Taking place this year from September 18-21, Drimoleague Singing Festival boasts an impressive line-up, which includes three iconic legends of Irish music, Mary Coughlan, Andy Irvine and Luka Bloom.
The final concert of the weekend, on Sunday, September 21 at 7.30pm in All Saints church, will be a celebration of Mary Coughlan’s more than 40 years in a business, which has always recognised her as one of the best blues and jazz singers that Ireland has produced. Earlier that afternoon Lisa Lambe brings her Mamó show to the Top of the Rock featuring the wonderful guitarist Steve Cooney. Subtitled ‘Songs My Grandmother Gave Me’, the show is a journey through memory, identity and our collective heritage featuring well-known songs throughout; it is sure to be a lovely occasion.
On Saturday, legendary folk singer Andy Irvine is playing a lunchtime concert in the Methodist church followed by the extraordinary Jinx Lennon in the village hall. The 5pm concert in the Drimoleague Inn on Saturday features Larry Beau, a singer, songwriter, whistler and troubadour who is sure to entertain with his warm and engaging stage presence and his finely crafted songs.
Celebrating 50 years in the business, Luka Bloom released his 24th album in May called ‘A Second Wind’. Following a recent bout of ill-health late last year, he is back doing what he loves, entertaining audiences and creating that special bond through music. He performs in St. Matthew’s church on Saturday night, September 20 at 8pm, supported by Ballydehob’s Molly O’Mahony.
The festival starts as always with the final of the pub singing competition on Thursday, September 18 with heats running through September free to enter for all singers with a first prize of €250 and the Vin Forbes Perpetual Trophy. The competition is open to anyone over the age of 18 and you do not need to book in advance to take part – just turn up on the night and sing unaccompanied and unamplified.
The weekend also includes singing workshops with Liam Ó Maonlai and George Murphy, open singing sessions including the Irish language session ‘Abair Amhrán’, a free Culture Night gig featuring Drimoleague man Aidan Keane, Kurdish/Syrian bouzouki player and singer Mohammad Syfkhan and a Sunday lunchtime concert with Brendan Begley that is sure to rouse and entertain the audience.
Full details of the programme plus tickets are available on www.drimoleaguesingingfestival.ie
