Music under the Mountains

It's that time of year of again and this year it's a beast of a line up. Over three nights next weekend September 23, 24, 25 Hollywood will be dripping with more of the finest traditional musicians than you could shake a stick at!

The days aren't too shabby either, with workshops in St Kevin's NS and traditional sessions in The Hollywood Inn and Tutty's Bar both Saturday and Sunday afternoons. These will include traditional singing sessions and workshops hosted by Phil Callery, Cajun and Zydeco dance workshops, US old style fiddle tune workshops etc. and impromptu fringe sessions.



There are nightly concerts in St Kevin's Heritage Centre (the old Church of Ireland church) at 8.30pm. Friday night's concert will be given by Mairead Ni Mhaonigh (fiddle) and Dermot Byrne (accordion) of Altan, picured above. These are two of the finest musicians on the traditional scene and it is sure to be a truly memorable show.

Saturday night will boast a double bill with Josephine Marsh (accordion), Siobhan Peoples (fiddle) and Tommy Carew (guitar & vocals) bringing their collection of tunes and songs to an evening that also includes 'Celjun'. From Louisiana, USA, this outfit, as the name suggests blends Cajun and Celtic influences to weave a rich tapestry of sounds from both sides of the Atlantic.

The Grand Finale of the festival is in the form of a concert of solo uileann piping by Liam O'Flynn on Sunday night. Liam O'Flynn needs no introduction (sure he used to live just out the road) and is one of the most respected pipers the world over and for the author is probably the greatest piper of our time.

So, if you're a 'Trad junkie', Hollywood is the place to be next weekend! Go on, it's only over the road, and maybe we'll see you there.

Further info from Eric Greaves 045 867380 or 087 2248509, Christopher Darby 045 864325, Larry Roddy 045 864017 or from the website http://www.geocities.com/pcrib/

Roy Thompson.