16th Russell festival in Doolin

THE 16th festival commemorating the Russell brothers is taking place in Doolin from Friday, February 26, to Monday, March 1.

The Russell Concert is on Saturday, February 27, from 2pm to 5.30pm and will see the sensational traditional music entertainment, Fuaim Chonamara perform on stage in the Russell Cultural Centre.
The star of the show is Brian Cuinneagáin, director of two previous sell-out shows. In Fuaim Chonamara, he and a group of young musicians, including several members of his own family, weave music, song, story and dance together to form a unique blend of old and new. The distinctive music tradition of Connemara lies at the heart of the show and in each performer’s ability to entertain both instrumentally and vocally.
This inspiring show comprises five members of the Cuinneagáin family, Irene, Ashling, Lorraine, Michéal and Brian performing with some of Ireland’s best-known sean nós dancers with a wealth of talented musicians from all over the West of Ireland.
The festival will also see a number of workshops in several instruments on the mornings of Saturday and Sunday of the weekend.
On Sunday at 1pm the anniversary remembrance mass for the Russell family will take place at Doolin Church to the accompaniment of hymns and songs from the Doolin church choir. It will be followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at the Russell grave, with songs of farewell and tunes in memory of the dead.
There will be set dancing at 3pm on Sunday in the function room in Hotel Doolin, with music by the Four Courts Céili Band.
Russell music events this year continue to focus on the music, song and instrumental heritage of the Russells with several music recitals.
There is a traditional singing recital on the Saturday at 5pm in the O’Gorman Room, Russell Cultural Centre. There will also be a number of informal sessions in pubs and hotels in Doolin over the course of the weekend.
Further information is available from www.michorussellweekend.ie, by emailing info@michorussellweekend.ie or by calling 065 7074595, 065 7074168 or 065 7074328.