THE GARDEN PARTY SUMMER SERIES IS ABOUT TO KICK OFF
A feast of Irish and international music, dance and cinema is coming to the Piper’s Garden at The SEamus Ennis Arts Centre in the idyllic village of Naul over the summer and kicks off at the weekend with the arrival of the California Feetwarmers.
The Summer Garden Party series features internationally acclaimed musicians Hudson Taylor with Wyvern Lingo, Rodney Crowell and Usher’s Island, among others.
Audiences will also be treated to three incredible dance and live music events. Hit the dance floor to fantastic live music by the masters of Ragtime, Dixieland and Early Swing, The California Feetwarmers, There’s a Ceili Mór with The Johnny Reidy Band and Latin rhythms meets traditional Irish music with Baile An Salsa.
Music and dance is also a feature for a special 40th anniversary outdoor screening of Grease followed by live music that same night by Riley & The Moonrockers.
It all begins on Sunday, July 15 with The California Feetwarmers. This is the band that Keb’ Mo’ sought out to provide an air of authenticity when he recorded his latest album, BluesAmericana. The collaboration won them a Grammy-nomination in the Best American Roots Performance category.
On Friday, July 20, Usher’s Island come to the Naul stage,featuring original members of Planxty and The Bothy Band the five names in this group read like a nominations list for an Irish traditional music hall of fame; Dónal Lunny, Andy Irvine, Paddy Glackin, Michael McGoldrick and John Doyle.
Saturday, July 28 is outdoor cinema day at the Naul venue. Bring the kids and catch a classic Saturday matinee and in the evening, there’s a 40th anniversary screening of Grease followed by live music from Riley & The Moonrockers.
On Sunday, July 29 Rodney Crowell comes to tow. The American country singer-songwriter with 10 Grammy nominations and two wins to his namehas had five number one singles on Hot Country Songs, all from his 1988 album ‘ Diamonds & Dirt’.
On Saturday, August 11, there is a Céilí Mór featuring The Johnny Reidy Band. Dancers can look forward a very lively selection of reels, jigs, polkas and hornpipes.
Saturday, August 25 brings Baile An Salsa to Naul who bring together a mix of world-class musicians to deliver a distinctive musical style which they call ‘Salsa-Trad’. It’s a unique blend of Latin sounds with Irish traditional music which proves to be a thrilling combination.
Finally on Friday, August 31, the Seamus Ennis Arts Centre presents Hudson Taylor plus special guests Wyvern Lingo. Siblings Harry and Alfie Hudson Taylor played to one of the biggest crowds of the weekend at the Electric Picnic festival in September, and their lead-off Irish single ‘Feel It Again’ was one of the biggest national airplay hits of 2017.
Deirdre Roche, director of the Seamus Ennis Arts Centre said: ‘We are looking forward to presenting our most ambitious and diverse summer programme to date with more events than ever before. The addition of dance and cinema events will ensure that there is something for everybody. Our newly installed, all-weather stretch tent over our outdoor event space will also ensure that summer rain won’t dampen partygoers’ enthusiasm. The addition this year of specialist food vendors plus craft beers provided by O’Hara’s will complete the Garden Party experience.’
It all promises to be another wondeerful series of events in the Piper’s Garden at the Seamus Ennis Centre, this summer and whether live music, cinema or getting on your dancing shoes, there’s something for everyone.
For more details on the Garden Party summer series in Naul go to tseac.ie