http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Ukulele_HooleyDun Laoghaire will host the Ukulele Hooley It brings together some of the world's best ukulele talent and entertainers to celebrate their love and passion for the tiny instrument that is currently the world's biggest selling instrument. There will be ukulele master classes, a "Grand ukulele public busk" and open air ukulele open mic concert for players who want to show their skills. But the show piece event of the weekend is a FREE day long ukulele concert on Sunday at the People’s Park in Dun Laoghaire featuring the some of the best ukulele performers from round the World. For more details check out our website ukulelehooley.com Its a fantastic day out for the whole family and you might win yourself a ukulele in a raffle! http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Laurence_Nugent_Flute_and_Whistle_Master_ClassVenue: Unitarian Church, 112 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 Chicago based Laurence Nugent carries on a great tradition of virtuoso flute and whistle playing that has graced Irish music on both sides of the Atlantic. As an established performer and recording artist on the Celtic music circuit, Laurence has performed with The Chieftains, Shane McGowan, Van Morrison, The Drovers, The Green Fields of America, Martin Hayes, Dennis Cahill and Paddy Keenan. His CDs (Laurence Nugent, Two For Two, and The Windy Gap, on Shanachie Records) have met with critical acclaim. Laurence Nugent comes from the little village of Lack in County Fermanagh, an area steeped in the traditional arts of music, singing and storytelling. Laurence is very popular as a tutor and has taught hundreds of students in private lessons, in classes at the Old Town School of Folk Music, and in workshops throughout the United States and Ireland Ticket Information: Tickets €80.00. Purchase online on www.steeplesessions.com http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Aoife_O_Brien_Fiddle_Master_ClassVenue: Unitarian Church, 112 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 Aoife O'Brien from Raheny was reared in a family steeped in traditional music and started taking classical violin lessons at the age of two with Hungarian born teacher Maria Keleman. From an early age Aoife has won many awards and competitions including the All-Ireland Fleadh Ceoil, Fiddler of Dooney and the "Bonn Óir Sheáin Uí Riada". She has recorded with many acclaimed artists at home and abroad and has been very active in teaching and performing all over Germany where she is currently studying music in Leipzig Aoife performs as lead violinist with River Dance, is a member of the European Union Youth Orchestra and has performed as a soloist with the R.I.A.M. Symphony Orchestra, The National Symphony Orchestra and The Ulster Orchestra including touring Europe, Romania, America, China, Korea, Japan and America in venues such as Carnegie Hall and The Waterfront Hall in Belfast. In 2010 she received The IMRO Bill Whelan Bursary for young musicians and composers and in 2011, she was invited by Martin Hayes to play at the "Masters of Tradition" series in Bantry Co. Cork. She recently performed three Irish Premieres and one World Premiere in the NCH Dublin as part of the Contemporary Music Centre Salon Series and recently released a new CD of the music collected by Canon James Goodman with her father Mick O'Brien (Uilleann pipes) and Emer Mayock (flute). Ticket Information: Tickets €80.00. Purchase online on www.steeplesessions.com http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Mick_O_Brien_Uilleann_Pipes_Master_ClassVenue: Unitarian Church, 112 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 Mick O'Brien is one of our best-loved uilleann pipers, performing regularly as a solo artist, with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, and with the Norwegian groups Vamp, Hanne Krogh, and Secret Garden. His first solo album 'The May Morning Dew' (1996) was received with great critical acclaim, as was his duo album with Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh 'Kitty Lie Over' (2003) . He comes from a great Dublin musical family, and his own children are now established performers in their own right. Mick is a teacher and teaches annually at the Willie Clancy School in Miltown Malbay and at various other festivals and piping master classes around the World. Ticket Information: Tickets €80.00. Purchase online on www.steeplesessions.com http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Kevin_Rowsome_Uilleann_Pipes_Master_ClassVenue: Unitarian Church, 112 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 Kevin Rowsome started playing the uilleann pipes at the age of six years. He took his first lessons from his grandfather Leo and later from his father Leon. During his teenage years Kevin played clarinet and saxophone with the Artane Boys band. Kevin gained public recognition when he won first prize at the Oireachtas festival, and is widely regarded as one of today's finest uilleann pipers. Kevin has gained vast experience as a performer and instructor of the pipes, performing extensively and lecturing and instructing at a number of Irish music festivals throughout Europe and USA. As well as his own debut recording "The Rowsome Tradition", five generations of uilleann piping in 1999, Kevin has recorded and performed with various artistes. Kevin has a number of musical compositions to his name. He gained wide recognition as a composer when he won the prestigious Cuisle Ceoil an Bhlascaoid (the musical pulse of the Blasket islands) musical composing competition in 2006. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Liz_and_Yvonne_Kane_Fiddle_Master_ClassVenue: Unitarian Church, 112 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 From North Connemara, Liz and Yvonne Kane, known as The Kane Sisters, are much respected musicians and educators. Born in Letterfrack, they were educated in Kylemore Abbey School. They were taught music by their grandfather, local fiddle player, Jimmy Mullen and Mary Finn, a Co. Sligo musician and teacher. Liz and Yvonne first came to national and international prominence during the three year period in which they toured with accordion player, Sharon Shannon as members of her band, The Woodchoppers. They travelled all over the world with her band and are featured artists on Sharon's album 'The Diamond Mountain Sessions'. At that time, a Hot Press review by Siobhan Long confirmed '...while 'Fire in their Bellies' (with Liz and Yvonne Kane) is ensemble playing at its best and most naked.' Following this period of touring with Sharon Shannon, the girls have embarked on their own very successful independent musical careers and recorded 3 albums all which have received rave reviews; 'The Well Tempered Bow', 'Under the Diamond' in 2004 and 'Side by Side'. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Samuel_Beckett_Summer_SchoolFounded in 2011, the Samuel Beckett Summer School provides a unique experience for students, scholars and lovers of Beckett’s works. Each year we invite the world’s foremost Beckett scholars to present new lectures and seminars on all aspects of Beckett’s works. The School appeals to a wide range of Beckett enthusiasts by providing the opportunity to experience, savour and study Beckett’s works in the university where he began his intellectual life. The Summer School is different from an academic conference in that it is not purely a gathering by specialists for other specialists. Instead, we aim to engage and explore Beckett’s works from a variety of different perspectives in order to examine and re-examine Beckett’s evolving legacy and relevance. The aim of the Summer School is to look at Beckett in an open and pluralist fashion and to consider all of the numerous contexts of his work that are of interest both to the scholar and to the general reader. The Samuel Beckett Summer School offers a full week of learning and is complemented by social and cultural events each evening. Each morning will feature one or two lectures by leading Beckett scholars. In the afternoons we run our week-long seminars. Each student chooses one of four seminars and stays with that seminar for the full week. Seminars include: Beckett’s Manuscripts; a Reading Group (the specific texts change each year); Performance Workshop; and a seminar whose topic will change each year (past examples include ‘Beckett and Deleuze’ and ‘Beckett and Irish Culture, 1929–1949’). The range of seminar topics is meant to reflect the diverse ways in which Beckett’s works can be approached. In addition to the academic programme, we offer a range of activities, including social events, performances, field trips, an opening reception and a closing banquet. We encourage all our speakers to attend our social events and discuss Beckett in more informal settings. Some of our additional events are open to the public and some are exclusive to participants of the Summer School. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/John_Carty_Fiddle_Master_ClassVenue: Unitarian Church, 112 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 John Carty is one of Ireland's finest traditional musicians having been awarded the Irish Television station, TG4's Traditional Musician of the Year in 2003. He joins previous acclaimed winners Matt Molloy (Chieftains flautist), Tommy Peoples (Master Fiddler), Mary Bergin (whistle player, Dordan), Máire Ní Chathasaigh (Harpist) and Paddy Keenan (Uilleann Piper), all of whom are considered to be the leading exponents of their instruments within the Irish tradition. Carty already has three solo fiddle albums, two banjo albums, two group albums and a sprinkling of recorded tenor guitar and flute music recordings under his belt so it's little wonder he should have joined such elusive ranks. John performs regularly with Chieftain's flautist Matt Molloy exploring the North Connaught tradition they both love. A CD of their music accompanied by Arty McGlynn entitled Pathway to the Well was launched in late 2007. He is also touring the UK, US and Ireland with re-formed super group, Patrick Street. The group includes legendary musicians Andy Irvine, Kevin Burke and Ged Foley. He has also appeared as a special guest with the Chieftains and De Danann. John's solo and group careers see him in demand and he has performed at all major festivals throughout Europe, North America and Australasia.   http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Alasdair_Fraser_Fiddle_Master_ClassVenue: Unitarian Church, 112 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 Master Scottish fiddler Alasdair Fraser is a consummate performer. His dynamic fiddling, engaging stage presence, and deep understanding of Scotland's music have created a constant and international demand for his solo appearances and concerts with a variety of ensembles. Alasdair has been a major force behind the resurgence of traditional Scottish fiddling in his homeland and the U.S., inspiring legions of listeners and learners through his recordings, annual fiddle camps, and concerts. He has represented Scotland internationally through performances sponsored by the British Council, and has been awarded touring support by the California Arts Council, with the ranking of "highest priority for inclusion on the roster; considered 'model' in stature." Alasdair's richly expressive playing transports listeners across a broad musical spectrum, ranging from haunting laments from the Gaelic tradition to classically-styled airs, raucous dance tunes, and improvisations based on traditional themes. His vast repertoire spans several centuries of Scottish music and includes his own compositions, which blend a profound understanding of the Scottish tradition with cutting-edge musical explorations. He weaves through his performances a warm and witty narrative, drawing from a deep well of stories and lore surrounding Scotland's musical heritage. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Dublin_Mini_Maker_Faire_2013Dublin Mini Maker Faire has joined forces with The Gathering Ireland and Dublin's annual festival of science The Festivalof Curosity to create a sizzling weekend of science & culture in Dublin City this July. Dublin Mini Maker Faire will be the highlight of the weekend, bringing together makers, crafters, and DIY-enthusiasts of all ages to share and showcase their inspiring creations to over 5,000 people. Those interested in soaking up some science over the summer will have plenty to explore thanks to the second annual Dublin Mini Maker Faire , which has joined forces with The Gathering and Dublin's annual festival of science The Festival of Curiosity to bring together makers, crafters, and DIY-enthusiasts of all ages to share their creations with over 5,000 attendees.   Dublin Mini Maker Faire joins over 3,000 other events to celebrate THE GatheringIreland 2013 and will be part of Dublin’s new annual festival of science The Festival of Curiosity which will blend culture,science and technology over 4 days in Dublin city centre. If you want to be part of the greatest thing to hit Dublin this summer, don't get left behind -- there's still time to get involved! The open call for makers has been extended to March 15th. On Saturday 27th July 2013 10.00am-6.00pm, 'makers' of all kinds will descend upon Science Gallery and the grounds of Trinity College Dublin for one of Europe’s biggest “Mini Maker Faires”, complete with workshops, performances, dozens of Irish and international makers, and thousands of attendees. Dublin Mini Maker Faire is a free event, organised by a team from Science Gallery, Science Hack Day Dublin, NUIM MakerSoc and TOG Hackerspace, and is a chance for the entire family to try their hand at making everything from robots to fishing nets. Who are makers?  We are all makers! Makers range from tech enthusiasts to crafters, educators, tinkerers, hobbyists, engineers, artists, science clubs, students, authors, and commercial exhibitors. Speaking about the faire, co-organiser Laura Tobin said “makers are of all ages and backgrounds, coming from all over Ireland and beyond, and our 2013 faire will be even bigger and better than last year. At the first Dublin Mini Maker Faire, exhibitors ranged from roboticists to crochet clubs and 3D printers, and nearly everything in between”.   Individuals and organisations can apply to exhibit by visiting: http://www.makerfairedublin.com/open-call-2013/ and filling in the online submission form. It doesn’t matter if the project is finished, part finished, or just an idea - Dublin Mini Maker Faire wants to hear from you.  Sponsorship starts from as low as €150, and companies intersted in supporting this great, free-entry event should visit http://www.makerfairedublin.com/sponsors/ http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Michelle_Mulcahy_Concertina_Master_ClassVenue: Unitarian Church, 112 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 Michelle Mulcahy has performed at numerous festivals worldwide and is a much sought after tutor. She teaches and performs regularly throughout Ireland at the Willie Clancy Summer School, Masters of Tradition Festival Bantry, South Sligo Traditional Music School, Meitheal Summer School, Blas International Summer School University of Limerick, Na Piobairí Uilleann Dublin, Cairde na Cruite Festival Co. Louth as well as various festivals worldwide which include Milwaukee Irish Festival, Davis & Elkins Irish Music Festival West Virginia, Catskills Irish Music Festival New York, Texas Irish Retreat Music School. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Mick_Mulcahy_Accordion_Master_ClassVenue: Unitarian Church, 112 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 Head of the Mulcahy Family, Mick Mulcahy is much in demand as a tutor. To his credit his students (and daughters) , Louise and Michelle are both recipients of the TG4 Young musician of the Year Award. Mick performs and teaches regularly at festivals worldwide including; the Willie Clancy Summer School, Masters of Tradition Festival Bantry, South Sligo Traditional Music School, Meitheal Summer School, Blas International Summer School University of Limerick, Na Piobairí Uilleann Dublin, Cairde na Cruite Festival Co. Louth, Milwaukee Irish Festival, Davis & Elkins Irish Music Festival West Virginia, Catskills Irish Music Festival New York, Texas Irish Retreat Music School, Tocan Traditional Irish Music Festival France, Lorient Celtique Festival Brittany, Camden Town Irish Music Festival London, Gundagai Traditional Irish Music Festival Australia http://www.visitdublin.com/event/John_and_Tim_Lyons_Voice_Master_ClassVenue: Unitarian Church, 112 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 John and Tim Lyons are brothers born in the 1930s in Cork and were reared in North Cork very near Sliabh Luachra (The Rushy Mountain), an area rich in music. In the early days when in Cork, John played with several Sliabh Luachra players including fiddle players Dennis Murphy and Morris O' Keefe from Kishkeam, nephew of the legendary Padraig O'Keeffe, accordion player Johnny O'Leary from Maulykeavane. Both Tim and John played with Tommy Doocey's band from Banteer, and later with Mick Williams' Duhallow Céilí Band which played all around North Cork and parts of Kerry. John and Tim are known for their vast collection of humorous songs; some which they have picked up along the way when living in England, Cork, Dublin and Clare and some which they have written After spending their lives criss-crossing the Irish sea for work, singing and music have been, and are still a very important part of what these two remarkable brothers do. Yet amazingly, apart from playing in so many sessions together, they have rarely shared a stage but in recent years they have started to appear together and long may they continue to do so. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Cathy_Jordan_Voice_Master_ClassVenue: Unitarian Church, 112 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 Cathy Jordan, singer with Dervish, grew up on a small farm in Scramogue, Co Roscommon. She got her love for traditional singing from her father in particular and sang and performed from a very young age. She sang in musicals and started her own harmony band in school singing Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris and Simon and Garfunkel songs. Cathy joined Dervish in 1989 when it started and along with her singing and bodhran playing, Cathy Jordan brings an invaluable stage presence to the band's live performances, with her song introductions and interactions with the audience. Her voice has been described by one fan as "as smooth as a pint of Guinness on a bed of rose petals." In 2009 she teamed up with Rick Epping and Seamie O'Dowd as The Unwanted and released the album Music from the Atlantic Fringe. In early 2012 she released a solo album, All the Way Home, combining songs she heard at home as a child and some she has co-written. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Rick_Epping_Harmonica_Master_ClassVenue: Unitarian Church, 112 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 Rick Epping is a California-born musician who has immersed himself in American old-time and Irish traditional music since the 1960s. He is an accomplished player of the harmonica, concertina, banjo and jaw harp. During the 1970s he lived in Ireland where he studied traditional Irish music. He was the 1975 All-Ireland Harmonica champion and a member of the successful folk group Pumpkinhead. He has recorded with many other Irish and American musicians and groups over the years, including Christy Moore, Mick Hanly, Bob Zentz, George Winston, Mary Staunton, Priscilla Herdman and Robbin Thompson. Epping worked for the Hohner company for many years and during that time patented the "Extreme Bending" harmonica, which includes additional reeds that allow players to "bend" notes that cannot be so altered on traditional diatonic instruments. He currently conducts workshops internationally for Hohner harmonicas. Epping has recently involved himself with a number of musicians and projects, including the trio "The Unwanted", which features himself, Dervish singer Cathy Jordan and fiddler Seamus O'Dowd. Their 2009 CD Music Of The Atlantic Fringe was picked in Irish music publication Hot Press as one of their top ten albums of the year. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Seamie_O_Dowd_Guitar_Master_ClassVenue: Unitarian Church, 112 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 Seamie O'Dowd from Co. Sligo began playing fiddle at about eight years of age. As a teenager he was regarded as one of the finest fiddlers of his age in the west of Ireland. At the local session scene alongside his parents he played guitar, mandolin, bouzouki, banjo, bodhran and fiddle, and gained a growing reputation as a singer. In the 1980s he ventured into rock and the alternative music scene as an electric guitarist and played with musical neighbour Gerry Grennan in a few acoustic and electric folk/blues outfits around Ireland . After that he joined the band Dervish which became one of Ireland's major musical exports. They toured world-wide playing to some of the biggest audiences that any band of any genre has ever played to. Seamie devised a new tuning for guitar and, along with Brian Mc Donagh and Michael Holmes, created a three-way rhythm section that became a hallmark of the band sound for the next six years. The line-up recorded two award-winning albums "Midsummers Night" and "Spirit". In 2004 they were presented with the Freedom of Sligo Borough at a function held for them by Sligo Corporation. Seamie is held in high regard amongst musicians across many genres and has toured, recorded and collaborated with some of Ireland's and the World's finest performers including accordionist Mairtin O'Connor, Cathal Hayden, Liam Og O'Flynn and the legendary Australian guitarist Tommy Emmanuel. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Paddy_Keenan_Uilleann_Pipes_Master_ClassVenue: Unitarian Church, 112 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 Paddy Keenan was born in Trim, Co. Meath, to John Keenan, Sr. of Westmeath and the former Mary Bravender of Co. Cavan. The Keenans were a Travelling family steeped in traditional music; both Paddy's father and grandfather were uilleann pipers. Paddy himself took up the pipes at the age of ten, playing his first major concert at the Gaiety Theatre, Dublin when he was 14. He later played with the rest of his family in a group called The Pavees. At 17, Paddy left Ireland for England and Europe, where he played blues and rock. Returning to Ireland after a few years, he began playing around Dublin with singer/keyboardist Triona Ni Dhomhnaill and singer/guitarist Micheal O Dhomhnaill. Fiddler Paddy Glackin joined the three, and they asked flute player Matt Molloy to play with them shortly thereafter. Accordion player Tony MacMahon joined the group, and then guitarist Donal Lunny, liking what he heard, joined as well, and the loosely-knit band began calling itself Seachtar, the Irish word for seven. Paddy's style has continued to mature in the intervening years as he has pursued a solo career. He tours the world, playing festivals and gigs in the US and Canada, Ireland, Europe, Israel, Australia and New Zealand, and the Far East. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/David_Howley_Guitar_Master_ClassVenue: Unitarian Church, 112 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 David Howley is a member of We Banjo 3 and is a very talented multi-instrumentalist. Dave plays banjo, guitar and mandolin and effortlessly provides We Banjo 3 with its rhythm section. Dave has also performed in the group Free Wheel with Fergal Scahill and Sean McCarthy (FullSet). He has developed a growing reputation as a singer and performer. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Fergal_Scahill_Fiddle_Master_ClassVenue: Unitarian Church, 112 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 Fergal Scahill hails from Corofin, a small village in Co. Galway. He is in demand not only as a fiddle player but also as a guitar and bodhran player. He comes from a very musical family and plays in the group We Banjo 3 with his brother Enda. Fergal has a senior fiddle All Ireland Fleadh title and also has two All Ireland Bodhrán titles to his name. He has performed Frankie Gavin, Paul Brock, Kevin Crawford and has toured extensively with many successful traditional bands such as Teada, Ragús, Celtic Legends and The David Munnelly Band. He also was a founding member of upcoming band MONTO who are signed to the Universal record label and is featured on their debut album. Fergal has also recorded on The Brock McGuire Band Album which was awarded Instrumental Album of the Year 2005 from liveireland.com, and his very successful duet album with mouth organist Paul Moran featured in Earl Hitchner's Top Ten Albums of 2002. He also has featured as a guest artist on many other acclaimed albums over the past few years. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Enda_Scahill_and_Martin_Howley_Banjo_Master_ClassVenue: Unitarian Church, 112 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 Enda Scahill has recorded with Grammy-winner Ricky Skaggs, guested with The Chieftains, toured with Frankie Gavin, The Brock McGuire Band and Stockton's Wing. A banjo wizard, Enda is a leading author on Irish banjo techniques with 2 self-published titles among the best-selling Irish banjo tutorials available. His illustrious recording career includes his ground-breaking solo album "Pick It Up", Irish Times Album of the Year "Humdinger" with Paul Brock and Green Grass Blue Grass with The Brock McGuire Band recorded in Nashville. "Enda does things on the banjo which should be impossible" Bill Margeson Irish American News 7-time All Ireland Banjo Champion Martin Howley is one of the young guns of Irish banjo. The first Irish banjo player to play at the Grand Ol Opry in Nashville, Martin has developed a reputation as musician with great musical taste and innovation. Now teaching a huge number of young banjo players Martin is passing his craft on to the next generation. Martin has toured with The Brock McGuire Band and performed extensively across Europe and the US. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Viking_Craft_Workshop_at_Dublinia6th of July – Viking Craft Workshop Want to make your very own Viking warrior head pencil topper? Artzone host an art activity with fully qualified art teachers. Workshops running every 45 minutes from 11.00am to 2.45pm. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/James_Kelly_Fiddle_Master_ClassVenue: Unitarian Church, 112 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 James Kelly, a native of Ireland, is one of the greatest Irish traditional fiddlers alive today. He learned his music from his father John Kelly (fiddle and concertina player) from County Clare. James began his recording and touring career at age sixteen. That year he won first place in the prestigious "Fiddler of the Year" competition and recorded his first album, a duet with his brother John. Since that time, James has toured Europe, the US, Canada, and South America, and has been a member of several influential Irish groups including the legendary folk group, Planxty. He was a presenter of the "Pure Drop" series for Irish TV, has appeared with The Chieftains, and has recorded with the "Bee Gees". In 2006 James received the "Gradam Ceoil TG4 2006 Irish Musician of the Year Award". He has 18 albums to his credit and is currently compiling his over 1500 compositions for publication. He gives workshops in Florida, throughout the U.S. Canada and Europe, and also teaches live one on one lessons via the internet. James continues to play concerts and festivals with some of Irish music's leading accompanists http://www.visitdublin.com/event/John_Blake_Guitar_Master_ClassVenue: Unitarian Church, 112 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 John Blake is highly sought after for his many musical talents; on guitar, flute, piano and bouzouki. John was born in London and as a youngster took lessons in Queens Park from Clare fiddler and instructor Brendan Mulkere. In 1998, John moved to Ireland and since then he has appeared on a wealth of albums throughout the years including: 'The Tap Room Trio' and he was a member of young traditional band Téada. Although a well known guitarist, John is equally adept on the flute, the evidence of which can be heard on the critically acclaimed 'Traditional Irish Music from London' with Lamond Gillespie and Mick Leahy. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Jackie_Daly_Button_Accordion_Master_ClassVenue: Unitarian Church, 112 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 The words 'Button Accordion' and 'Jackie Daly' are synonymous in the world of Irish traditional music. Described in the New York Times as "probably the best accordionist in Ireland", Jackie was born in Kanturk, Co. Cork, where he grew up surrounded by the rich music tradition of Sliabh Luachra. One of the greatest influences on his early musical development was Ballydesmond fiddle-player, Jim Keeffe, a pupil of the renowned Sliabh Luachra fiddle-master, Pádraig O'Keeffe. Over the years, Jackie's lifelong affinity with fiddle-music has resulted in highly-acclaimed albums featuring fiddle and accordion – with the late Cork-based musician Séamus Creagh, with Kevin Burke, and now with Matt Cranitch. Jackie was a central figure in some of the most dominant groups playing Irish music in recent times. His performances with bands such as De Danann, Patrick Street, Buttons and Bows, Arcady, Reel Union and Kinvara all attest to his wonderful music and versatility. However, it is the style and repertoire of the Sliabh Luachra tradition that has made the most significant impression on his accordion-playing, a fact well exemplified through his performances and recordings. He has toured extensively throughout the world, and is also in demand as a teacher. In 2005, he received the TG4 Gradam Ceoil (National Music Award), and, in 2009, the Kanturk Arts Festival Award http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Matt_Cranitch_Fiddle_Master_ClassVenue: Unitarian Church, 112 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 Matt Cranitch is renowned as a fiddle-player and teacher, both at home in Ireland and abroad. He has performed extensively at concerts and festivals, on radio and television, and has presented lectures, master-classes and workshops on various aspects of Irish music. He has won All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil titles, as well as The Fiddler of Dooney and Oireachtas Crotty Cup. Author of The Irish Fiddle Book, first published in 1988 and now in its fourth edition, he has also contributed to other books on Irish traditional music. He has made various albums including three with Sliabh Notes, in addition to Éistigh Seal which consists entirely of slow airs. His most recent recording is The Living Stream with Jackie Daly. He is an authority on the music of Sliabh Luachra, and received a PhD from the University of Limerick for his study on the fiddle-playing tradition of this region. A long-time consultant for the Geantraí series on TG4, he is also an advisor to the Arts Council Deis scheme for the traditional arts, and has served on the board of the Irish Traditional Music Archive (2007–2010). In 2003, he received the Hall of Fame Award from University College Cork where he currently teaches a number of courses in Irish traditional music http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Summer_Activity_Sheet_Summer_SunDrop-in Activity Summer is here and the sun has come out to play, so why not drop in to the museum and try our new Summer Activity Trail. Copies of this activity sheet trail are available at the stand in the Irish Room. Don't forget your pencil! http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Mick_McAuley_Accordion_Master_ClassVenue:  Unitarian Church, 112 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 Head of the Mulcahy Family, Mick Mulcahy is much in demand as a tutor. To his credit his students (and daughters) , Louise and Michelle are both recipients of the TG4 Young musician of the Year Award. Mick performs and teaches regularly at festivals worldwide including; the Willie Clancy Summer School, Masters of Tradition Festival Bantry, South Sligo Traditional Music School, Meitheal Summer School, Blas International Summer School University of Limerick, Na Piobairí Uilleann Dublin, Cairde na Cruite Festival Co. Louth, Milwaukee Irish Festival, Davis & Elkins Irish Music Festival West Virginia, Catskills Irish Music Festival New York, Texas Irish Retreat Music School, Tocan Traditional Irish Music Festival France, Lorient Celtique Festival Brittany, Camden Town Irish Music Festival London, Gundagai Traditional Irish Music Festival Australia http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Winnifred_Horan_Fiddle_Master_ClassVenue: Unitarian Church, 112 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 Born and raised in New York of Irish parents, Winifred began playing music at an early age and was taught be the late Maureen Glynn. Winifred learnt traditional fiddle and classical and won a scholarship to attend Mannes College of Music in Manhattan, as a teenager, for violin. She attained a degree in Music from the prestigious New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. This combination of both classical and traditional backgrounds helps to define the style that is so identifiable and associated with Winifred's playing. In great demand for live shows and as a studio musician, she has worked with many of the finest musicians on the Irish Music and contemporary folk scenes. She has played and recorded with Cherish the Ladies, Sharon Shannon, Declan O' Rourke, Belinda Carlisle, Mundy, Pierce Turner, Richard Shindell, Liz Carroll and many more. Her meeting and ultimate collaboration with Seamus Egan saw the start of the Irish-American band SOLAS which has since enjoyed worldwide success. Solas has been warmly received for it's live performances, timeless recordings and extraordinary musicianship. Winifred released two solo albums over the last ten years – "Just one Wish" and "The Pleasures of Home" to great critical acclaim both in the U.S. and Ireland. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Dave_Munnelly_Accordion_Master_ClassVenue: Unitarian Church, 112 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 The second you hear the ebb and flow of the music that emanates from David Munnelly's accordion, you will be instantly convinced that this man was born with a button box in his hands. Hailing from Belmullet, a small town by the sea in Co. Mayo, Ireland, David has carried the strong musical tradition from his home and family across the world. David is known for his colourful style which inhales bold bass fingerings, complex arrangements and modern compositions. This unique style led David into the world of professional musicianship where early in his career he became a full-time member of Niamh Parsons' band the Loose Connections. He has recorded and toured with The Chieftains, De Danann, Gerry O Connor, Arty McGlynn and Sharon Shannon. David formed the David Munnelly Band in1999 and began a thirteen year journey with his own band touring Europe, America and Japan and recording four critically acclaimed CD's. Recently David has expanded his repertoire to mainland Europe where he is currently working on several new projects. Along with the most respected accordion players in Europe, David currently performs with the Accordion Samurai http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Mick_Conneely_Bouzouki_Master_ClassMick's Master Class is suited to bouzouki players with a minimum of 2 years playing experience. Mick is one of the most respected bouzouki players of his generation. To date he has played & toured with many artists, most notably De Danann, Mary Bergin, Frankie Gavin, Mairtin O'Connor, Noel Hill & Tony Linnane, Tony MacMahon & Micho Russell, Matt Molloy, Kevin Crawford, Lúnasa, David Munnelly, Carl Hession, Niall Ó Callanáin, Jackie Daly, Svend Kjeldsen, and Michael McGoldrick to name only a few. In 2001 his debut solo album 'Selkie' was released to critical acclaim on the prestigious boutique trad label Cló Iar-Chonnacht and he has recorded on numerous albums to date. Mick is a member of legendary Irish music group De Danann (reformed in 2009). Along with Alec Finn of De Danann, Mick is a leading exponent of the 6-string Greek bouzouki in Irish traditional music. Mick teaches fiddle and bouzouki classes at various festivals at home and abroad, for example: Willie Clancy Summer School in Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare, Ireland; MA course in Traditional Irish Music Performance at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance, University of Limerick, Ireland; Catskills Irish Arts Week, NY, USA; Augusta Heritage Celtic Week, Davis & Elkins College, WV, USA http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Moya_Brennan_Voice_Master_Class_at_the_Steeple_SessionsVenue: Unitarian Church, 112 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 As singer with Clannad, Moya Brennan sent tremors through the world of traditional music. With Harry's Game Clannad took the Irish language and its melodies to places that it had never been before. Top of the Pops, major record contracts and world tours. The accolades followed -Ivor Novello and BAFTA awards plus, after several nominations, a Grammy award in 1999. Their music was fresh, vibrant and progressive. Alongside all of this, Moya has developed an individuality which has already shown itself in her expanding body of work. When an artist's career can often be measured in months, hers spans decades. Through this clamorous journey, through school halls, folk clubs, festivals, discos, churches, the world's most renowned concert halls she has travelled purposefully and always focused. The power of her whispered tones and the beauty of her music touch the soul. Gently, yet persistently, her songs and her music are redefining Irish music Numbers Limited. Master classes are open to non-musicians http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Cormac_De_Barra_Harp_Master_Class_at_the_Steeple_SessionsVenue: Unitarian Church, 112 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 Cormac De Barra is a harper and television presenter and comes from a family of traditional Irish musicians and singers. He is the third generation of harper in the family and first studied with his grandmother, Róisín Ní Shé, in Dublin. He went on to study concert harp in the USA. As a traditional harper, Cormac has recorded and toured with his brothers Fionán and Éamonn in the family group Barcó and performed with many groups and musicians including fiddle player Máire Breatnach, Sligo-based trad group Dervish, Brian Kennedy and Clannad. Cormac has pushed the boundaries of Irish harp beyond the traditional and the classical through his collaborations with a variety of artists including actress and punk icon Hazel O'Connor and composer and singer Julie Feeney. Theatre performance credits include music for Playboy of the Western World at the Ambassador in Dublin, Tine Chnámh and Mallachtaí Muintire at Project Arts Centre, Mysteries 2000 at the SFX, Dublin and W.B. Yeats' Cuchulain Cycle at The Riverside, London. He also made his acting debut alongside Hazel O'Connor in a show called O'Carolan's Dream at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. His first recording Barcó and his duo CD Double Strung with harpist, Anne-Marie O'Farrell, received much critical acclaim and his latest CD Tarraing Téad with Máire Breatnach on fiddle & viola was released in autumn 2010. Numbers Limited. Master classes are open to non-musicians. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Danny_O_Mahony_Accordion_Master_ClassLocation : Unitarian Church, 112 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 Danny O'Mahony is a much sought after tutor of the Button Accordion from Ballyduff in North Kerry and is instantly recognised for his very distinctive and personal style of playing traditional Irish music. Danny, as well as teaching in the University of Limerick, is a presenter and producer of traditional music and song programmes for Radio Kerry. Danny released a solo recording 'In Retrospect' which features Danny playing alongside Patsy Broderick on piano, Cyril O' Donoghue on bouzouki and Johnny 'Ringo' McDonagh on bodhrán & bones. "In Retrospect is an instrumental fusion of generational tradition where nostalgic tones are enhanced by the innovative instrumentals of a serious talent. A debut delight" – Irish Music Magazine http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Micheal_O_Raghallaigh_Concertina_Master_Class_at_the_Steeple_SessionsVenue: Unitarian Church, 112 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 Micheál Ó Raghallaigh is from Co. Meath and is widely regarded as one of the finest concertina players of his generation. Micheal's concertina playing is said to achieve a great balance of traditional sound and personal expression, without going the way of machine-gun-fire, He has recorded with many artists and has produced two solo albums to critical acclaim. He also recorded albums with the group Providence and Táin Céilí Band. He has toured Europe, Scandinavia and the USA, and is much sought after as a performer and tutor. Numbers Limited. Master classes are open to non-musicians   http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Martin_Hayes_Fiddle_Master_Class_at_the_Steeple_SessionsVenue: Unitarian Church, 112 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 Martin Hayes will deliver a fiddle master class - however, this class is also created as an opportunity for students to interact in open dialog with Martin and ask questions. Martin has travelled and played all over the World and collaborated with many high calibre musicians and full orchestras across a variety of different genres. The class will offer the opportunity for students to hear Martin's specialised knowledge about music and performance and what his music really means to him, what he considers to be important, as well as sharing information on his background and career. This class should also be informative and entertaining for members of the public who wish to attend as observers. Places are limited so book early to avoid disappointment Book Here http://www.visitdublin.com/event/My_Museum_Become_a_Junior_ScribeAges 7-12 Join artist and illustrator Aoife Patterson to explore the decoration of ancient Irish manuscripts, practice writing like an Early Christian monk and make your own illuminated art to take home! No booking required. 15 places, first come basis. Meet at reception. Not wheelchair accessible. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Wish_Upon_a_Tree_Workshops_at_The_ArkBank Holiday Mondays 6th May & 3rd June 10.30am & 12.30pm Ages 5–7 Tickets €11/€8 conc. Join artist Jo May to create a special hand-made offering for The Ark’s wishing tree using textiles, paper, wire and a variety of mixed materials. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Bloom_In_The_ParkWhether you want inspiration, education or entertainment, the place to be this June Bank Holiday weekend is the colourful Bloom Garden Festival in the Phoenix Park, Dublin.  Organised by Bord Bia, this year’s event is five days long and it takes place from Thursday 30th May to Monday 3rd June. We are pleased to offer all a very special Bloom ticket offer for 2013.  Book on-line only before the event and use the promotional code FIR13 to get an extra €2 discount off the advance ticket price in advance of the show. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Bloom pays all booking fees and kids go free!   Log on to www.bloominthepark.com for more details on food, features, show gardens, free seminars and entertainment. Have a wonderful day out and make sure you visit the Bord Bia Food Village which celebrates the best of Irish food, showcasing numerous aspects of horticulture and agriculture in our exciting features! If you don’t fancy driving, use the train and avail of the courtesy shuttle bus from Heuston station to the 70 acre Bloom site. http://www.visitdublin.com/event/Lights_Camera_MusicMusic & Film workshops Tickets €11/€8 conc. Come to The Ark and create your own musical soundtracks inspired by silent cartoons, early film comedies, science fiction movies and more. You don’t need any previous musical experience to take part - just pack your imagination and your ability to make some noise! Choose from a selection of workshops for 2-12 year olds at www.ark.ie.