This article is from page 12 of the 2012-07-31 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 12 JPG
THEY are the most famous ceilí band in the world but this Saturday night, the Kilfenora Ceilí Band are in their home county to play in a oneoff ceili at the West County Hotel in Ennis.
The gig, which will feature set dancing will start at 10pm and run for three hours, with the entire famed group in attendance.
The cast of talented musicians have been playing traditional music for over a century, but as band leader John Lynch explains, it’s always a pleasure for them to play in their home county:
“It’s where you’re from and where you grew up so you enjoy coming back (to play in Clare).”
Indeed, the attendance at the band’s ceilís and concerts within the county has been phenomenal over the past year as the band’s ‘gigging’ appearances in Clare can be rare.
Over 800 attended the sold out event at the West County last year while over 600 attended both ceilis during Willie Clancy Week.
The level of interest is something Lynch and the band “appreciate so much” and audiences have been huge at each of their five events in Clare so far this year.
Lynch enjoys playing at both concerts and ceilis but for different reasons:
“At ceilís, the audience are on the floor dancing sets and there is a great atmosphere and response from the crowd.
“On the other hand, we can arrange pieces and harmonies much more easily at concerts as the audience are in their seats listening.”
He adds that Saturday’s concert will include music from past and present:
“You have some people there who have listened to previous bands so we want to play some of the older music to please them.
“On the other hand, we want to show that we are progressing with new material. And of course we want to get people out dancing!”
A member of The Kilfenora Ceilí band for 20 years, Lynch, who plays the banjo, says that there is a “little bit of tension before an event” but as soon as you begin to play, “the music takes hold.”
There are still a few tickets remaining for Saturday night’s show in the West County (tickets are € 15 apiece), they can be purchased at reception.