Music and song as ‘Autumn by the Lough’ series begins

AS THE evenings draw in, an exciting programme of music and song will play out at venues on the shores of Lough Derg in Mountshannon. 

‘Autumn by the Lough’  is curated by local musician Clí Donnellan, and an initiative of Clare Arts Presents (CAP). Supported by The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, through Clare Arts Office, and Mountshannon Arts, the eclectic programme will include traditional and contemporary sounds. 

Events get underway this Friday, September 30, at 8pm at St Caimin’s Church of Ireland in Mountshannon with a performance from AWNYA.

Drawing on the tradition of storytelling, this Clare conceptual artist and singer-songwriter promises to take audiences on a theatrical journey through her songs, to create a full immersive experience.

There is honesty and comedy woven into her songs, as well as what is described as “a refreshing view of the world of broken hearts!”. AWNYA’s music has been described as ‘Vaudeville Folk’ and a highly entertaining entertaining evening is in store. 

AWNYA has toured California and Spain, and has performed at the Hotel Doolins Sessions, Body and Soul and Electric Picnic.

On Saturday, October 1, the focus moves to Mountshannon Community Hall where West Clare-based Brian Fleming will deliver a drumming workshop at 2pm. This event is open to the general public and is ideal for anyone who wants to explore all kinds of drumming and percussion in a fun, connected, community atmosphere.

Attendance is free. Enquiries and bookings can be made by emailing cliopatricia@gmail.com

Brian is a traditional percussionist, cultural producer, theatre maker and festival director, from Dublin, currently living his Wild Atlantic dream with his dog Yogi Bear near Miltown Malbay. He has played in over 30 countries to-date, recorded on over 50 albums and performed with musicians such as Davy Spillane, Mamady Keita and The Chieftains.

Brian is credited in the Guinness Book of World Records 2001 as the creator of the Millennium Drum, the world’s largest drum for the Millennium Drum Carnival, which he directed.

On the same night, the Fireside Session at 8pm in Anita’s promises a warm welcome. 

Josephine Marsh on accordion and Mick Kinsella on harmonica will provide the best in traditional music, drawing deeply on the inspiration of the East and West of Clare.

An award-winning musician and teacher, Josephine has a highly personalised and distinctive style. Her debut solo recording reveals remarkable insight and sensitivity towards the core of the tradition. She looks for the deepest feelings in music and has a way of bringing about a mood of great happiness and uplift.

Even though she plays in a style that is personal, Josephine’s music is distilled from the influences of East Clare,. She was awarded TG4’s Gradam Ceoil in 2020. She plays and teaches the accordion, fiddle, concertina and tin whistle.

Her playing and teaching led her to Australia in 1995 where she performed at many of the festivals, including Port Fairy and the National folk festival in Canberra. Since her return from Australia she has been involved in several recordings, including her own self-titled, solo album in 1995, and her band’s album in 2001, entitled ‘I can hear you smiling’.  

Josephine has been a guest on many albums since then.  In 2018, she released her ‘Music in the Frame’ album, featuring nine of her own compositions.

Mick, who is originally from Tullow, County Carlow now lives in West Clare. He plays harmonica and English concertina, and is a highly respected musician both in the traditional world and also the genres of jazz, blue grass, rock and blue grass.

As well as recording solo work, Mick has recorded on over 50 albums to-date. Mick has worked on many film and television scores for productions including ‘The General’ and ‘River of Sound’. Mick’s television and radio appearances have included The Late Late Show, The Pat Kenny Show, Geantraí, Ardán, Rattlebag, The Gerry Ryan Show and performances for Australian television and radio.

The following day, Saturday, October 1 at 2pm, at Mountshannon Community Hall, sculptor Tim Noonan will give a fascinating artist’s talk An honours Art graduate from Limerick School of Art and Design (LSAD), he will share how new and old methodologies bring about specific practice and outcomes, where new meaning in recycling materials and ideas are found.

Tim, who also holds a Masters Degree in Social Practice and the Creative Environment is a graduate of Maynooth University, where he gained a Higher Diploma in Adult and Community Education. He is currently a practitioner in Arts Education and Restorative Practice in Limerick City.

His chosen materials are sourced direct from his environment, they are found, recycled and negotiated. His practice lies in ‘Psychogeography’, the exploration of stories and pictures and the environment; the reflection of past crafts and design ethics.

Full details of Autumn by the Lough are available on Mountshannonarts.ie.