The Corkman

Ballincoll­ig Winter Music Festival returns with a winning line-up

- BY LARA HADDAOUI

THE Ballincoll­ig Winter Music Festival returns with a rake of acts set to enliven the town from Wednesday, January 24, to Sunday, January 28.

This year, the festival will showcase an impressive lineup of both national and internatio­nal musicians, all made possible by the support of The Arts Council.

The festival which is suitable for all ages will boast over twenty varied events which include not only headline concerts featuring top-tier artists but also free musical sessions, interactiv­e workshops, and a plethora of community based activities.

During the few days, Ballincoll­ig is set to transform into a dynamic hub of creativity and cultural exchange.

Festival highlights include

24 January, at 8pm - Duke Special with Tim Easton: The festival opens with a captivatin­g evening of musical narratives and heartfelt performanc­es by Duke Special and Tim Easton.

25 January, at 8pm - Mike McGoldrick & Dezi Donnelly with the Niall Vallely Trio: Enjoy a night of musical mastery, blending traditiona­l Irish and Congolese sounds.

26 January, at 8:30pm - Dirk and Amelia Powell with The Oars: Join the celebrated daughter/ father duo from Southwest Louisiana for an evening of soulful traditiona­l and original music, along with The Oars’ album launch.

27 January – Karan Casey with Niamh Dunne & Sean Og Graham + Moynihan: Irish singer-songwriter Karan Casey performs alongside Niamh Dunne and Sean Og Graham, featuring the Moynihan siblings.

27 January – Live in the Ballincoll­ig Winter Music Festival Club at 10:30 pm – Free Event Freeman’s Country Carvery.

28 January - Hothouse Flowers with Special Guests No Name Trio: The festival concludes with the Hothouse Flowers, offering a blend of traditiona­l Irish music with soul and rock, joined by the innovative No Name Trio.

The Ballincoll­ig Winter Music Festival is set to resonate with the rich sounds of traditiona­l Irish music, featuring an array of ‘Trad Sessions’ throughout the event.

Audiences will be treated to performanc­es by the renowned Ceili All Stars, the masterful Derek Hickey, and the skillful Nigel Grufferty.

Adding to the weekend’s charm, a special Sunday lunchtime performanc­e by ‘BEO,’ featuring the talented trio of Padraic Keane, Paraic MacDonncha­dha, and Macdara Ó Faoláin, is scheduled.

For those keen on learning, the festival offers a variety of workshops. Immerse yourself in vocal techniques with Áine Whelan, delve into the rhythms of Cajun music with Dirk and Amelia Powel, or refine your skills in traditiona­l guitar with Conor O’Sullivan.

An exclusive opportunit­y awaits at Crowley’s Music Centre, where attendees can explore the Instrument Maker Showcase, a celebratio­n of craftsmans­hip and musical heritage.

All of these elements contribute­s to making the Ballincoll­ig Winter Music Festival an exciting event brimming with culture, education, and entertainm­ent.

 ?? ??

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Ireland