Ha! I am sure traditional fans in North America will love this. Yes they are coming. My big thanks to Christi in the United States for keeping me informed about the Celtic news over there. This is the message from the band:
Hi Folks,
If you’re anywhere near Lowell, Somerville or Oak Bluffs in MA … Ridgefield, CT … Pawling, NY … Lancaster, PA … Portsmouth, NH … OR … Sherbrooke, QC … the Lúnasas are on their way over at the end of the month.
Mirror mirror on the wall, who has the best album cover of them all?
I believe that every topic merits an article. The little conversation that I had with Christi and Connie inspired this piece. It has something to do with the post Christi made of the Irish band Lúnasa. Through the years this band made amazing recordings of top notch traditional interpretations that got them into the global spotlight.
They have a new album out called Lá Nua’. As always we expect nothing but amazing music . However something has been overlooked in forum discussions as well as reviews from other Celtic magazines. It is the amazing album artworks. My first Lúnasa album was Otherworld(1999). The impressionistic photography and dashes of blue and green colors are really eye-catching. There are albums out there that sound really great but the artwork don’t really give justice to the music. To see more of the band’s album artwork just visit the photogallery section of the official site.
Dublin will be bursting with gigs at the start of the year. If you are lucky to find yourself waking along, then better head to The Temple Bar where all things exciting and traditional happens. Temple Bar has been around for almost twenty years, bringing you the brightest and the greatest in Irish music. Check out http://www.templebartrad.com/
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Fo those who haven’t bought Marc Gunn’s Kilted For Her Pleasure should get their copies now. Funny, beautiful and warm are used to describe this collection of songs that gives you a sideways glance.
Here’s what one reviewer says:
“Funny. Sexy Songs. Oh my… Is it warm in here – or is it just me? Gunn will heat up your blood with this devilishly funny collection – sure to elicit the many naughty giggles and blushes promised by the title. A sure bet for fans of sexy Scotsmen (like Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series), beer, filk and cats.”
– Melissa McCauley
Hi guys. Just dropping by to greet you a Happy Lughnasadh.
…And there is a band that took the name of the same festival. Been listening to these guys for the past few days. I don’t have the new album yet. Do you have one already? If you do please feel free to share your thoughts.
Lá Nua – the new Lúnasa Album is Out Now.
The photos for the Hebridean Celtic Festival is here.
It is taking awhile . I mentioned that I have no access to computer at home for now and I am relying on so little time to post here. But Alas! News is still coming from all sides. I got this press release from SpotlightCommunications and this is such a fine info. I am loving Fidil!
Ireland’s Oldest Music Festival Delivers Ireland’s Newest Talent!!!
The programme for the 33rd Ballyshannon Folk and Traditional Music Festival was announced recently. What is widely recognised as Ireland’s oldest Traditional Music Festival, this year presents an exciting programme with some of the newest, youngest and freshest Irish and international talent on the folk and traditional music scene.
This well loved festival, which takes place from July 30th to August 1st, will introduce acts such as Fidil – a trio of young award winning Donegal fiddle players whose performances have been described as mind blowing and stunning. The young Derry singer-songwriter, Eilidh Patterson will also appear at this years festival following a year of delighting audiences across the US and UK. Ballyshannon girl, Shauna Mullin will return to her roots, performing with The Dave Munnelly Band, thrilling local and visiting audiences with her rich sonorous tones and individual vocal style.
This years’ programme also delivers some of the bigger hitting starts of the traditional and folk music scene with Lúnasa, Solas and Andy Irvine appearing over the weekend.
Undoubtedly one of the highlights of this year’s festival will be the exhibition of 30 years of Barry Britton Festival posters. These iconic images which have become collector’s items over the past three decades will be presented in The Abbey Centre in Ballyshannon for the duration of the festival. (see this year’s poster attached)
With free open air concerts, live pub sessions, workshops and a new talent showcase in this years programme, The Ballyshannon Folk and Traditional Music Festival is sure to have something to cater for all tastes. Full details of all events are available online at www.ballyshannonfolkfestival.com. Tickets available at www.eventelephant.com.
July 19th 2010
For further press information, photography or to arrange an interview, please contact Siobhán Calpin @ Spotlight Communications on 0878527760.
I am adding an Andy Irvine video for the benefit of fans. This is The Blacksmith(1977):
Celtic Music Fan 