The Drogheda Traditional Music and Singing Weekend returns in a couple of weeks’ time (Friday, 26– Sunday 28th November) and proceedings will be given the best of starts with a concert in the Morning Star in Tullyallen featuring Irish music legend Niamh Parsons and Drogheda’s own Donal Maguire.
Donal or DJ, Maguire a native of Drogheda, has enjoyed a long and successful career as a traditional and folk singer/musician for the past 50 years, primarily in the UK.
With a number of highly acclaimed albums to his credit, one of which The Star of Sunday’s Well, was included in Melody Makers albums of the year in 1979. He has also recorded songs with the late Seán Corcoran and Gerry Cullen. He is in high demand at Singing and Folk festivals and clubs in the UK and Ireland. Having recently returned to live in Ireland, he will be making his first official visit to the festival.
Niamh Parsons has come to be known as one of the most distinctive voices in Irish music. Her voice has drawn comparisons to such venerated singers as Dolores Keane, June Tabor and Sandy Denny.
Described in the Boston Herald as both emotionally haunting and tonally as clear as crystal, Niamh’s albums have been ‘must-have’ collector’s items for any lover of songs and singing.
Since 1999 Niamh has been playing in a duet with Ennis based Graham Dunne. There is a spiritual bond between Niamh and Graham when they perform, which draws out the essence of the songs.
Throughout her career, Niamh has performed with a wide variety of artists, and has appeared at nearly every prestigious folk festival on either side of the Atlantic.
For more details of the weekend’s activities CLICK HERE
Fri 26 Nov 8pm – Donal Maguire and Niamh Parsons | The Morning Star, Tullyallen / €10 – BOOK NOW
Sat 27 Nov 3pm – Antóin and Bernadette Mac Gabhann | The Tholsel, West Street / €10 – BOOK NOW
Sat 27 Nov 8pm – Séamus Begley and Jim Murray | Droichead Arts Centre / €20 – BOOK NOW
Sun 28 Nov 11am – Sunday Brunch Session with Brónagh Barnes, Feargal Barnes and Darragh Ó Héiligh | Five Good Things / Free – Read More
Sun 28 Nov 2.30pm – An Afternoon of Discussion & Song featuring John Moulden, Maire Ní Chróinín and Gerry Cullen | Highlanes Gallery / €5 – BOOK NOW
This live traditional music and singing festival is produced in association with Droichead Arts Centre.
