The highlight of the seventh Drimoleague Singing Festival, which runs from September 19-22, is sure to be the Sunday night concert featuring Hothouse Flowers, who will bring their legendary high energy show featuring rock, roll and soul, as well as a hefty dose of Irish traditional music influences to All Saints church in the small village. Tickets are only €25 and are already selling well.
One of Ireland’s most singular artists, Nóirín Ní Riain, will host a special concert on Sunday lunchtime showcasing her unique and deeply spiritual take on traditional and sacred music and featuring her very special guest, Liam Ó Maonlaí.
On Saturday night there is a unique chance to see Ger Wolfe and John Spillane on stage together, as they weave their magic through lyrical storytelling that is by turns, profound, moving and humourous. These two old friends are sure to bring the best out in each other with new takes on old songs. The weekend also features the best in established and up-and-coming voices, including George Murphy and Friends, Niamh Bury and Ultan Conlon spread across the weekend.
There are the usual open singing sessions led by Fran McPhail of the Voice Squad, Conchubhar Ó Luasa and Danny Maidchí Ó Suilleabháin and an Irish language session led by Sorcha De Róiste entitled Abair Amhrán on Saturday afternoon. Free events include the final of the pub singing competition, a tribute to the singer Delia Murphy from Cathy Jordan and piper, Ronan Browne and a singing session with the Inishowen Traditional Singers Circle on Friday night following a screening of the documentary film ‘It’s A Fine Thing To Sing’. There are also singing workshops from Nóirín Ní Riain and Niamh Parsons so there’s no excuse not to come along and join in the singing.
Full details of all events are on www.drimoleaguesingingfestival.ie where tickets can also be purchased.
