Annascaul Celebrates Singing With Musical Festivities This Weekend

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THE cream of West Kerry musical talent is due to gather in Annascaul village from Friday, June 9, to Sunday, June 11.

Celebrating Singing 2017 aims to attract the public to the scenic village of Annascaul, and is dedicated to sharing the community’s musical festivities with some terrific free workshops, film screenings and singing sessions at special venues around the village.

Philip King will officially open Celebrating Singing 2017 in Annascaul Village community hall on Friday, June 9, at 7.00 p.m. Philip is the founder of the Other Voices festival, is a founding member of the ever-acclaimed Scullion, presents South Wind Blows on RTÉ Radio 1, and is one of Ireland’s most prominent cultural ambassadors.

At the opening, local acoustic duo, Fox Tales, will present a taste of  blues and country music; Kaiona Solas will sing a few songs with her West African instrument ‘the kora’; and Dingle-based singer/songwriter Martin Hansard ,who recently launched a book of his lyrics and poetry, will also offer some samples of his work.

On Friday night, Patcheen’s Pub will host The Cooleys, singers of terrific songs ranging from traditional to modern folk songs and country blues. Tony Owens, a founder-member of Annascaul Singing Club, will provide musical support.

On Saturday, June 10, at 11.00 am, Louise nic an tSionnaigh will conduct a singing and harmony workshop at Scoil Bhreac Chluain in Annascaul Village. Louise has wide experience as a song and choir leader, including projects in Rwanda and Nigeria. She has also worked with celebrated performers like Luka Bloom and Kíla.

On Sunday June 10, at 11.00 am at Scoil Bhreac Chluain, Muireann nic Amhlaoibh will head a workshop teaching songs and harmony, specifically focusing on vocal expression. Muireann was the lead singer of the traditional Irish music group Danú for 13 years and was the recipient of the 2011 Gradaim Ceoil TG4 Singer of the Year.

Also on Sunday, at 1.00 p.m. at The Old Anchor Inn B&B, Annascaul, There will be a screening of Philip King’s production of Christy, a documentary showcasing the life and career of extraordinary Irish folk singer and musician Christy Moore.

This film is a very intimate look into Christy’s world of music, and it will be a fantastic experience for those who want to know the man behind the legend of Christy Moore.

At the same time at the Old Anchor Inn, there will be a screening of a documentary film entitled ‘Still A Mountain Girl’, which focuses on the acclaimed American country singer/songwriter Loretta Lynn. This documentary explores the life of this remarkable woman, from her marriage as a teenager to her rise as a country music superstar known all around the world over a 60-year career.

Sunday afternoon will provide some terrific events for children and adults with amazing children’s entertainer Ruti Lachs and terrific Dingle singer/songwriter Abigail Joffe.

At 8.00 pm, Ruti and Abigail will feature in a triple-header event called Daring Divas Musical Theatre Revue at Joan’s Cafe. Ruti will deliver her one-person show entitled ‘Sideways on Planet Piano’. Following this, Abigail will sing songs from her recently released album ‘Lay Me Down’.

As well as all this, there will be a range of events around Annascaul village during the weekend—there will be performances from Kaiona Solas, Dingle Carnival Band and the Dingeleles Ukulele Band, amongst others who wish to sing and perform.

For kids, there will be giant puppets on display and face painting, all of which promises a great time for everyone. In the evening at Hanfin’s Bar, there will be a barbeque with music from Fox Tales.

This weekend is free of charge at every event. Supported by Kerry County Council Arts Office and kind local contributors of the peninsula, it promises to be a fantastic musical weekend for the entire family.

Booking is required for workshops and screenings. for more information on the upcoming events during the festival, visit their facebook page here. And to book, please contact 0831246634.