Performance of the tune Judith Guthrie’s Jig on Sunday Miscellany, 9.10 + on RTÉ Radio 1, Sunday, 8th April, 2012. This tune came together following a 1991 exploratory visit to Bulgaria to investigate primary, second-level and third-level teaching of traditional music –  a two week immersion in traditional music, singing and dance which resulted in an Irish tour by a group of terrific Bulgarian players – Plovdiv – to Ireland in 1992. The title was inspired by ideas put forward by novelist Evelyn Conlon in the course of researching the life of Judith Guthrie, she who was married to theatre promoter Tyrone Guthrie (after whom the Minneapolis theatre is named in honour of his work there). Guthrie’s onetime Irish home is now the Tyrone Guthrie Centre at Annaghmakerrig, Co. Monaghan which hosts artist residencies, many of which have involved music. The tune title ties together the back room direction of Judith Guthrie, great music experiences in Minneapolis, Co. Monaghan and the  arts in Ireland. The tune’s oddness, well …

‘News’,  a one-hour mosaic of music and poetry as part of a Ranelagh district community event. Core of the event is c. 1000-year-old poetry in Irish composed by poets who would have spent time in the vicinity of Cullenswood and the general area. Translated by Brendan Ellis from various sources, only one of these pieces is still heard today (An Cailleach Béara – The Old Woman of Beare) and the name of only one of the poets is known – Liadán. Participating in music for the event are Jenny Robinson (recorder – Lament di Tristan e Rotta), Andrew Robinson (percussion, bass viol – Paddy’s Rambles Through the Park), Mick McNally (accordion), Paul De Grae (guitar – Ag Taisteal na Blarnán), Fintan Vallely (flute – Judith Guthrie’s suite), John Keogh (The Bard of Armagh – keyboard), David Carmody (French horn – Táimse ‘mo Chodhladh).

The Life of Brian

A night of song, music and readings to celebrate the life of the Belfast singer songwriter, cartoonist and playwright Brian Moore, who died earlier this year.

Wednesday 29 June in the Black Box in Belfast.

Singers, musicians, and  friends will come together to celebrate  the life of Brian, a lifelong political activist, founding member of the legendary folk group ‘ The People of no Property’, creator of the acclaimed ‘Cormac’ cartoons,  playwright and  member of the Radical Arts Group.

A long list of singers from Belfast and around the country who performed over the years with Brian will come together to perform on the night. Performers will include Joe Mulheron, Barry Kerr, Mary Mulryne, Gerry Jones, Eileen Webster, Caoimhin Mac Ghiolla Cathain, Gearóid Mac Lochlain, Deirdre Mac Aliskey, Fintan Vallely, Bríd Keenan,  Noel Leneghan, Éamon Ó Faogáin and Francie  McPeake. Terry O Neill will perform selections from two of Brian’s play’s, Paddy on the Road and Malachy Mulligan.  The night will begin at 8-30 and people are advised to come early.

For confirmation or further information contact Fergus O’Hare at 07792451181

A one and a half hour presentation of Irish Traditional music incoroporating music, song and dance with explicatory commentary. Fintan Vallely (flute and speaking) with Kevin Rowsome (uilleann pipes), Edel McWeeney (fiddle), Lorraine Mitchell (fiddle), Daoirí Farrell (song, bouzouki) and Mick Mulkerrins (sean-nós step dance).