Date Published: 21-Apr-2011

The Joe Heaney Commemorative Festival of Traditional Singing and Music will take place in Carna from April 29–May 1. This annual event, celebrates the life and musical achievements of the legendary singer who died in Seattle, USA, and is buried in his native parish.

This year is a special celebration to mark the 25th anniversary of the festival, which has grown from strength to strength over the years.

Pride of place at the festival is given to sean-nós, and traditional singing in any other language, but instrumental music and dancing are also catered for.

Some of the main events in this year’s programme include two book launches. They are Bright Star of the West: Joe Heaney, Irish Song-Man by Dr Lillis Ó Laoire and Dr Sean Williams; and An Chearc Fhraoigh, which is comprised of musical compositions by Carna flute player and maker Marcus Hernon. There is also the launch of the long awaited solo album from North Kerry box player Danny O’Mahony.

Throughout the weekend there will be sean-nós dancing and singing workshops and instrumental workshops (all free of charge).

Events also include a visit to Joe Heaney’s grave, a presentation of Norway’s musical traditions with Hardanger fiddle player Torgeir Straand and traditional singer Arnfinn Staurheim.

There will be a children’s singing competition, where the Joe Heaney Perpetual Cup will be presented; as well as a piping and lilting recital with artists from Ireland and Scotland such as Mick O’Brien, Seán McKiernan, Fiachra O’Regan and Allan McDonald, and of course a céilí and set dancing.

An exhibition of photographs and material celebrating 25 years of the festival will also be held at Áras Shorcha Ní Ghuairim throughout the weekend.

A highlight of the festival every year is the traditional concert and this event will take place in Carna Bay Hotel on Saturday, April 30 at 7.30pm. A host of artists will take part including Mairí Smith, Allan McDonald and Griogair Labhruidh (from Scotland), Danny O’Mahony, Patsy Broderick, Mick Mulkerrins, Liz and Yvonne Kane, Róisín Nic Dhonncha, Bairbre De Búrca, Ciarán Somers, David Power, Pádraic Ó Flatharta, Rosie Stewart, Nell Ní Chróinín, Cormac Begley, Emma O’Sullivan and hardanger fiddle player Torgeir Straand. Tickets are €20 and are available in advance from Carna Bay Hotel (095) 32255.

Marcus and PJ Hernon and family will provide music for dancing throughout the weekend, accompanied by superb singer, Don Stiffe and there will be plenty of informal singing and music sessions in Carna village during the festival.

The festival’s official opening will take place at Áras Shorcha Ní Ghuairim on Friday, April 29 at 7.30pm.

For more information check www.joeheaney.org

Tickets and information on accommodation are available from Micheál Ó Cuaig at (095) 33599 / (087) 2569651, or michealocuaig@hotmail.com, and from Áine Ní Chuaig: (086) 3778055, ainenichuaig@yahoo.ie.