WED 4 7.30 pm Official opening: Last night as I Lay Dreaming. In recent years the Festival’s opening ceremony has evolved to become a platform to honour and pay tribute to musicians, singers and dancers that have contributed to the culture of Co. Clare. This year we celebrate singer Robbie Mc Mahon in documentary Last night as I Lay Dreaming. Photographic exhibition by Amanda Hooke, originally from California but now living in Carna. Community Centre Wine & food reception. All are welcome! Free 9.30 pm Sar Oiche ann anocht le ceol, rince agus cupla fhocal as ghaeilge. Ceol le Jed Foley, agus a chairde… Shortt’s Bar 10.00 pm Session with Mark Donnellan, Cyril O’Donoghue and friends. Peppers Pub THURS 5 10.00 am – 1.00 pm Workshops Details 3.00pm Festival walk. Enjoy the beautiful landscape of East Clare exploring the stunning scenery around Lough Graney (approx 5 miles). It will finish with a House Session and Refreshment Stop at Caher House. Transport will be available from the village. Meet at the Festival Office. 4.00 pm – 6.00 pm Afternoon session for workshop students. 7.30 pm Youth Concert with special guests. This concert will showcase the many fine young musicians taught by concertina player Mary MacNamara. The concert will also feature Marie and Solveig from Oslo who will be playing traditional Norweigan Tunes on hardanger fiddles. Community Centre €7.00. Family ticket €20.00 8.30 pm Concert: Dave Flynn (guitar), West Ocean String Quartet with Maighread Ni Dhomhnaill. Caher House €25.00 10.00 pm Session with Seamus Bugler and friends. Shortt’s Bar FRI 6 10.00 am – 1.00 pm Workshops 2.00 pm Tutor recital featuring the talented tutors teaching at the Festival – Angelina Carberry, Martin Hayes, Anne Meenaghan, Phil Callery, Pat O‘Connor, Denise Glass, Mary MacNamara, Sean Ryan, Kate McNamara, Brendan Larrissey, Colm Gannon, John Kelly, Gary Walsh, Suzanne Leahy, Kevin O‘Halloran & Deirdre Nihill. Community Centre €7.0 4.00 pm – 6.00 pm Afternoon session for workshop students/beginners. 7.30 pm Musical Performance: The Friday night recital will showcase some of the best musicians that traditional music has to offer, with two outstanding acts performing on the night. Martin Hayes & Dennis Cahill: considered to be the most dynamic and talented duo of traditional music, their annual performance at the Festival Recital is anticipated with great joy and they never fail to deliver, leaving the audience spellbound and uplifted year after year. Eddi Reader and her band will perform at the Festival for the first time. Born in Glasgow, she has been widely acclaimed for her unique singing style. She is known both for her work with Fairground Attraction and an enduring solo career. The recital promises to be an outstanding event showcasing talent that has national and international acclaim and success. Presented by Paula Carroll. St Mary’s Church €25.00 (tickets in advance) 9.30 pm Céilís: The Four Courts Céilí Band. Michael Sexton Céilí Band. Bohan’s Bar, Marquee €5.00 SAT 7 10.00 am – 1.00 pm Workshops 2.00 pm – 3.00 pm Poetry with Ciaran O’Driscoll & Teri Murray. Moloney’s Pub Free 3.00 pm East Clare CD Launch of We were drinking and kissing the girls featuring Hugh Healy and Michael Blackie O’Connell Peppers Pub Free 3.30 pm Singing session with Phil Callery, Ann Meenaghan, Roisin White, Brian O’Rourke, Helen Hayes and Paddy Commane. Fear an Tí: Joe O’Connor Moloney’s Pub. Free 4.00 pm -5.00 pm Film Inside Out. In early 2009 a group of young people from Lough Graney Youth Club began working with film artist in residence Hillary Dully on a film project about their community. They conducted numerous interviews and filmed extensively throughout the parish. The result is a charming and revealing film about the changing patterns of country life. The film is a gentle, poignant testament to the joys, hardships and passions of rural life in Co. Clare as seen by the inhabitants, old, young and newly arrived. Community Centre Free 4.30 pm -5.30 pm Afternoon Session: East Clare Concertina style for students of the concertina. Come play and listen to some East Clare tunes with Mary MacNamara and Aoife O’Halloran. Shortt’s Bar Free 6.00 pm – 9.00 pm Informal Singing Session hosted by Declan Coyne of the South Roscommon Singers Club. Moloney’s Pub Free 7.30 Gala Concert: ‘Clare Connections’ featuring: The Brock McGuire Band featuring Manus McGuire, Paul Brock, Enda Scahill & Denis Carey; Tony Linnane, Mick Connelly & Jim O’Connor; Vincent Griffin & Mary Corry; Andrew MacNamara & Cormac Begley. Paddy Commane, Seanos Dancing, Set dancers. Presented by Helen Hayes. Community Centre €20.00 9.30 pm Céilí: The Four Courts Céilí Band. Bohan’s Bar €5.00 SUN 8 11 am Aifreann Gaeilge 12 noon Singing Session with Robbie Mc Mahon, Donie Nolan, Seamus Begley, Maeve Begley, Deirdre Scanlan. Fear an Tí: Declan Coyne Moloney’s Pub Free 1.30 pm Children’s activities to include Face Painting and Puppet Show from Your Man’s Puppets showcasing Tales from the Worksho, a unique blend of storytelling and puppetry that tells the tale of what really happens in the workshop. Watch as the puppets come alive, talk of their lives and beg tales from their friend and storyteller. In this funny, active and participatory show for children of all ages, Tommy Baker and award winning storyteller Clare Muireann Murphy unfold the secrets of their crafts. 3.00 pm Outdoor Performance with FloraShantys from Heerenveen in the northern Dutch province of Fryslan. The male choir was formed in 1997, and with their female director and accordonist they will perform songs from Fryslan, the Netherlands and Ireland. 3.30 pm Outdoor Concert with Rick Epping and Seamie O’Dowd. Expect a lively afternoon listening to wonderful music from this pairing. Both individually talented musicians, they combine to create a high energy performance that will not only feature traditional tunes but also an eclectic repertoire from their many musical influences. Will be held indoors if weather is unsuitable. 10.00 pm Grand Finale Céilí. The Tulla Céilí Band. Marquee €10.00 MON 9 Informal sessions throughout the day and night Riches of Clare Concert: as part of the Lunchtime Concerts held throughout the county we are delighted to feature Murty Ryan, Karol Lynch, Marcus Moloney and John Moloney. Community Centre Free 7.00 pm Cross road dancing with Donie Nolan and Taylors Cross Céilí Band. Will be held indoors if weather is unsuitable. Outside Peppers TUES 10 Informal sessions