GREAT MUSIC LINE-UP AT FESTIVAL
THE 27th annual Phil Murphy Weekend will take place in Carrig-on-Bannow village from July 26 to 29. Organised by the Bannow Folk & Traditional Society and sponsored by M&M Siteline Consulting Ltd the event will feature some of the most iconic names in Irish contemporary music with the main attractions being Lunasa and Luka Bloom.
Lunasa is composed of Kevin Crawford, Trevor Hutchinson, Ed Boyd, Sean Smyth and Cillian Vallely and to-date they have sold in excess of 250,000 albums. In the process the band has earned a reputation for being one of the most authentic and talented acts on the contemporary folk and trad circuit.
With an impressive back catalogue of seven highly acclaimed, award-winning albums the group’s musicianship is without question, however, it’s the incendiary live performances that have earned the members respect from the global music community.
There aren’t many acts that have performed at venues ranging from the Hollywood Bowl and the National Concert Hall to the White House.
Lunasa will perform in the Phil Murphy Weekend marquee at Colfer’s Pub on Saturday, July 28, at 9.30 p.m.
Luka Bloom is widely regarded as one of the country’s foremost songwriters. An incredibly talented lyricist his songs are reflective of the world around us while his melodies and intricate chord arrangements ensure that he has honed a style of all his own.
A younger brother of Christy Moore the fact he has never played on the family name and instead furrowed his own musical path has earned him the respect of music critics and fans alike but it’s also indicative of the fact that he is a truly unique performer in his own right.
His performance in the marquee on Sunday, July 29, at 9 p.m. is sure to be one of the standout events of the entire Phil Murphy Weekend festival.
The full line-up includes other legends of Irish music such as Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, Seamus Begley and Donogh Hennessy along with the David Munnelly Trio and 2 Time Polka.
There will also be a large number of local musicians performing throughout the weekend including the Tin Sandwich Band which features members of the late Phil Murphy’s family.
Danescastle Music Group will also perform at the festical highlighting the fact the future of folk and trad is in very safe hands.
Workshops also play a big part of the weekend’s programme each year and this time around there will be number of such events taking place in the village.
The local community hall will be home to a ceili and the opening night, Thursday, July 26, will see the official launch of the Bannow Parish Journal take place in the hall.
Music is synonymous with Carrigwhich is one of the most culturally rich areas in the county. Within that context the Phil Murphy Weekend is a must for anyone with an interest in music, culture and heritage.
The fact the village is located less than two miles from Cullenstown Strand and just a few minutes from Bannow Bay means visitors to the festival can also take time out to relax in some of the most picturesque and tranquil locations they will find anywhere in the south east.
The Phil Murphy Weekend is a real community event and is embraced by everyone in the locality. Visitors are made feel very welcome and if it’s your first time attending you’re in for a real treat; if you’ve experienced it before you know that in music terms it’s as good as it gets.