The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Top acts line up to honour Christie at 2017 festival
10th anniversary of Tralee singer’s death marked by biggest festival ever in his honour
COMMITMENTS star, Bronagh Gallagher is one of a host of top Irish acts that will to perform at 2017 Christie Hennessy Festival which takes place this weekend in Tralee
10 years after his untimely passing Hennessy’s life and musical legacy will be celebrated by a host of top singer-songwriters from all over Ireland at the two day Festiva which will be hosted by The Ashe Hotel, Tralee on Friday November 3 and Saturday November 4.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the untimely death of Tralee’s most famous singing and song-writing star which will give this year’s Christie Hennessy Festival added significance.
Bronagh Gallagher, who starred in The Commitments and many other blockbuster movies, will be the special guest at the 7 th Annual IMRO Christie Hennessy Song Competition Live Final.
Meanwhile Mike Hanrahan from legendary folk group, Stockton’s Wing, will perform at the festival Troubadour Club, as will leading Irish singer-songwriter, Luan Parle.
Tralee Chamber Alliance CEO Kieran Ruttledge said it promises to be a weekend to remember.
“The Christie Hennessy Festival is a wonderful event for anyone who enjoys listening to live music. Both nights are great occasions with fantastic talent on display and everyone on stage will perform their own original songs,” said Mr Ruttledge.
“I am constantly amazed by the standards of musicianship in Ireland and this festival is a great platform for these bands to showcase their talent. It’s all done in honour of Tralee’s own Christie Hennessy, who was himself a great singer and songwriter,” said Kieran Ruttledge.
“We are grateful to everyone who has supported the event – The Ashe Hotel, Tralee Credit Union, IMRO and Mark Leen who has kindly sponsored the festival billboard at Balloonagh Cross on Pembroke Street,” Mr Ruttledge said.
The weekend’s entertainment will kick off with The Troubadour Club in The Ashe Hotel from 8.30pm on Friday November 3.
The club’s latest event will feature top Irish singer/songwriter, Luan Parle and Mike Hanrahan along with The Shans, Sweet F.A., Isolated Frequency, FoxTales, Jamie O’Reilly and Mark Leen. Each of the featured nine acts at the Troubadour Club will perform three songs in a cabaret setting.
Luan Parle, Aisling O’Carroll from Kerry School of Music, Suzanne Ennis from Tralee Credit Union and Tralee Municipal Councillor Sam Locke will form the judging panel for the 7th Annual IMRO Christie Hennessy Song Compeition from 8.30pm on Saturday, November 4.
They will have their work cut out to pick a winner from the original songs that will be performed live by the ten finalists who were shortlisted from over 200 entries from all over Ireland.
Flying the flag for the Kingdom in the singer-songwriter contest is talented 18-year-old Lyreacrompane native Lorraine Nash.
The up and coming young musician is winning huge acclaim as her fresh folk songs have garnered plenty of hits on sites like YouTube and Soundcloud.
Playing music and singing since she was knee-high, Lorraine is in the competition with her beautiful song Snow- flakes - a melody that’s already a winner with her many fans in her home county and in Cork, where she is, appropriately, studying music.
The winning songwriter will be presented with a cheque for €1,000 on the night, courtesy of Tralee Credit Union while the runner up receives a cheque for €300.
Katie O’Connor took home the top prize last year with her song ‘Just Too Young’.
Tralee-native, renowned singer-songwriter and Festival co-organiser, Francie Conway said his old friend Christie would be proud to see a celebration of his life used to help young musicians get their career off the ground.
“The Christie Hennessy Festival is held in high regard within the Irish music industry and this year’s line-up is a testament to its popularity. As a fellow-songwriter, I think Christie Hennessy would be delighted to have his celebration weekend showcasing new song-writing talent.”
Admission to The Troubadour Club on Friday is only €10 while admission to the IMRO Song Competition Final on Saturday is Free. Both events will get underway at 8.30pm.
ALL over 18’s who arrive at the Troubadour Club gig before 9pm on Friday night will – on presentation of their admission ticket at the bar –receive a complimentary pint.
Tickets for both events are available from Tralee Chamber Alliance Office on 18 Denny Street, Tralee (066 7121472) and at the door in The Ashe Hotel on both nights.