy Morrow, whose album will be officially launched at a gig in Dolan’s in Limerick on the 20th May. Andy will be getting some heavy guns in for the night, notably Arty McGlynn, who appears on the album, and some other special guests.
The final tour of Music Network’s 2005 Spring Season provides a unique opportunity to share a rare voyage of musical exploration with three of Ireland’s most sought after traditional musicians. Desi Wilkinson (flute, vocals), Máirtín O’Connor (accordion) and Brendan O’Regan (bouzouki) weave Irish and other folk traditions from around the world as well as playing original compositions and hybrid genres such as Parisian musette and Jewish klezmer. A highly regarded solo player and member of Cran, Desi Wilkinson is internationally respected for his research into ethnomusicology. Over the past 10 years his projects include forays into French, Scottish, Spanish, North American and Senegalese traditional music. Under the banner Around the World in 80 Riffs, the trio performs on May 18-28 2005.
Theresa Bourke, a fiddle player who has toured the world with Michael Flatley amongst others, runs an Irish fiddle and culture school for players from other styles of music, bluegrass, country, jazz, classical who would like to spend a week learning Irish music. Her school is called Fiddlers Retreat – where she has established a place for players to come and enjoy learning music in a relaxed and comfortable environment. She provides accommodation and home cooked food, afternoon sightseeing tours and night-time Irish music sessions. The school runs on a weekly schedule and features tuition in the mornings with a chance to sight see during the afternoons.
Tommy Sands was reared by the foothills of the Mourne Mountains. His family was immersed in folk music – his father played the fiddle, his mother the accordion. Their kitchen was a place where Protestant and Catholic farmers alike would gather to sing at the end of a day’s harvesting. During the 1960s and 1970s, he was the chief songwriter with The Sands Family, who played wherever they were welcome, from local wakes and weddings to New York’s Carnegie Hall. The Songman is the story of Tommy Sands’s remarkable journey. Published on the 20th of April by Lilliput Press it tells of his family’s traditional way of life, recalling his mother tying summer sheaves while his father worked the scythe. Here are the heady days of the Civil Rights movement (John Hume stood up and called for order; then Eamon McCann stood up and called for disorder.), when The Sands family played for refugees in 1969 Belfast; The Bothy Band brawling in Brittany; encounters with Alan Stivell, Mary O’Hara and Pete Seeger; ‘the boyish devilment and humour’ of Ian Paisley on his radio show County Céilí; and a defining moment during the Good Friday Agreement talks, when he organized a moving impromptu performance with children and Lambeg drummers.
Tommy’s near neighbour Fil Campbell will be busying herself with The 5th annual Summersong singers school which will take place this year in Warrenpoint Town Hall in Co. Down from Monday 4th to Friday 8th July.  Application forms are now available on line at www.summersong.co.uk and the closing date for applications is Friday 6th May. A new album is also in the pipeline from Fil who has been making forays into the studio with Seamus Brett at the controls. More on that when it’s closer to completion.
The Summersong course includes life coaching, recording a two song demo, performance techniques, voice coaching, dance classes, confidence building, daily rehearsals with course musicians, song writing, daily video and review of stage presentation, and a final concert.
The minimum age for participation is 14 but there is no upper age limit.  In previous years participants have ranged in age from 14 to 62.  The course is suitable for all styles of music.
While we’re in that neck of the woods I should mention the concert on Friday 13th, organized as part of the BBC Invitation series, which will see Karen Gallagher introduce Gerry O Connor, Mary Dillon and Paul McSherry. Desi Adams and Gerard Thompson take to the boards of the Sean Hollywood Arts Centre in Newry. Aine McGeeney, will be making her radio début. Tickets are free and are available from the BBC ticket unit – not the venue!
Finally full marks to Danu who have scooped two awards – for best album and best female singer from liveireland.com – which will bolster the spirits nicely in time for the launch of their new CD and Live At Vicar Street DVD.