This article is from page 33 of the 2007-10-09 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 33 JPG
THE West Clare Arts Network, a voluntary group which was set up to support and promote arts and cul- tural events, have been awarded Arts Council funding to co-host an au- tumn tour featuring renowned singer Liam O Maonlai.
The tour 1s a joint initiative between five rural Arts Networks including south Kerry, west Wicklow, south- east Laois and south Tipperary.
The funding is being allocated as part of the Arts Councils Touring Experiment initiative which is de- sisned to inform and shape future policy for touring in Ireland.
As a result of the funding the arts network in west Clare hope to high-
light the positive contribution that voluntary groups can make to pro- moting the arts in rural areas and encourage new members to get in- volved.
The west Clare concert will take place in Teach Cheoil in Kilrush on Saturday next. Doors open at 8pm and Saturday is the final date on the tour.
This old Church of Ireland build- ing was a major beneficiary under the new Development Programme of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann and is now transformed into a magnificent (or NEC
Tickets for the concert cost €10 and are selling fast. They can be pur- chased from the Brothers of Char- ity office, Kilrush, Kilkee Business
Centre and from Jacinta O’Grady in Doonbeg.
Liam O Maonlai is probably best know from his time with the Hot- house Flowers and has since carved out a successful career as a solo artist drawing on his love for the Irish lan- guage and traditional music whilst embracing contemporary music and song from around the world.
He recently performed at the Elec- tric Picnic festival in Laois and was to be heard singing Steve Cooney’s song “The Money Mad Mile’ about the M3 motorway controversy from the Hill of Tara.
A special guest performer on the night of the concert will be local young musician, Rory McMahon.
The tour will also involve a work-
shop with Liam on traditional song in Teach Cheoil on Sunday, October 14 from 2pm to 4pm.
Places on the workshop are strictly limited and should be booked by contacting 085-8144661 and leaving your name and number or be e-mail- ing westclareartsnetwork@gmail. ofeyneF
The West Clare Arts Network was set up in late 2004 with the support of Rural Resource Development Ltd and the arts office of Clare County Council. Nationally, the tour is being co-ordinated by trainer and facilita- tor, Conor O’Leary, who was also instrumental in setting up four of the networks including west Clare at that time and he can be contacted at 087- Oe