Entertaining Sligo
ANÚNA CHORAL CONCERT
A special event this year is the Choral Concert by Anúna in St. Columbus Church, Drumcliffe on Friday, May 5th at 8pm. Anúna - founded in 1987 by Irish composer Michal McGlynn in an effort to create a physical voice for his compositions many of which are strongly influenced by the history and mythology of his homeland. Ireland has a long and sophisticated history of traditional singing or sean nós which McGlynn uses as the basis for many of his arrangements and compositions. The name Anúna is derived from the Gaelic term An Uaithne, a collective description for the three ancient forms of Irish music - Goltraí ( song of lament), Geantraí ( song of joy) and Suantraí ( the lullaby). An Uaithne and subsequently Anúna is a uniquely beautiful instrument. The purity and natural techniques that are employed by the singers explore the stories of ordinary people, poets, saints and scholars. Seewww. anuna. ie Tickets on sale at the Fáilte Ireland Office, O’Connell Street, Sligo www. coscos. ie or phone Brenda at 0861925988.
RONNIE HUGHES: STRANGE EXHIBITIONS
The Model is delighted to present a major solo, touring show of recent work by Irish artist Ronnie Hughes. One of Ireland’s most dynamic abstract painters, Hughes’ elegant and poised works are executed with complex technical skill, yet retain a lightness of touch. While his finished paintings display a diversity of styles, at heart they share a common concern with the lived experience, and what Hughes has described as “the beauty, the fragility and the violence of being.” It will be running from this Saturday the 15th of April until the 22nd of June. Hughes, who has been based in Sligo since the mid 1990s, has shown widely both in Ireland and the US. Major solo projects over recent years have included exhibitions at Dublin City Gallery; The Hugh Lane, Ormeau Baths Gallery, Belfast and Millennium Court Arts Centre, Portadown. On the opening night of the 15th there will be an exhibition preview at 3.30 followed by Ronnie Hughes in conversation with Martin Herbert at 4.30 and an opening reception at 5.30pm. For more info call the model on: 071- 91- 41405.
SHORE SHOTS
Over the weekend of April 22 and 23 there will be international artists, MTV video makers, pro- surfers, movies, tech showcasing the latest and most dramatic movies made about surfing as well as footage of surfers who dedicate their lives to the cold- water lifestyle. But you don’t need to be a surfer to attend; the festival will this year celebrate all that is best about the Wild Atlantic Way with opportunities to take yoga classes, sample great local food, learn kayaking and go on specially organised hikes and enjoy interviews at The Model Sligo, the festivals 2017 base. Tickets for the weekend are € 40 and include access to all films, talks, music and interviews with an additional charge for Easkey Britton. Shore Shots is this year partnered by Look West. ie and sponsored by Tullamore D. E. W. The world- famous distillery will be staging its D. E. W& a Brew sipping experience on a curated bar trail all over Sligo on April 22 and 23. For more information: www.shoreshots.ie.
ELEANOR SHANLEY
Eleanor’s career has spanned over 20 years, and she still possesses a voice as pure and lyrical as the first day she stepped in front of a microphone with De Danann in 1990. She will play the Glens Centre Manhorhamilton on May 6th from 8.30- 10.30pm. Renowned for her unique interpretation of Irish and Roots songs, Eleanor Shanley has been at the top of her profession since her first appearance with De Danann.
She recorded two critically acclaimed albums with them ‘ A Jacket of Batteries’ and ‘ Half Set in Harlem’. Her 14th album “Forever Young”, features twelve beautifully arranged and performed tracks in Eleanor’s inimitable style accompanied by musicians such as Damien Mullane and Eamonn De Barra. Tickets are € 12€ 15 and are available now from the box office on: 071- 98- 55833.
DUET AT THE WELL
The second in our Duets at the Well series, John Wynne and John McEvoy bring us that classic combination of flute and fiddle which has such pride of place in traditional Irish music.
Drawing on the immense flute and fiddle tradition of north Connacht and on their Roscommon connections, this duo are ideally matched stylistically. Intermediate to advanced instrument workshops with this duo are available on Sunday 23 April from 3 - 4pm. Cost € 10/ person, and are subject to demand. Contact info@ hawkswell. com.
DARKNESS INTO LIGHT
The annual 5K Darkness into Light Walk/ Run in aid of Pieta House is taking place on Saturday the 6th of May. A community will come together at the Knocknarea Arena at 4.15am and walk/ run in support of positive mental health. There are various walks taking place in locations around Sligo County such as Banada and Ballymote.
This is a truly unique experience made by you: Family, friends and friends you haven’t met yet gathering in support of those who may be struggling or those we have lost. Together we stand together as a community and shine a beacon of light and hope. Register now at www. dil. pieta. ie.