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Red hot bill for Buncrana
Trad Fest
05.02.08
A GREAT line up
including the 'incendiary Pyros' has been unveiled
for the third annual Ar Ais Arís festival in
Buncrana.
The popular weekend of music, song and dance kicks
off on Thursday, March 27 and runs right through to
Sunday's festival finale.
After asking locals who they'd like to see this
year, the committee have arranged for Sharon Shannon
and her band Renegade to join the line-up, with duo
Maire Ni Chathasaigh (harp) and Chris Newman
(guitar) on the bill as well. |
One of the most popular
bands to come out of the North West, Four Men and a
Dog, is also scheduled for an appearance with local
singer songwriter Kevin Doherty from the original
line-up.
Other highlights include the premiere by Mícheál Ó
Súilleabháin of a piece he has composed specially
for the festival. He'll be accompanied by the very
best of the region's musicians, as well as an
orchestra for what promises to be a very memorable
concert. Of course, it wouldn't be the Ar Ais Arís
without a few late-night gigs by the legendary,
incendiary Pyros! There will also be a host of
concerts, gigs, workshops, |
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singers circle, traditional
Masses and a pub session trail. Organising committee
chairperson, Michael Gallanagh said when it started
out, the chief aim of the festival was to "create
something unique, not just another music festival".
"Judging by the enthusiastic response we've had from
everyone who has taken part, we've managed to do
this." He said the organisers have had a number of
anxious queries regarding the fact that this is the
third year of a three-year plan for the festival,
and news that there might not be one next year.
"Our plan was always to run the event for three
years, and then take a wee break to have a rethink.
First off, organising the Ar Ais Arís is a huge
commitment from quite a large number of volunteers,
and it's not really fair to expect them to take on
the task year after year, indefinitely.
"Secondly, we still want to ensure that the festival
is fresh - special and unique.
So, we want to explore the best way to take it
forward, not just carry on without a clear purpose."
He said after this year's event, the committee will
review its plans and "see where we go from there".
For more information, pick up a flyer, visit
www.buncranatradfest.com or ring 086 882
9019. |
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