QUALITY ALL THE WAY AT THE BRANTRY FLEADH 2019
The weekend of 2rd-4th August will see the return of the Brantry Fleadh 2019 with some of the biggest names in Traditional Music taking to the stage; Sean Keane, Pauline Scanlon, Matt Molloy, John Carty, Arty McGlynn, Brian McGrath, Mick Louise and Michelle Mulcahy, Lunasa, Brid Harper, Darren Breslin Orlaith McAuliffe & Brian McGrath. The Fleadh is once again supported by the Mid Ulster Council and Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann. This significant annual event now in its 11th consecutive year takes place at The Brantry Bard Cultural Centre, near Dungannon, Co Tyrone, and reflects all things positive about the traditional and cultural arts, through a series of concerts, music sessions, workshops, song and dance, lasting into the wee small hours!
The Fleadh commences on Friday 2nd August with an evening of song featuring the brilliant Sean Keane, returning to the Brantry Fleadh for the third time and the wonderful Kerry singer Pauline Scanlon and her band. “There is a simple lucid clarity to Seán Keane’s singing voice which – like a laser – cuts through the cacophonous clatter and bang of a noisy world. Seán is a touchstone of the great signing tradition. He is the past, the present and the future.” Shay Healy, songwriter, broadcaster and journalist. Pauline Scanlon is a traditional singer from Dingle, in the West Kerry Gaeltacht. Deeply immersed in the tradition yet completely aware of the edgier developments within the folk and world music realm, Pauline is capable of making the oldest ballads sound immediate and fresh while granting newer material a timeless resonance.
On Saturday 3rd August there will be Traditional Music and Song Workshops under the guidance of some of Irelands leading Traditional Musicians; Brid Harper & Stephen Hayden (Fiddles), Darren Breslin (Accordion), Theresa O’Grady (Banjo), Louise Mulcahy (Uilleann Pipes), PJ McDonald (Whistle), Steve Cooney (Guitar), Kieran Leanord (Bodhran), Michelle Mulcahy (Concertina), Orlaith McAuliffe (Flute), Brian McGrath (Piano/Keyboards), Laoise Kelly (Harp) & Pauline Scanlon (Traditional Singing). The workshops will be followed by Matt Molloy, John Carty, Arty McGlynn & Brian McGrath in concert, probably the most exciting trad combination of recent times, Matt Molloy and John Carty explore the rich and varied tapestry of the fiddle and flute tradition of North Connaught. Back at the Bantry Fleadh for the 2nd time in as many years, the Mulcahy’s of Abbeyfeale, West Limerick will also perform on the Saturday night. Mick, Louise and Michelle play a dazzling array of instruments between them but it’s the sweetness and tunefulness of their ensemble playing that is most striking. They have an unmistakable, infectious sound and their skill and enthusiasm comes from a lifetime of playing together.
Sunday 4th August commences with the ‘auld Sunday dinner’, and a children’s fun day at the Bard Cultural Centre. A house concert featuring Stephen Hayden & Laoise Kelly on Fiddle and Harp will set the musical tone for Sunday followed by the super group Lunasa, appearing at the Brantry for the first time and Brid Harper, Darren Breslin Orlaith McAuliffe & Brian McGrath. Lúnasa delivers music with a passion that informs every note and continues to define and redefine the genre. Comprising Seán Smyth (fiddle and low whistles), Kevin Crawford(flute, low whistles and tin whistles), Cillian Vallely (uilleann pipes and low whistles), Trevor Hutchinson (double bass) and the group’s newest member Ed Boyd (guitar), the all-star quintet has become one of the most popular bands on the international Celtic music scene. Harper, Breslin, McAuliffe & McGrath are one of the most sought after quartets on the trad scene and need very little introductions at the Brantry Fleadh The weekend will conclude with our very popular Sets Ceili, with the music performed by the highly popular 2018 All-Ireland Fleadh winners The Blackwater Ceili Band.
The Fleadh will draw to a close as always with a monster session into the wee hours! A weekend not to be missed!
Tickets are available online at Eventbrite, www.brantryfleadh.com or at Gene Stuarts Music Shop, 9 Irish Street, Dungannon Tel: +44(0)28 8772 5286. Booking in advance advisable!
Further information on the Brantry Fleadh 2019 is available on: www.brantryfleadh.com / T: +44 (0) 7771 607 840 / Email: info@brantryfleadh or follow us on Facebook!
Supported by
