The line-up for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2017 has been boosted with confirmation that Ralph McTell has been added to an already impressive programme that includes Sharon Shannon and the Kilfenora Céilí Band
McTell, one of the great gifted and prolific songwriters, will team up with Lúnasa, one of the finest traditional music outfits, to mark their 20th Anniversary celebrations during the August event in Ennis.
The concert, appropriately named ‘From Clare to Here’ will also feature the legendary Máirtín O’Connor Trio with an ability to ignite audiences and bring people to their feet.
According to Frank Whelan, Chairman of the Fleadh Executive Committee, this is a first-class line-up and can only provide a special evening on the 17th August in the Shannon Aerodome.
‘This has all the hallmarks of a most memorable night and one not to be missed,’ said a delighted Frank Whelan. ‘It is very good timing and we are extremely fortunate that all three segments of this concert performance can come together in Ennis for what can only be described as a one-off event.’ he said.
The Streets of London and From Clare to Here are the songs most associated with Ralph McTell, whose career has spanned over 50 years across the acoustic and folk music scene in the UK and well beyond.
In 1993 Nanci Griffith recorded ‘From Clare to Here’ on her Grammy Award-winning album. Interested in East African politics, he spoke Swahili and later completed a BBC commissioned project ‘The Boy with a Note’ an invocation of the life of poet, Dylan Thomas. To mark 50 years as a recording artist, the world-famous Martin Guitars created a ‘signature’ Ralph McTell guitar.
Also known across the world, Lúnasa is a coming together of eclectic musicians who cut their teeth with other well-known bands and now have their own unique blend and sound. Champion fiddle player, Seán Smyth, Kevin Crawford with strong Clare links on flute, Cillian Vallely on pipes and Paul Meehan on guitar, they have sold over a quarter of a million albums to date.
‘Lúnasa is internationally recognised for their amazing performances and inventive arrangements and will transport the Fleadh Dome audience to another level,’ said Pádraic O’Reilly, who is Co-ordinator of the Concert performances at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.
Supported by three legendary artists, Máirtín O’Connor, Cathal Hayden and Seamie O’Dowd who go to make up the Máirtín O’Connor Trio, their electrifying performances should be a rousing addition to the night.
(Tickets at €25 for Lúnasa, Ralph McTell & Máirtín O’Connor Trio from Glór, Ennis, Co. Clare www.glor.ie. Concert will be performed at Shannon Aerodome, Ennis on Thursday 17th August 2017. See also www.fleadhcheoil.ie).