Tansey confirmed for fourth Tulla Traditional Music Festival

THE king of the concert flute has been announced as the headline act for the fourth annual Tulla Traditional Music Festival.  
The festival, which takes place from September 10 to 12, recently launched its programme, which sees Seamus Tansey taking to the stage on the Saturday night of the festival.
Plans are in place to build on the success of the last three festivals and despite the recession, there is a large and varied calendar of events with some minor departures from previous years.
While there is no church concert this year, the festival committee will be making great use of the intimate courthouse venue, where the audience will be given an opportunity to see top acts up close and personal.
A coup for this year’s festival is the confirmation that Seamus Tansey will perform and will also tutor at the event. As one of the most colourful musicians in the traditional Irish music scene, the Sligo flute player has influenced a whole generation of musicians. Tansey is the author of two books The Bardic Apostles of Innisfree (1999) and The Bardic Apostles of Innisfree Continued (2005) and is no stranger to controversy. He is almost as well-known for his outspoken nature as he is for his unique style of music. He has recorded extensively over four decades and his more recent recordings include Easter Snow, To Hell with the Begrudgers and Words and Music.
Seamus will perform at the Tulla Courthouse at 8.30pm and as seating is limited, early booking is strongly recommended.
A music recital will also be held in the courthouse on September 12 at 12.30pm with musicians Catherine McEvoy, Caoimhín O’Raghallaigh and Micheál O’Raghallaigh on stage. Following the recent release of their new album Comb Your Hair and Curl It, Catherine, Micheál and Caoimhín have toured extensively.
There will also be musical performances from Vincent Griffin, Ged Foley, John Kelly and Brian Mooney.
Set dancers will be given an opportunity to display their form at the nightly céilí with music being provided by the Tulla Céilí Band, Larry McEvoy, Jim Corry, Mark Donnellan and friends.
In addition, a singing session will take place in Teach Ól on Sunday after mass. This session will once more be hosted by Robbie McMahon and Nora Butler and all singers are encouraged to come along and join in.
Tickets for festival events are available online at www.custysmusic.com and from usual local outlets including Tulla Pharmacy and The Music Room. Accommodation listings and details of all events are available at the festival web page, www.tullatradfestival.com.
Anyone interested in volunteering with the festival preparations or those who are interested in helping provide accommodation are asked to contact the festival co-ordinator on 087 1473385 or by emailing tulltradfestival2010@yahoo.ie.