This article is from page 37 of the 2008-05-13 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 37 JPG
THIS year’s Fleadh Nua breaks new ground while at the same time ac- knowledges the architects of the fes- tival’s rich tradition.
History will be made with the first ever performance at the fleadh, by a band from the Ulster Scots tradition of music when Hounds of Ulster take the stage in Glor, on Saturday, May pz
They will be joined by uileann pip- er, Mickey Dunne and his daughter, Brid on the fiddle – proud standard bearers of the Dunne family who have made an enormous contribution to traditional music for years.
Also appearing on the night and making a first appearance at Fleadh Nua are Sliabh Notes. Matt Cran-
itch, Donal Murphy and Tommy O’Sullivan will no doubt fill the air with the slides and polkas beloved of the Sliabh Luachra tradition. Séamus Mac Mathuna will also be on hand to sing a song or two.
The festival launches in Cois na hAbhna on May 18 with a tribute to the legendary music teacher, Frank Custy.
Widely acknowledged for the key role he has played in shaping the modern history of Clare traditional music, Custy’s pupils include Sha- ron Shannon, Noel Hill, Tony Lin- nane, Siobhan Peoples and the Healy Brothers.
Custy was also a driving force be- hind the construction and devlop- ment of Cois na hAbhna in the late seventies and early eighties.
The Fleadh Nua runs until May 26, and, as always, a bumper programme is expected to draw huge crowds to sively
The passing of tradition from one generation to the next is celebrated on May 23 at the Aos Og Brog agus Bodhran concert in Glor.
Appearing on the night are Clare singer Eimear Arkins and All-Ire- land Fiddle Champion, Sorchadha Costelloe, who will be accompanied on stage by her brother, Padraig. Dancers featured include mem- bers of Scoil Rince Ui Ruairc, the Michael Ryan Dancing School and sets from the Helen Hehir School in Lissycasey.
Night owls will love the music at midnight session in the Auburn Lodge Hotel on May 24.
The event is hosted by rising band Cruinniu, recently described by broadcaster and ex-Stockton’s Wing member Kieran Hanrahan as a “great gathering of some of our finest young musicians and singers from various parts of the country who have a com- mon understanding of the tradition”.
The Fleadh Nua culminates on Sunday May 25 with a parade and céili mor in the heart of Ennis.
The programme is littered with cd launches, recitals, workshops and plenty of sessions, ensuring there will be something for everybody at Fleadh Nua 2008.
See full event details at www.flea- dhnua.com.
Fleadh Nua is organised by Com- haltas Ceolt6iri Eireann on a volun- tary not for profit basis.