MusicattheGateisback
THERE will be some very special guests at the November Music at the Gate event.
This popular gathering, which has gained huge popularity since it was started by Darragh Ó hEiligh just two months ago, will take place on November 4th.
In a new feature, #MusicAtTheGate will have a very special guest slot for the last 45 minutes of each gig.
The featured guests for the next event are world famous fiddle player Niall Murphy and guitar player Lunasa Paul Meehan.
Founder of #MusicAtTheGate Darragh Ó hEiligh explains: ‘It’s a real coup to have musicians of this calibre want to join our session. Following on from the success of #CloseThe Gate, the #MusicAtTheGate story is a powerful one. Niall and Paul were both enthralled by the concept and I was thrilled when they accepted our invitation to play. We cannot wait to welcome them.’
Asked how he intends to contend with the winter weather in November, Darragh smiles and explains that he’s arranging shelter and that hopefully there’ll be plenty of dancing to keep the blood flowing.
Talking about the local trad music scene, Darragh continues: ‘#MusicAtTheGate is all about traditional music and dancing. Drogheda has quite a hidden trad scene. We’re using #MusicAtTheGate to find those musicians, create a network and really get Drogheda’s trad scene hopping.’
He explains: ‘I was surprised at the level of support out there for traditional Irish music. The positivity that we experienced towards #MusicAtTheGate has empowered a group of musicians who wouldn’t ordinarily play in public to come out and meet regularly every week. Ahead of the Fleadh and when the Fleadh has come and gone, it is important for Drogheda that we keep that community of musicians active.’
Music at the Gate is designed to be an inclusive event. ‘Of course there will be musicians who’ve been playing for decades, but it’s just as important for us to welcome new musicians and children to be part of the seisuin. Playing with others is an intrinsic part of developing your own style as a trad musician and we encourage musicians all ages and abilities to sit in and play.’
Darragh has been supported in the planning of these gigs by a small but enthusiastic crew. But he’s quick to point out that this is not an exclusive club. ‘We want to grow this gig and, by extension the traditional music scene in Drogheda. We’d love to hear from anyone who would like to get involved in planning the gigs, event management, PR or anyone who has the skills, interest or enthusiasm to join our gang. If that’s you, then I’d love to hear from you by email: darragh@ceol.fm is the best way to reach me.’ Music at the Gate is a free outdoor traditional music event and all are welcome to come along and enjoy the experience. The event runs from 10.30am to 2pm on Saturday, November 4th at the foot of St Laurence’s Gate.