What's On

This summer, glór will present an exhibition featuring three craftspeople at the top of their game: contemporary willow artist and basket maker Hanna Van Aelst; ceramicist Jackie Maurer and textile artist Lesley Stothers.

Common Languages will celebrate the best in design and innovation and presents the work of three exceptional craftspeople, each of whom are passionate about the idea of making, their sense of place and the sharing of skills. This exhibition will showcase work that is produced using very traditional craft skills and will celebrate the values of crafts practice in the 21st century by bringing together work that expresses imaginative contemporary ideas through an understanding of materials, skills and traditions.

A Guided Tour led by the artists followed by demonstrations will take place on Saturday 14 July at 11.30am. Free of charge and all welcome.

A Dementia Friendly tour will take place on Thursday 12th July at 11.30am. For more information, please click here.

A Basket Making Workshop and guided tour with Hanna Van Aelst will take place on Saturday 11 August at 11.30am.  For more information please click here.

BreakThrough Dance Company break the boundaries this year as they bring you their very first professional company show!!

'Written In The Stars' is an amalgamation of dance, song and performance art performed by the senior members, past pupils and teachers of BreakThrough Dance Company.

Take time to tune in to your body, your breath, your self with yoga.   Find comfort and ease in the body through movement and developing awareness.  Let go of unnecessary tensions, allowing well-being to arise naturally, and bring this into your everyday life.

Suitable for beginners and people with experience of yoga.  Susie is fully qualified to teach in the Satyananda tradition of yoga (recognised by the Yoga Federation of Ireland and the British Wheel of Yoga).

€70 for 6 sessions.  Classes ongoing throughout the year, you can join at any time.

Practical information:

• Wear loose comfortable clothing in layers. Shoes are not worn;
• Bring a blanket with you for keeping cosy during the relaxation.  Mats are provided;
• Yoga is best practiced on an empty stomach;
• If you have any health problems it is advisable to check with your doctor whether s/he considers yoga to be appropriate for you.

For more information or to book, please contact Susie McNaughton 086 7354461.  If a session is missed, it can be made up at other yoga classes during the week, or on other days over a maximum of 8 weeks.

People who do yoga often find it’s more than just a great form of exercise it can also improve our whole outlook. This class will hopefully guide teens through the best poses and practices to build the strength, confidence and peace of mind they need to navigate through secondary school and beyond!  The Gift of Yoga is here for them!

Health Benefits:

•  Strengthens, tones and builds muscle
•  Increases flexibility and corrects posture
•  Sharpens concentration and improves positive motivation
•  Reduce exam and life stresses
•  Weight management
•  Renews and invigorates complexion
•  Creates balance and grace

For further information or to book, call workshop facilitator Una on 087 2388463.

glór presents an exhibition of new work by Adam Pomeroy.

Adam is a one of Ireland’s leading contemporary figurative artists and his work has been shown widely in Ireland and the UK. Paintings from his biblical series can be seen in Galway and Ennis cathedrals, and have also been shown in Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin. The work in Nocturne is concerned with minimalist realism, paring down representation to the essential without sacrificing the integrity of the subject. Nocturne is as much about what is not painted as what is.

‘A stillness pervades his work…He casts a melancholy spell, but the work is far from gloomy. In his concentrated attentiveness there is also a delight in sheer vitality.’ Aidan Dunne, Irish Times

Award winning musician Eoin O’Neill will be joined by special guests from the Clare music scene for these monthly family trad sessions.

Eoin has lived in Clare for the past 30 years and has been an integral part of the traditional music landscape in the county. In 2015 Eoin was the winner of the MÓRglór award for Outstanding  Contribution to Traditional Music in County Clare and he is famous for his informal music sessions and classes in many venues throughout the county.

The whole family can take part so bring along your instruments and tune up!

An opportunity for children to learn French through games, songs, rhymes, stories, role-plays and fun! Age appropriate classes for primary and secondary school children from age 5 upwards.

Classes start on Saturday 15 September.

Please pre-book with Rhona Gomès at 086-8262500 as spaces are limited.
For more information about La Jolie Ronde please visit www.lajolieronde.ie

These childrens art classes will take place in the glór foyer with experienced teacher Helen Lowe.

All material is included in the class. The series of classes will touch on still life, portrait, landscape, abstract and animals. For this series of classes we will use oil pastels, watercolors and acrylic on different media. The aim is that after 5 classes the children will feel comfortable with using different media and supports. Class size is limited so please book in advance.

Cost per student €110
(€100 for 2nd child / €80 for 3rd child from same family)

Booking directly with Helen on 086 736 3320.
More information at www.facebook.com/quinart.class

Clare Youth Theatre are back for another term of fun filled imaginative activities in which teenagers learn theatre skills including acting, lighting and stage design, script writing, movement and set design.

An initiative of Clare Arts Office. Open to young people of secondary school age.

One month before his death, retired civil servant and man of few words Paddy O’Grady had a sudden urge to talk. Using a cassette tape recorder, he recorded hours of absurdist stories and musings on life.

Now, Paddy’s granddaughter examines the fragile personas we present to the world, who we might be behind them and who we could be instead in a show about emotional inheritance and grief for wasted creativity that serves as both a tribute and a warning.

Supported by the Arts Council

"...a striking piece of theatrical work." - Reviews Hub
“A charming meditation on inheritance” – Peter Crawley, Irish Times
"...a compelling, bravura performance."- Galway Advertiser
"... beautifully realised..." - Reviews Hub
"...This is a play about family, but also about individuality. It makes for a great story." - Reviews Hub
“… extremely charming, well-executed, and leaves one feeling there is slightly more good in the world than beforehand.” – Reviews Hub
“...stellar performance...” – Meg.ie

Music Network is delighted to bring together the unique voice of Maighread Ní Dhomhnaill in concert with phenomenal accordionist, Máirtín O'Connor and gifted multi-instrumentalist and vocalist, Séamie O’Dowd. The adventurous musical spirit that has seen O'Connor and O’Dowd dazzle and intrigue audiences through their past musical collaborations will explore new avenues as they enjoy the freedom of the instrumental duo format while also combining their creative talents to create a gorgeous soundscape to enhance the traditional songs for which Ní Dhomhnaill is renowned. An opportunity to hear material old and new, performed by a sublime trio, that will range from exquisite to high-spirited and will undoubtedly be inspirational!
 

• Máirtín O’Connor, Accordion
• Maighread Ní Dhomhnaill, Voice
• Séamie O'Dowd, Guitar/Fiddle/Voice

“One of the most versatile Irish button accordion players” – Folkworld [on O’Connor]
“Dark and deep, sonorous and controlled” – The Irish Times [on Ní Dhomhnaill]
“Musical legend” – The independent [on O’Dowd]

Duration: 60 mins

Clare has produced many celebrated poets over the years and The Clare Poetry Collective members will each introduce a Clare poet of the past, (Mairéad Ní Ghráda, Joseph Meany, Thomas Dermody, Eithne Strong, Brian Merriman, Peter Kay, Brendan O’Beirne), talk about their work, read one or more of their poems, and then read some of their own work.

An informing and entertaining gathering of powerful poetry, well read.

Practically all hailing from Limerick - with a dash of Galway and Australia - The Brad Pitt Light Orchestra's music is a blend of warm vocal harmonies, classy instrumentation and ear-catching melodies that is desperately hard to categorise yet strangely easy to love.

The five-piece BPLO have toured Ireland extensively with their theatrical show as well as with the music of Leonard Cohen, Van Morrison and David Bowie in Irish language performances.

A powerful piece of devised theatre from An Tain Arts Centre’s Company-In-Residence exploring the issue of mental illness in Ireland.

I’m falling between the cracks in myself, and I don’t know how to crawl back out…

Quintessence Theatre use their innovative physical ensemble story-telling techniques mingled with multi-media platforms of film and music to poignantly explore the profound struggle individuals with mental illness face on a daily basis in Ireland today.

In this darkly comical and deeply moving new play an unsuccessful suicide attempt leaves young Leanne Dowd estranged and attempting to pick up the pieces of a life still shattered by mental illness. Devised by the company and directed by Anna Simpson, a Creative Associate of the Pleasance and Practitioner with the Globe, London, this brand new work seeks to expose the lived experience of battling a severe mental illness in an inefficient and unsympathetic system through the eyes of one young woman.

There is no one way to meditate, yet there are some common steps that can help us on our way to a more meditative space.  Regularity of practice is one of the keys, and this new Monday Morning Meditation aims to become a comfortable space for on-going practice as well as introducing newcomers to the fundamentals of meditation. 

In each guided session, awareness of the body and the breath will be used as anchors for practice - you will become familiar with tuning in to them.  We will experiment with concentration practices, watching the mind and its thoughts, chanting and drawing/ colouring.  Sometimes we will sit in stillness (on the floor or on chairs), other times we will be moving.  Over time, you’ll find out which approach works best for you, and gain the tools to introduce it into your daily life.   A regular meditation practice can be pure gold.

For more information or to book, contact Susie on 086 7354461.

80% of people have or will suffer from lower back pain.  In most cases it is not due to serious pathology, but it can still have significant consequences for your quality of life. 
This specialised, evidence-based, 12 week Programme is aimed at helping people to get back to being more active again.  You will learn simple, gentle yoga movements and breathing practices targeting back comfort, good posture and improved back health.  YHLB aims at re-educating and re-aligning the body, along with increasing the ability to relax and promoting self-awareness.

Booking in advance is essential to check the course in suitable for you.  Contact Susie on 086 7354461 or susmcnaughton@yahoo.ie to have a chat and/ or book.
Further details on the YHLB Programme can be found at  www.yogaforbacks.co.uk

Classes will run on Tuesday mornings for 12 weeks: 25 September - 06 November and 13 November - 18 December.
Payment can be in installments.

Developed by Deepak Chopra, M.D. and David Simon, M.D. co-founders of The Chopra Centre for Wellbeing.

Practicing Primordial Sound Meditation on a daily basis can help you to:

• Manage stress
• Reduce anxiety
• Improve your relationships
• Create inner peace
• Awaken your intuition
• Enhance your sleep patterns
• Lower your blood pressure
• Become less judgemental
• Connect to spirit

Primordial Sound Meditation is a meditation technique originating in the ancient wisdom of India. Primordial sounds – the basic, most essential sounds of nature – are used to disconnect us from the activity of life.  These individually selected sounds, known as mantras, are based on the vibration the universe was making at the moment of your birth.

Once your Primordial Sound mantra has been determined, you will be taught how to use it on a daily basis to reawaken balance, tranquillity, and compassion within.  Your Chopra Centre-certified instructor will help you to integrate this practice into your daily routine.

Drs. Deepak Chopra and David Simon founded the Chopra Centre for Wellbeing in Carlsbad, California, to offer individuals from around the world programs in stress management, mind-body medicine, emotional healing, and life transformation.  They have both practiced and taught the fusion of Ayurveda with modern science for over 35 years.

Discover tools to reduce stress, create inner peace and balance in your life. Book now on 086 608 6663 or mtcostelloe@protonmail.com

Dir: Sean Baker 2017
USA 115 mins
Cert: 15A English

Six-year-old Moonie, (Brooklynn Prince) lives with her mother Halley, (Bria Vinaite) in a Florida motel. Along with her friends, Moonie spends the summer exploring the urban wilderness and getting into every sort of mischief. Halley, meanwhile, desperately tries to make ends meet. Kind but stern manager Bobby, (Willem Dafoe) tries to keep his patience as rent goes unpaid and the hyperactive kids run wild.

Following a sold-out run at the Tivoli Theatre in Dublin, this fast-paced, energetic production paying tribute to the legendary music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons returns for a nationwide tour. Putting their charismatic stamp on timeless classics such as ‘Big Girls Don’t Cry’, ‘Walk Like A Man’, ‘Sherry’, and ‘Oh What A Night’ the boys take you on a nostalgic trip down memory lane and remind you exactly why The Four Seasons sold over 100 million records and earned themselves a place in the prestigious Rock and Roll Hall of Fame!
 
With slick choreography, charm, charisma, brilliant audience participation, and amazing live vocals, it’s clear to see why Frankie’s Guys are receiving standing ovations up and down the country.

Pop sensation and winner of Dancing With The Stars 2018, Jake Carter, has taken the Irish pop music scene by storm since his launch on Irish national television back in 2017.  Now he is thrilled to be announcing a brand new tour this Autumn!  Jake has quickly developed a name for himself as the next big thing on the Irish pop music scene and has wowed audiences across the country with his energetic live performances. To date Jake has released five singles and an EP titled ‘Three Things’, all of which have received rave reviews from his fan base and from radio.

In RTÉ’s Dancing With The Stars 2018, Jake quickly established himself as the one to watch in the competition scoring top marks most weeks and regularly taking top place on the leader board. So it was no surpise when Jake and Karen landed themselves a place in the grand final and ultimately went on to take the title of king and queen of the dance floor 2018.

Following his success on Dancing With The Stars, Jake released two new singles to radio titled ‘The Little Things You Do’ and most recently ‘Take Me Dancing’ which featured pop diva Una Healy of the multiplatinum-selling girl group The Saturdays.

Jake recently completed a hugely successful debut Irish tour.  Due to phenomenal demand he is delighted to announce his brand new tour this Autumn which will see him and his band perform across the country in Omagh, Letterkenny, Ennis, Thurles, Claremorris and Dublin.  “I am over the moon to be going back on the road with my band! We had so much fun on the last tour.  There were pockets of the country that we missed and we really want to bring our show to those places!

25 years ago a young man had a dream and that dream was to perform. As an actor success came quickly with the National Youth Theatre and early TV appearances in Yorkshire Television’s Heartbeat and Drop The Dead Donkey for Channel 4. His starring role in Our Friends In The North led to him becoming a household name. Daniel Craig* has achieved everything he set out to do and has reached the very pinnacle of the entertainment industry.

25 years ago another young man had a dream. And hope. And hair. He is still hanging on to all three… just about.

Best known for his TV appearances on the award winning Blame Game, Murphy and O’Kane Do Le Football, The Panel, and The Blizzard of Odd, Colin has performed his stand-up all over the world from Montreal to Melbourne, Beijing to Ballybofey.

*Daniel Craig will not be appearing in this show.

Directed by Joe O'Byrne
Performed by Darragh Byrne and John Ruddy
Set Design by Robert Ballagh
Lighting Design by Conleth White

Twenty-five years after its first groundbreaking tour, Pat McCabe's Frank Pig Says Hello returns this Autumn to twenty theatres across Ireland, in a new production that brilliantly captures the legendary original.

Desperately funny and yet deeply tragic, Frank Pig Says Hello is one of the great classics of modern Irish theatre. It tells the story of Francie Brady growing up in a small Irish town in the 1960s and his descent towards a brutal act that shocks his community. Described as “one of the saddest and funniest tales I have seen”The Irish Times; “a masterpiece” The Evening Herald and “an extraordinary piece of theatre” The Sunday Independent, the original production coincided with McCabe's Booker-winning novel of the same story entitled “The Butcher Boy”. The play distils Francie's infamous narrative into a riveting evening of pure, concentrated theatre.

Featuring mesmerising performances by two actors, Darragh Byrne and John Ruddy, Frank Pig is regarded as one of the most vivid, hilarious and heartbreaking evocations ever seen on a stage of an Irish childhood and adolescence gone wrong. From the opening live trumpet notes over an image of a happy, comical boy acting the piglet, to the breathtaking depiction of a dark deed, this is theatre at its most entertaining and gripping best.

“It is simply impossible to imagine an audience that wouldn’t enjoy what they do,” says the Boston Globe speaking of Cherish the Ladies, the long-running, Grammy-nominated, Irish-American super group that formed in New York City in 1985 to celebrate the rise of women in what had been a male-dominated Irish music scene and has since toured the world, played the White House and the Olympics, recorded 17 outstanding albums including their latest release, “Heart of the Home” being launched in Ireland in the autumn.

Under the the leadership of the dynamic and irrepressible flute and whistle champion Joanie Madden, Grammy-nominated, Irish-American super group Cherish the Ladies create a spectacular blend of virtuoso instrumental talents, beautiful vocals, captivating arrangements, and stunning step dancing. Their continued success as one of the top Celtic groups in the world is due to the ensemble’s ability to take the best of Irish traditional music and dance and put it forth in an immensely entertaining package. 

For more than 30 years, the Ladies have performed thousands of concerts and have collaborated with such notable musicians as The Boston Pops, The Clancy Brothers, The Chieftains, Vince Gill, Nanci Griffith, Pete Seeger, Don Henley, Arlo Guthrie and Maura O'Connell as well as being the featured soloist with over 300 performances with symphony orchestras. The New York Times calls their music “passionate, tender, and rambunctious,” and the Washington Post praises their “astonishing array of virtuosity.” They’ve won recognition as the BBC’s Best Musical Group of the Year and not to mention having a street named after them in the Bronx! 

Join Joanie Madden, Mary Coogan, Mirella Murray and Kathleen Boyle in concert as they launch their latest album - with special guest vocalists Don Stiffe, Kate Purcell, Bruce Foley, along with instrumentalists Donnchadh Gough and Nollaig Casey and spectacular dancers David Geaney and Nathan Pilatzke!

Award winning musician Eoin O’Neill will be joined by special guests from the Clare music scene for these monthly family trad sessions.

Eoin has lived in Clare for the past 30 years and has been an integral part of the traditional music landscape in the county. In 2015 Eoin was the winner of the MÓRglór award for Outstanding  Contribution to Traditional Music in County Clare and he is famous for his informal music sessions and classes in many venues throughout the county.

The whole family can take part so bring along your instruments and tune up!

Following her astonishing International success with ‘Jealous of the Angels’ which has now achieved Multi-Platinum status with well in excess of 100 Million streams Donna Taggart is delighted to announce an Autumn 2018 Concert Tour in Ireland.

Just back from the USA after touring with legendary singer/songwriter Phil Coulter Donna’s distinctive emotional singing style has drawn comparisons with the likes of Eva Cassidy, Mary Black and Alison Krauss. Although Donna has only recently gained international recognition she is making up for lost time.  Her debut Irish and UK Tour in 2017 enthralled audiences and has established her as one of Ireland’s top Live Female performers.

We are delighted to welcome back this very popular workshop on Modern Calligraphy for Beginners.  A fresh and contemporary approach to the age-old skill of beautiful writing, this revived and reimagined style of calligraphy is already proving popular with type-lovers and wedding parties across the US and UK. During this workshop you will be introduced to the joys of writing with dip nib and ink by learning the basic techniques, letter forms and how to compose words and phrases.  The workshop fee includes a kit of all you need for the class and to continue practicing at home.

Early booking strongly advised.
Fee is €55 per person and includes all materials (Starter Calligraphy Kit with pen holder, nib, calligraphy ink, guide sheets, paper, blotting paper)

Katherine Hunka - Director
Michael Buckley - Flute

• Mozart Eine Kleine Nachtmusik (A Little Night Music), KV 525
• Ronan Guilfoyle  Pipe Dreams Concerto for Jazz Flute
• Tchaikovsky Souvenir de Florence, Op. 70

Mozart’s joyful serenade, Eine Kleine Nachtmusik is one of his most beautiful and best-loved works, full of memorable melodies.  Tchaikovsky’s jewel, his Souvenir de Florence was his final piece of chamber music – this tribute to the city of Florence is a wonderful celebration, full of lyricism and ecstatic vigour.  Originally scored for sextet, the ICO performs the Souvenir as a string orchestra, which adds to the richness inherent in the music, and amplifies Tchaikovsky’s gorgeous, full, lush sound world.  In between, renowned Jazz flute virtuoso Michael Buckley performs Pipe Dreams, an effervescent concerto for Jazz flute and orchestra by Ronan Guilfoyle.  A playful dialogue between Michael and orchestra demonstrates the flute’s agility – join us and experience a new and vibrant collaboration!

“The concert full of splendid music under leader Katherine Hunka, benefited from an eclectic approach….overall a stimulating and thought-provoking concert”
The Sunday Business Post

Bam! Pow! Biff! Shazam! 

They are back in the ring for a glittering bout of knock-out, body-slamming comedy gold. They dance like a butterfly and sing like a bee. They'll have you flat out on the mat with laughter. They will literally punch you right in the kisser with their gloves of gags and gaiety. Who? The Nualas. What? Their new show, Glam-Slam. Where? At a reputable entertainment out-let near you.
Don't miss this slug-fest of musical genius from Ireland's first ladies of comedy.

'I laughed until I cried.'
'I laughed until my face hurt.'
'I have never laughed so much, an absolutely brilliant show.'
Real quotes from real people who actually saw the show.

‘Non-stop belly laughs’ Guide2Dublin
‘Inventive and wonderfully entertaining’ The Evening Herald
‘The Nualas have put comedy and music in a blender and come up with a world class soufflé.’ Sunday Times.

Performing contemporary gospel with a touch of jazz and blues, The World Famous Harlem Gospel Choir is synonymous with power vocals, glorious sound and infectious energy. For over two decades they have been America's premier gospel choir and have toured the globe thrilling audiences with the inspirational power of black gospel music.

Deeply rooted in the history of the African-American slave trade, black gospel music can be traced back to the 1700s when African slaves brought their unique African musical heritage to America and combined it with their new faith - Christianity. Out of the hardship and the trials of slavery, this unique musical tradition came to be, and forever changed music as we know it. Blues, Soul, and Rock-and-Roll...they all have origins in black gospel music. Harlem Gospel Choir presents modern gospel classics as performed in the black churches of Harlem today.

Harlem Gospel Choir have performed alongside superstars such as Bono, Diana Ross, The Gorillaz, Andre Rieu, Damon Albarn, Pharrell Williams and most recently with JamieXX, Raury, KBS Korean Traditional Music Orchestra and Lang Lang, Lou Gramm of Foreigner, Dee Snider of Twisted Sister, Sia, Yolanda Adams, The 1975, Ibeyi, Nile Rodgers, Kathy Sledge and most recently at the 2018 Grammy Award Show with Sam Smith. They have performed for three Presidents (President Obama, President Carter and President Nelson Mandela), two Popes (Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI), Ban Ki-Moon, and the UN General Assembly. They have recorded with Keith Richards, The Chieftains, Andre Rieu, The Night of the Proms, and Trace Adkins among many others.

Harlem Gospel Choir embodies the spirit of American Gospel. Every concert is infectiously enthusiastic; a roller coaster ride of singing and dancing; a gospel celebration! The Choir's rich harmonies & dynamic sound are "UNFETTERED & JOYOUS". Their harmonious songs of love and hope and inspiration will touch the depths of your soul, lift your spirit, and take your breath away!

Get ready to tap your feet, clap your hands, and even dance on stage to their high-energy, joyous and exuberant performance! 

Once there was a boy who was always looking up. He dreamt of having a star as a friend. This is the story of his adventure.

Based on the beloved book by award-winning Irish author Oliver Jeffers, Branar Téatar do Pháistí are proud to present How to Catch a Star.  This adaptation combines puppetry with a magical original score by Colm Mac Con Iomaire.  Directed by Marc Mac Lochlainn, Branar’s signature storytelling creates a show which reminds us all to follow our dreams.
“How to Catch a Star” is published by HarperCollins Children’s Publishers.

Nonverbal show
For audiences aged 4+
Approx. 45 minutes

********************
Tráth dá raibh, bhí buachaill ann a bhí i gcónaí ag féachaint suas. Ba é rún a chroí réalt a bheith mar chara aige. Seo scéal a eachtra.

Tá ríméad ar Branar Téatar do Pháistí How to Catch a Star, bunaithe ar an leabhar clúiteach leis an údar Éireannach Oliver Jeffers, a chur i láthair os comhair an domhain.
San athchóiriú seo, stiúrtha ag Marc Mac Lochlainn, measctar an phuipéadóireacht le ceol nuachumtha draíochtúil ó Cholm Mac Con Iomaire. Cruthaítear seó le stíl scéalaíochta inaitheanta Branar, a mheabhraíonn dúinn uilig dul sa tóir ar ár mbrionglóidí.

Seó neamhbhriathartha.
Do lucht féachana 4 bliana d’aois agus níos sine.
Fad: Timpeall 45 nóiméad

By James Joyce
Adapted for the stage by Arthur Riordan

Rough Magic Arthur Riordan’s vibrant stage adaptation of James Joyce's seminal novel, brought to life by a dynamic new creative ensemble of actors and designers under Ronan Phelan’s direction.

The spiritual rebellion of Stephen Dedalus and his restless search for self-expression will be brought to life in a thrilling theatrical odyssey. Written during the political and artistic explosion of the early twentieth century, this is Joyce’s manifesto; the dazzling debut of Ireland’s epic re-inventor and architect of the English language.

Directed by Ronan Phelan
Set and Costume Design – Katie Davenport
Lighting Design – Sarah Jane Shiels
Sound Design and Composition – Denis Clohessy

Rough Magic is supported by the Arts Council

Pat Egan Management is proud to announce a major Irish Tour featuring Don Baker and Rob Strong commencing at The Olympia Theatre on 6th of October.  Don and Rob are celebrating 50 years on the road and are currently recording a new album, a feast of Blues and Soul, entitled “Brothers In Arms” to accompany the tour.

Don is a prolific singer/songwriter whose songs have been recorded by Sinead O’Connor, Declan O’Rourke, Finbar Furey, Liam Ó’Maonlaí while Bono has described him as “the best harmonica player in the world”. Don has also released a total of 15 albums during his career.  As an actor Don is best known for his roles in ‘In the Name of the Father’ alongside Daniel Day Lewis and as gangster Thomas Flynn in ‘Fair City’. He has published several books on how to play the harmonica which have been translated into many different languages.

Derry-born Rob Strong, performing on lead vocals and bass guitar, is another of Ireland’s living legends. Rob has been performing for five decades with a unique and sensational voice that saw him pull in huge crowds with one of the top showbands in the 60s, The Plattermen, and with his own band The Rockets in the 70s. Rob was even once offered the opportunity to join the world famous rockers Deep Purple. He also performs with his son Andrew Strong, lead singer of “The Commitments”.  They tour in Germany, Denmark and Sweden.

The Don Baker and Rob Strong Band features one of Italy’s best keyboard players, Salvatore Urbano from Naples. Sal’ has recorded with Damien Dempsey, Brian Kennedy, Sinead O’ Connor and Eleanor McEvoy and is widely regarded as amongst the best in the business. He fuses the band’s Blues and Rock genres with creative flair while Hugh O’ Neill, one of Ireland’s finest drummers, keeps up a driving rhythm.  Don, Rob and the boys guarantee a great night of Rock n’ Roll.

Following the huge success of Michael’s previous Concert Tours, he brings his show to glór on Thursday November 1st with his very special guest Louise Morrissey.

Michael’s popularity has skyrocketed since going on the road with his band 4 years ago packing out venues all over Ireland & the UK for both concerts & dances. Michael & his talented band are renowned for their energetic performances & with Michael's musical talents he plays both his famous 'red piano' & accordion at his shows. He is dedicated to giving his followers an unforgettable show each time they see him. And with accolades like 'Best Country Dance Band' at The Irish Country Music Awards & 'Vocalist of the Year' at The Sunday World country Music Awards under his belt there is no stopping the Kildare man!

Paul Brady, singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist is one of Ireland’s most highly regarded and successful artists. He crosses musical boundaries again and again, incorporating folk, rock, blues, traditional Irish and classic pop styles into his songwriting.
 
His live performances include songs from his extensive catalogue of 40 years, and he invites you into his world of songs and music in a way that will surprise in its intimacy, sense of fun and raw power.

Phil’s long career as a songwriter, producer and recording artiste has been recognised over the years with so many gold discs that the theme is totally appropriate.

Very few in the music business can boast of having chart entries in every decade since the sixties.  Even fewer can match the range of Phil’s output – from Eurovision winners to folk classics, from tender ballads to sporting anthems, from Luke Kelly to Elvis Presley!

His new show, Gold & Silver Days, will feature Phil’s personal favourites as he trawls through his 50 years of creativity.  As he says himself, “It will be a different and interesting collection – some of the big hits alongside some that I thought should have been hits!  Some songs that meant a lot to my bank manager as well as some that simply meant a lot to me”.

An original retrospective on the work of one of our finest, it’s a show for every lover of good music.

Award winning musician Eoin O’Neill will be joined by special guests from the Clare music scene for these monthly family trad sessions.

Eoin has lived in Clare for the past 30 years and has been an integral part of the traditional music landscape in the county. In 2015 Eoin was the winner of the MÓRglór award for Outstanding  Contribution to Traditional Music in County Clare and he is famous for his informal music sessions and classes in many venues throughout the county.

The whole family can take part so bring along your instruments and tune up!

Back on the road again Tommy Tiernan has a new show. He rants and raves, he dances and acts. He tries to be very silly and very serious at the same time. He mixes a love of comic rebellion and a refusal to be conscripted into a rational view of the world with a deep grá for talking and the poetry of everyday speech. Using high theatricality and lots of dirty words, this is a fast paced and exuberant celebration of everything that’s wild, wrong and wonderful about being alive right here, right now. It is by turns clever and then really stupid. BE THERE !

Tommy writes a weekly newspaper column for the Sunday Independent, appears as Da Gerry in Derry Girls on C4, hosts his own improvised chat show on RTÉ and has performed all over Ireland and the world as a stand up comedian for the past 23 years.

John B. Keane’s beloved hit comedy follows the efforts of Dicky Mick Dicky O Connor to make matches for the lonely and lovelorn from all parts of the country.  At the centre of this celebrated production is John B Keane’s marvellous and mischievous wit coupled by his unparalleled way with words.

John B. Keane takes us back to a simpler time, when even phones were few and far between and the only web was one left behind by spiders.

glór is delighted to announce that this year’s annual MÓRglór Award 2018 has been awarded to legendary concertina player, Chris Droney.

An inspiration to many musicians, both in Clare, nationally and internationally, and an outstanding ambassador for the traditional arts in Clare, Bellharbour born Chris Droney has been the recipient of many notable awards including the TG4 Gradam Saoil award for lifetime achievement; a CCÉ Bardic Award, a Teastas award, and in 2012 the prestigious Clare Person of the Year Award.

Chris was born in 1924 and has been playing music for almost eighty six years. He became Senior All-Ireland Concertina Champion nine times in the 1950s and 1960s and has played with several well-known céilí bands.

On Saturday 17 November, the people of Clare will come together to acknowledge a depth of gratitude to Chris for his enormous contribution to Traditional Irish Music with a concert in glór featuring Chris’ friends and family, and some of the most renowned traditional musicians and singers in the country and the county.

MÓRglór is an acknowledgement and celebration by glór of the wealth of professional & semi-professional artists, alongside the talented individuals, groups and communities within the county, all of whom provide a vital stimulus for the growth and development of Clare’s unique culture.

This prestigious annual award, named after Clare’s cultural ambassador and visionary, Muiris Ó Rocháin, is curated by glór in partnership with Dr. Tim Collins as producer of the event, and who coordinated the original concert in 2013. An anonymous panel of traditional arts practitioners and experts, assembled by glór, invites an Awardee, fitting with the objectives and spirit of MÓRglór. The previous MÓRglór recipients were Corofin Traditional Music Festival (2014), Eoin O'Neill (2015), Frank Custy (2016) and Geraldine Cotter (2017).

Early booking advised.

Acclaimed Writer, Poet and Performer Stephen James Smith proudly announces the forthcoming release of his debut book of poetry entitled ‘Fear Not’.
To launch it, he takes to the road for a 29 date live ‘My Ireland’ tour with special guest Enda Reilly.  He comes to glór on Saturday 17 November for an intimate performance in our studio.

Stephen James Smith is a Dublin poet and playwright central to the rise of the vibrant spoken word scene in Ireland today. His poetry videos have amassed over 2.5 million views.  Stephen has performed at Electric Picnic, Other Voices, the National Concert Hall and Vicar Street, as well as London Palladium, Glastonbury, and other events dotted across the globe.

Stephen has recently been  announced as Artist in Residence with Dunamaise Arts Centre and Laois Arts Office, where he will develop the first ever Laois Spoken Word Project for young people in the county. He has been translated into Irish, Spanish, Slovenian, Polish, Dutch and Italian.  Stephen’s debut collection of Poetry, Fear Not, is published by Arlen House with a launch due in Autumn 2018.

Enda Reilly is a singer, guitarist and songwriter from Dublin - working in Irish as well as English.  He counts John Spillane, Kíla, Liam Ó Maonlaí, John Prine and the RTÉ Concert Orchestra among his collaborators.  Expect a truly special mix of spoken word and live music from himself and Stephen James Smith at glór.

Enjoy an evening of Festive Food and Fashion hosted by Ciana Campbell with demonstrations by celebrity chef Kevin Dundon and fashion on show by Annette’s Boutique. Kevin Dundon will demonstrate a range of dishes that will inspire you to get your Christmas apron on and cook up a storm! All proceeds go to the Ray of Sunshine Foundation, a Clare based charity that brings brings volunteers to Kenya to carry out building projects.

The Ray of Sunshine is a Co. Clare based registered charity that brings volunteers to Kenya to carry out building projects. In 2016 we built a Rescue Home for Girls used in the sex trafficking industry in Mombasa and in 2018 we built a similar home for boys. Celebrity Chef Kevin Dundon travelled with us on our 2018 project and is a great supporter of our charity.

www.rayofshine.ie

Join best-selling writer and raconteur Michael Harding as he reads from his latest memoir, ruminates on the difference between psychotherapy and religion, and relates the story of his pilgrimage to Skellig Michael, in his ongoing search for meaning.

“Harding’s latest attempt to find meaning in life is searingly honest, funny and self-deprecating” The Irish Times

“a spell-binding and powerful book about the human condition, the narratives we weave around the self, and the ultimate bliss of living in the present moment.” Books.ie

PlatForms is a recent glór initiative to support artists in creating new work – whilst providing insight for audiences into the development process and the choices that artists make. The event will be ‘scratch’ in style, with a selection of artists across art-forms sharing brief excerpts from their work-in-progress, with opportunities for audience responses and feedback. Three to four artists/groups of artists will present short excerpts of their work – followed by brief moderated discussions with the audience about what they have seen.

If you are interested in applying to take part in PlatForms, please click here for more information.

The audience are requested to reserve tickets in advance and then pay what they feel on the night (in cash!).

Please book your ticket in advance with glór box office.

After sell-out shows at Cork Jazz Festival and standing ovations across the country, Ladies in the Blues takes you on a women’s journey through the blues.

From the gospel roots of the 1920s to vaudeville, jazz and blues rock - immerse yourself in songs by all those great women - Big Mama Thornton, Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, Etta James, Ella Fitzgerald, Janis Joplin, Bessie Smith and many more. Ladies in the Blues pays homage to these female artists who transformed the blues from local folk music into the art form it is today, bringing black culture into American main stream music.

An evening of songs and stories raising awareness around the homeless crisis afflicting Irish society with special guests Hothouse Flowers.

Featuring:

• Sarah Ryan
• Angelina Peach
• Aimee McInerney
• Laura Mulcahy
• Suzanne Murphy
• Fiddle Case
• Three Women Sing
• Katie Theasby
• Steo Wall
• Claire Watts
• Shona Blake
• The Clare Christmas Choir under the baton of Sarah Ferrigan

All profits from this event will be donated to Molloy’s Butchers and used for the Christmas Dinner for the Homeless in Clare

Back by popular demand 'A Night With The Stars Christmas Special' returns with 5 of Irelands top Country attractions all on one super show which features Declan Nerney, Patrick Feeney, Ray Lynam, John Hogan and the energetic Michael Collins, who each will showcase toe tapping classics with a festive sprinkle all in the company of Irelands top band Keltic Storm. This is a rare chance to see so many great acts on one stage!

Early booking advisable.

Award winning musician Eoin O’Neill will be joined by special guests from the Clare music scene for these monthly family trad sessions.

Eoin has lived in Clare for the past 30 years and has been an integral part of the traditional music landscape in the county. In 2015 Eoin was the winner of the MÓRglór award for Outstanding  Contribution to Traditional Music in County Clare and he is famous for his informal music sessions and classes in many venues throughout the county.

The whole family can take part so bring along your instruments and tune up!

Ballet Ireland is delighted to tour The Nutcracker, one of the world’s favourite ballets, to audiences nationwide this season.

This Irish production of the festive classic, performed by an international cast of world-class dancers, appeals to audiences of all ages, with its fairy tale magic, Tchaikovsky’s beloved & sumptuous score, beautiful costumes, and a tale of wondrous adventure - combining to form one of the most delectable Christmas confections imaginable.

This holiday season, experience the beauty and magic with the whole family. After all, Christmas only begins once you’ve seen Ballet Ireland’s The Nutcracker!

"Luscious, luxurious and a sheer delight, The Nutcracker is a perfect Christmas treat" theartsview.com

Please note that due to circumstances beyond our control, this event has been rescheduled from the advertised date of Saturday 8 September.

Former children and regular eaters, Foil Arms & Hog are back with the Irish premiere of their new show Craicling. The show has yet to be reviewed but when it is, it will be “utterly spellbinding” and “a triumph.”

Best known for their YouTube videos, (50 million online hits), their live show is what they’re most proud of. They’ve sold-out every year in glór since 2017, a run that must surely end, but hopefully not this year.

“Quite simply, a sensation.” Edinburgh Festivals Magazine

Regarded by aficionados as the quintessential Irish céilí band, the Kilfenora Céilí band - together with singer Edel Vaughan, dancers Laura Minogue, Deirdra Kiely and world champions Michael and Matthew Gardiner - perform an uplifting, energetic and entertaining show, making this a must-see event this January weekend. Engaging, uplifting and utterly enjoyable, this legendary group take their rich musical heritage into the future with a show that is expertly choreographed, boasting highly rhythmic traditional tunes, together with beautiful songs and witty repartee.

“Fantastic, feel-good, happy, lively music” Sharon Shannon

The Voice of Hope II tour will be a special collection of spiritual inspirational music together with Tommy’s usual songs. 

Tommy turns each song into his own with his own unique and powerful style touching emotions in you that only music can reach. Tommy is famous for his own arrangement of 'Danny Boy', 'Isle of Inisfree' and 'Hard Times'  and many more. While Tommy’s music may be difficult to classify, fans use such words as “deeply emotional, romantic and sincere” to describe the feelings it evokes. One reviewer described his music as falling into a genre of Symphonic Pop that still awaits a name.  He also toured & worked with the great Elaine Paige, Kenny Rogers, & Vince Gill in recent years.

A Tommy Fleming concert is a musical experience not to be missed with each song more haunting than the next.  Don’t miss this special night of music.

Legends of Irish music & song The FUREYS, renowned for their hit songs ‘I Will Love You’, ‘When You Were Sweet 16’, ‘The Green Fields of France’, ‘Red Rose Café’, ‘From Clare to Here’ and more, have been entertaining audiences worldwide for 41 years.

The band, formed in 1978, are responsible for some of the most stirring music ever to capture the public imagination. Their folk based music has received standing ovations in some of the biggest concert halls of the world and they credit their musical ability to their parents, Ted and Nora, who were well known musicians themselves. They encouraged their sons to play music from a very early age and there was live traditional music in their house almost nightly.

Their emotive songs stir many emotions….tears and laughter, sadness and joy.

Johnny Cash Roadshow is not another tribute band - it is a full production and finest celebration of Johnny Cash in the world. JCR are now recognised and loved as a band in their own right, unrivalled by any other that truly celebrates the career of a music legend, Johnny Cash.  This is the UK and Europe’s most recognised celebration, with respected singer/songwriter Clive John, re-creating with astounding accuracy and truly capturing the essence of what it was like to be at a real Cash show! Also featuring Amanda Stone as ‘June Carter’ and the ‘Roadshow Horns’.

All aspects of Cash’s life are covered with impeccable taste.  The show takes the audience from the 1950’s right up to 2002 including all the greatest hits,  along with songs from the latest five decades of the man in black’s career. All this accompanied by emotive and evocative screen images.‘

'Clive captures my Grandfather JUST as he was’
Caitlin Crowell  - Granddaughter of Mr. Johnny Cash