With less than a month to go until Kilkenny Tradfest 2024, it’s time to dig out your dancing shoes and get ready for a weekend of the finest traditional music our Island has to offer.
For those of you who like to really get involved in a hands-on way with your music, look no further than our Céilí Mór with The Tulla Céilí Band & Craobh Osraí of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann at The Rivercourt Hotel on Saturday 16th March at 8pm. This is sure to be a high-energy evening full of fun and dancing to the best of traditional music, courtesy of one of Ireland’s best loved and well-known Céilí Bands.
Formed in 1946 by the legendary Paddy Canney and PJ Hayes, The Tulla Céilí Band have played their way through a staggering eight decades, spanning generations of musicians, dancers and music lovers alike. They remain as relevant and important today as ever, proving that céilí dancing is a cornerstone of the Irish tradition which connects with something deep inside all of us – our need to move and dance together in a celebration of our heritage. The Band has performed at Céilis, concerts and Festivals, ranging from the Willie Clancy festival to The Electric Picnic.
As the Band heads for its 80th anniversary, it boasts a healthy mix of talented musicians, both young and old who are keeping the traditional East Clare style of music alive. Among its best-known former members is Martin Hayes, son of co-founder PJ, who has played a huge part in bringing the Clare style to the world’s attention.
“Whether live or recorded, a great céilí band creates a compelling, driving atmosphere intended for set dancers. Incorporating fiddles, accordions, flutes, whistles, a piano and a snare drum, the band will slip seamlessly from tune to tune, gaining momentum and intensity” – Compass Records 2021
This is a limited ticket event, get yours now at www.kilkennytradfest.com/tickets/tulla-ceili-band.
Another great option for those seeking an interactive festival experience is our Traditional Music Workshops at the beautiful Rothe House. A nice way to escape from the bustle of the city for an hour, try your hand or even just listen and learn about a particular instrument.
Workshops will be running throughout St. Patrick’s weekend, starting with sean-nós Singing with Nell Ní Chróinín on Friday at 12pm. Tommy Lanigan’s sold-out bodhrán workshop on Saturday 16th is sure to be a cracking experience for those lucky enough to have secured a ticket. Monaghan’s guitar maestro, Michael McCague, will lead an introduction to trad guitar on Saturday 16th at 2pm, while local musician Oisín Mac Cinnéide will reveal the secrets of the Bouzouki on Monday 18th March at 2pm. Lovers of the uilleann pipes will have their choice of two workshops; ‘Try The Pipes’ (with Kilkenny Pipers Club) takes place on Saturday 16th at 10am while Mick Foley will host an Uilleann Pipes Masterclass on Monday 18th March at 12pm.
Note that prior experience is not required and attendees are invited to participate at whatever level is comfortable for them. At €15 per ticket, a workshop experience would make the perfect gift for a friend or family member with an interest in music, traditional or otherwise. Tickets are available now at www.kilkennytradfest.com/workshops-2024
