Tickets go on sale today for the eighteenth Scoil Gheimhridh Frankie Kennedy, which will take place in Gaoth Dobhair in County Donegal from 27 December 2011 to 1 January 2012.

Established in December 1994 following Kennedy’s premature death, the school’s vision is to honour and continue his huge contribution to Irish traditional music, not just as founder member of Altan but also as a teacher. The School combines classes in a wide range of instruments, lectures, lunchtime recitals and evening and late night concerts.

This year’s performers include: Triúr, featuring Peadar Ó Riada, Martin Hayes and Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh; Nell Ní Chróinín; Martin Hayes playing with Steve Cooney; Ian Smith; Peadar Ó Riada, who will be this year’s Gradam Francie Mooney recipient; Grammy Award winning Tim O’Brien with Arty McGlynn and Fidil; Beoga; and Altan.

Other events include the ‘flute blow-out’, the premier of a film by Ciarán Ó Maonaigh and Eoghan Mac Giolla Bhríde about Donegal fiddler John Doherty, craft workshops with An Cosán Glas, a New Year’s Eve celebration led by Breanndán Ó Beaglaoich and Steve Cooney, and a trek up Mount Errigal on New Year’s Day.

There will be a launch event for the 2011 School presented by the Liffey Banks Sessions at 8pm on 29 November in the Grand Social, featuring Altan and guests Fidil, Steve Cooney, Maighréad and Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill, Breanndán Ó Beaglaoich, and the Bonny Men (see below). Earlier in the day, the same performers will be featured from 3–5pm on a live session for Raidió na Gaeltachta’s ‘Rónán Beo’.

www.frankiekennedy.com
www.entertainment.ie

Pictured: Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh speaking at last year’s opening. Photograph: Danny Diamond.