Ye Vagabonds to lead songwriting workshop at West Cork Literary Festival 2019

As part of the upcoming West Cork Literary Festival, taking place this year from July 12-19, acclaimed folk group Ye Vagabonds will lead a songwriting workshop in Coláiste Pobail Bheanntraí, Bantry.

Ye Vagabonds, made up of brothers Brian and Diarmuid Mac Gloinn, have been a staple of the live music and session scene in Ireland since moving to Dublin from their hometown of Carlow back in in 2012. They released their second album, The Hare's Lament, earlier this year. The project was described by Hot Press's Colin Sheridan as "a joy" and "the labour of two master craftsmen, who, far from finding some old folk songs and singing them, have paid due deference to tradition - and, in the process, made this music their very own."

Running for five days from Monday, July 15, to Friday, July 19, the course will follow song construction and deconstruction as methods of learning. Although based largely around traditional and folk songs, individual participants will have the freedom to go as far beyond traditional form and structure as they wish.

The course is tailored to people, both young and old, with an understanding of basic musical principles. Participants will take part in individual as well as group work, and will be encouraged to shared as much as they are willing.

The course will provide source material for traditional songs, including books and recordings. Musical instruments and other useful tools will also be provided.

The workshop will run daily from 9.30am to 12.30pm, and costs €200. To book, see the event page here.

Other highlights of the West Cork Literary Festival include an evening with Mary Robinson, and appearances from Kevin Barry, John Boyne, Sebastian Barry, Tana French, and local boy, Graham Norton.