Although still in the throes of summer, plans are already being hatched for the Patrick O’Keeffe Traditional Music Festival which will take place this year from October 25th-28th inclusive.
Lectures by Peter Browne and Matt Cranitch on matters of the history of Sliabh Luachra Music collecting and playing and a piping class by Peter Browne are all firmed up this far out from the this way galloping October bank holiday weekend.
Saturday Afternoon Singing
Cork singer, composer and musician, Jimmy Crowley is singing session bound on the Saturday afternoon of the weekend and there’s away too much detail to go beyond skimming here – but he will join solid favourites, Tim Dennehy and Mickey MacConnell.
For more, there’s a website under construction and under the hand of the festival’s digital publicity guru, Conor O’Mahony.
“The festival is delighted to bring you the news that Finn Harper has agreed to become the official artist of the Patrick O’Keeffe Traditional Music Festival for the next number of years,” said Conor.
Pieces of Art
This will see the brilliant artist attend the festival and be commissioned to create pieces of art inspired by the various winners of the ‘Dedication to the Music of Sliabh Luachra’ award which is presented at the festival every year.
“Finn will also be hosting a workshop at the festival where people can learn from the master at work.
Portrait of Paddy Jones
“He will be remembered in Castleisland for his drawing of Paddy Jones which was presented to Paddy as the award recipient at the 2016 festival.
Conor announced that the festival has also linked up with ‘Traditional T-Shirts’ – a company run by Sinead Kennedy, a Dublim musician with a huge interest in the music of Patrick O’Keeffe.
She will be selling t-shirts, caps and other items at the festival and her fabrics are 100% organic cotton, no pesticides or fertilizers were used in their production.
Fair Wear T-Shirts
The T-shirts are all ‘fair wear certified’ by the Fair Wear Foundation. This verifies that member companies implement a Code of Labour Practice along their supply chain.
Sinead’s t-shirts come with a biographical booklet about Patrick O’Keeffe. Inside the booklet is a mini essay about the man, his life and music.
“This is very much a labour of love for Sinead, her devotion to the music of Sliabh Luachra and her special interest ‘The Last of the Great Fiddle Masters’ is very much a genuine one.
“She will create a special limited edition design for this year’s festival and will operate a ‘Pop-up Shop’ in the lobby of the River Island Hotel throughout the weekend.
Tunes After Work
“A fine fiddle player herself, Sinéad looks forward to joining in the sessions when her day is finished.
“In a further turn up for the books, this year the Patrick O’Keeffe Traditional Music Festival will be
embracing online ticket sales.
Weekend Festival Pass
“For the first time ever patrons will be able to purchase a ‘Weekend Festival Pass’ which will secure holders entry into all the weekend’s events.
“Patrons will also be able to purchase for the individual events if they so wish. The ticket sales will be going live in early August on the new website,” said Conor in conclusion – for now.
See Finn Harper in time-lapse creating a portrait of Séamus Ennis. Just click on the link here: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1068325929879817
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