Celebrating its 5th year, Féile Frank McGann has announced an exciting array of traditional music heavyweights for their 2007 line-up. With an emphasis placed on providing top name tutors to young (and not so young) musicians, Feile Frank McGann have announced a star studded line-up of tutors for their workshops which take place on in Strokestown, Co. Roscommon on Saturday 6th October. Tutors include Harry Bradley and June Nic Cormick on flute. Bradley is one of Ireland’s foremost flautists, and, even at a relatively young age, he is a veteran in relation to recording, with three solo albums among others under his belt. June Nic Cormick is another bright star in flute playing circles. She also has a proven track record in recording and playing, particularly with her husband, Michael Rooney. June, from Co. Sligo, has published an excellent flute tutor book in recent years. This year’s fiddle tutor is Antoin MacGabhann, from Co. Cavan, but living in Co Meath for many years. Antoin, one of the great names in fiddling, has tutored many musicians around the world. On tin whistle this year’s tutors are Gavin Whelan and Catherine McEvoy. Gavin, a full-time teacher and player, and already has two acclaimed solo albums to his credit, with his own distinctive style to the fore. Catherine McEvoy, who needs no introduction in Roscommon, is without doubt, one of the top flute players around, and a very experienced teacher of flute/whistle. Catherine has a wonderful solo CD to her credit, as well as a critically acclaimed duet CD with her brother John, ‘The Kilmore fancy’, and a little bird tells us there is a much awaited second solo CD on the way! On button accordion this year is Ned Kelly. Ned, who was a good friend of Frank McGann, is an excellent and popular teacher, and is much sought after at workshops and concerts around the country. Back by popular demand is concertina master player and tutor, Micheal O’Raghallaigh. Micheal is a member of the group Providence, with whom he tours extensively, and he has released two wonderful solo albums. He is extremely highly regarded among followers and players of traditional music. Following last year’s introduction of a harp workshop, Michael Rooney is providing the inspiration to those attending the workshop this year. Michael has been a prodigy on harp from an early age and he is also a multi-instrumentalist, having composed some wonderful music, including the music for a mass. Michael lives in Co. Sligo with June, his wife, and they have also released two acclaimed CDs together. This year’s bodhran class is given by the popular Gurteen, Co. Sligo player, Junior Davey. Junior teaches all over the country, and he has helped to bring the bodhran to a new level of technique and skill. He also, has his own CD, and has much knowledge on the techniques and style of the Irish drum. Other workshops include sean-nos singing with Antaine O’Fearachain, while classes in sean-nos dancing will again take place under the expert tutorage of Maire Aine Ni hIarnain. Continuing their attempts to bring new approaches to the workshops, Féile Frank McGann has announced a number of new workshops for 2007. A woodturning class will be held under the guidance of Radio na Gaeltachta personality, Mairtin Davey. This class will also be bi-lingual. A flute maintenance/repair workshop is another novel first for Féile Frank McGann. It will be given by Michael Grinter, a brilliant flute maker from Australia, who also has tremendous knowledge on the workings of the flute. Further details on the Féile are available from www.feilefrankmcgann.com or by emailing info@feilefrankmcgann.com or by phoning John Wynne on 087 2239095, Mairead Casey on 086 8546433, or Eugene Murphy on 086 8975006.
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