CHRISTY Dignam and fellow Aslan band member, Joe Jewell will perform at this year’s 5th Annual Celebration of Christie Hennessy at Fels Point Hotel on Friday/Saturday October 30/31.
The CEO of Tralee Chamber Alliance, Kieran Ruttledge, said: “The Christie Hennessy Celebration is a great weekend of top class music from some of Ireland’s best contemporary musicians. Both nights are great occasions with fantastic talent on display. I am constantly amazed by the standards of musicianship in Ireland and this festival is a great platform for these bands to showcase their talent. It’s all done in honour of Tralee’s own Christie Hennessy, who was himself a great singer and songwriter.”
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Christy Dignam and Joe Jewell will be the special guests at the Live Final of the 2015 IMRO Christie Hennessy Song Competition, in association with Tralee Chamber Alliance, Tralee Credit Union and Fels Point Hotel, on Saturday, October 31 from 8.30pm.
The IMRO Christie Hennessy Song Competition is a tribute to the life and music of one of Tralee’s most famous sons.
Paul McDonnell took home the top prize last year for his song, “Be All You Can Be”, co-written with Dave Molloy and Cathleen Flynn.
Ten finalists selected from over 200 entries across Ireland will perform their original songs in front of a live audience and a panel of expert judges.
The winning songwriter will be presented with a cheque for €1,000 on the night, courtesy of Tralee Credit Union. Previous winners have included Alan Kavanagh, Enda Reilly and Christine Deady.
Open to all musical styles, the artists must perform their own compositions live (no backing tracks) and the 10 finalists – selected by IMRO – will perform their songs before a live audience (and panel of judges) in Fels Point Hotel.
The Troubadour Club presented by Francie Conway will return to kick-start the weekend on Friday, October 30 featuring performances by ten artists (many Kerry-based) including Q14, Roy Buckley, House of Hippies, Alan Kavanagh, Pam & Joe O’Connor, Richie Ros, Aidan & the Astronauts, Sumdaze and Tony Henderson.
Tralee-native, renowned singer-songwriter and Festival co-organiser, Francie Conway said: “The event is becoming the premier songwriters’ weekend in Ireland and attracting some of the finest contemporary songwriters in the country and from further afield. As a songwriter, I think Christie Hennessy would be delighted to have his celebration weekend showcasing new songwriting talent.”
Both The Troubadour Club on Friday 30th and the IMRO Song Competition Final on Saturday 31st will get underway at 8.30pm. Admission to the Troubadour Club is €10, but everyone who arrives on the Friday night before 9pm will receive a complimentary drink.
Entrance to the song competition on Saturday night is free.
Tickets are available from Tralee Chamber Alliance Office, 18 Denny St, Tralee and at the door in Fels Point Hotel.