Open Submission Exhibition of eleven Clare based Artists curated by Helen Carey, Director / Curator of Limerick City Gallery of Art.
Featuring the work of the following artists:
Winner of the prestigious 2002 AIB Better Ireland Award, this will be the 14th annual SMS season of fully staged operas composed specifically for young people, including sets, costumes and orchestra.
Free lunchtime recitals
Mon 28 July - Fri 1st Aug 12.30pm (1hr approx.)
Listen to world-class musicians and gifted students while enjoying a 'classic' lunchtime in the relaxing surroundings of glór lobby and cafe.
SMS 2014 Family Prom Concert
Sat 2 Aug 3pm
Tickets €8/€5 conc.
Book here.
SMS 2014 Opera Theatre
Sat 2 Aug 7pm
Tickets €10/€8 conc./€5 Children under 16
Book here.
Classes & registration details from www.summermusicontheshannon.org
Thursday 7th of August at 7.30 pm | Cafe Style Concert | Venue: The Marquee | €15.00 BOOK NOW
The following musicians will perform on the night:
Wine and local artisan food will be served on the night
Friday 8th of August at 7.30 pm | Music Recital | Venue: St Mary’s Church | €30.00 BOOK NOW
Featuring:
Saturday 9th of August at 7.30pm | Gala Concert presented by Paula Carroll | Venue: Community Hall | €20.00 BOOK NOW
Social historians, creative writers, ethno-musicologists, psychologists, psychiatrists, journalists and critics explore 'Emotional Life in Ireland'. Included in the extensive programme will be a seminar series on the writings of Edna O'Brien and daily poetry readings at mid-day ('Cúirt an Mheán Lae'). The Director of Merriman SS 2014 is Professor Patricia Coughlan of UCC.
WEDNESDAY 13 AUGUST
THURSDAY 14 AUGUST
FRIDAY 15 AUGUST
SATURDAY 16 AUGUST
SUNDAY 17 AUGUST
DAILY & FULL SCHOOL TICKETS
Check out www.merriman.ie for updates on speakers, themes, and further information.
An opportunity for 4-12 year olds to learn French through games, songs, rhymes, stories, role-plays and fun!
Classes start on Saturday 6th September and run for 9 weeks.
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
Bond with your child as you play, sing, dance (no talent required!), and giggle together. Your child will learn and grow through activities that stimulate brain growth, build motor skills, enhance social-emotional development, and much more.
Parents know instinctively what scientists have proven: young children thrive on music. All over the world, parents bond with their babies through musical sounds and rhythmic movement. They rock and swing their children, put them to sleep with lullabies, make them laugh with nursery rhymes. Kindermusik is the world’s most trusted music movement program for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and young children.
Home Materials: A picture board book with charming farm animals and the sounds they make—Cock-a-doodle-Moo, a CD of the songs heard in class, a Sunshine Jingle instrument for music-making at home, and a set of Art Banners for the nursery wall.
For more information or to book, contact Anita directly:
Mobile: 089 983 7551
Email: kindermusikwithanita@gmail.com
Suitable for beginners and people with experience of yoga. This session combines physical movements, breath work and a long relaxation. 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).
Practical information:
For more information or to book, please contact Susie McNaughton 086 7354461. If there is sufficient demand, a second session will be run from 11.45am - 12.45pm on Monday mornings, focusing on Gentle Joint-moving Yoga. This would be especially suitable for older people who want to keep moving, and let their energy flow. Cost €70 for 7 sessions.
The trial of two Marines for complicity in the death of a fellow Marine at Guantanamo Bay sizzles on stage.
The Navy lawyer, a callow young man more interested in softball games than the case, expects a plea bargain and a cover up of what really happened. Prodded by a female member of his defence team, the lawyer eventually makes a valiant effort to defend his clients and, in so doing, puts the military mentality and the Marine code of honour on trial.
"Superb theatre, wonderful performances" The Washington Post
Guitarchestra is a Youth based guitar orchestra that take popular themes from a variety of sources and combine them with a variety of musical influences.
Featuring:
This fantastic bunch of young musicians will be bringing you the most memorable themes from TV, Movies and Video Games. It promises to be a very fun night!
Beginners and experienced alike are all welcome. The mornings will cover connecting with your higher self, relaxation & breathing techniques, Mindfulness, Personal Development, and finding the balance in mind, body and spirit.
Led by Josephine Sweeney, a Certified Louise Hay Practitioner & Heal Your Life® Coach, the meditations will encompass elements from her work based on the philosophy of Louise Hay. Come along to enjoy a peaceful and harmonious hour with like- minded individuals.
To enrol contact Josephine Sweeney:
Mobile: 087 6926715
Email: info@serenitywithin.ie
Website: www.serenitywithin.ie
Payment terms are available.
With sales of over 50,000 copies The Ronan Collins Showband Hits album has been the biggest selling Irish compilation album of the last few years.
Ronan Collins is now the greatest live performer of Irish Showband Hits. Few singers have the ability and range to cover the Classic Hits of Joe Dolan, Dickie Rock & Brendan Bowyer but Ronan makes them sound realistic and fresh.
Backed by The Sugarcubes Showband with Karen Black it’s a magical look back to the golden era of the Irish Showband phenomenon.
The play follows the life of Padraig Potts McKeirnan, from growing up near the tiny rural village of Drumnamee, County Leitrim in the 70’s and 80’s to falling in love with Silvia Lang, a perfect protestant girl… to marrying Mary Tague, the priests housekeeper and eventually to the realisation that the world isn’t as big as he first thought.
“Listening to Affinití for the first time is like climbing Killiny Hill and looking south toward Bray Head for the first time. They are the essence of Irish art, a classical and celtic crossover full of soul, sass and sophistication as well as exquisite technique” – The Boston Globe (2014)
Celebrate our rich Irish heritage through music with award-winning harp, violin & soprano trio, Affinití, the 2014 recipients of the Irish Spirit Award for excellence in performance and composition. Be transported with timeless favourites such as The Last Rose of Summer and Marble Halls, as well as the recently commissioned Shannon Suite which was recorded in the Irish Chamber Orchestra studio at the University of Limerick and celebrates the rich history of the West of Ireland. The Suite features settings of poetry by Máirtín Ó Direáin and James Joyce, along with musical references to John F. Kennedy’s speech at Shannon during his visit there in 1963. The Suite takes the format of Suantraí (lullaby – the west is asleep) , Goltraí (lament – the west laments the loss of her young people to emigration) and Geantraí (joyful – the west is awake again and this is a cause for great joy).
Written by and Starring James DeVita
Freely adapted from Sir Ian McKellen’s “Acting Shakespeare”
On tour from the USA and direct from Off-Broadway comes the funny, touching and uplifting story of one man’s discovery of Shakespeare, acting and language. Based on Sir Ian McKellen’s “Performing Shakespeare” James De Vita tells his own story of a young fisherman searching for a new career.
James DeVita’s fun, fervent tribute to his journey with the world's greatest poet deftly weaves Shakespeare’s life with reminiscences of James’ own days on a Long Island fishing boat (and nights as a classical actor).
“A good one-man show leaves the audience wanting more, which is exactly what happens.” --The Huffington Post
The Fureys have been entertaining audiences worldwide for 36 years, audiences that have included former Australian Prime Minister John Howard, Former Irish President Mary McAleese and the late Pope John Paul while Tony Blair has publicly stated his favourite peace song of all time is the Fureys “Green Fields of France”. Recently Ireland President Michael D Higgins attended their concert in Dublin’s National Concert Hall.
The Fureys 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.
A Fureys concert is always a night to remember.
The best tribute to the legendary Billy Joel in the world, Elio Pace has even played dates in the USA with Billy joel's original band. Playing all the Billy Joel hits including Uptown Girl, Just The Way You Are, My Life, Piano Man, Tell Her About It, It's Still Rock & Roll To Me, New York State of Mind, Uptown Girl, She's Always A Woman and The Longest Time.
Don't miss this wonderful opportunity to experience The Billy Joel Songbook performed by the dynamic singer/songwriter and piano-player, Elio Pace and his magnificent band.
Ever wanted to bring your Lego mini figures to life?
Well now you can thanks to Createschool's brand new stop motion workshop. Experienced tutors will share tips and techniques on set building, filming, editing and creating sound scapes. Lego figures will come to life as they walk and talk through a forest landscape.
Participants will work in small groups to collaborate and create the set, storyboard and plan their stop motion movie and then to film and produce it. The workshop is focussed on hands on learning and all participants will receive a certificate of participation and a copy of their movie!
All materials are supplied though we would encourage participants to bring along their own favourite Lego character & a packed lunch.
Hit monster family show, direct from a West End Season! Don’t miss Tall Stories’ hit musical stage adaptation of the award winning picture book, The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.
Meet a wheeler-dealer Fox, an eccentric old Owl and a maraca-shaking, party mad Snake! Mouse can scare these hungry animals away with tall stories of the terrifying Gruffalo, but what happens when he comes face to face with the very creature he imagined...? The Gruffalo is the perfect family treat with plenty of songs, laughs and scary fun for children aged 3+ and their grown-ups.
Watch the trailer online at www.gruffalolive.com
‘A fine piece of children’s theatre’ **** Sunday Times
Monstrous fun!’ ****Daily Mail
Running time: 55 minutes
All illustrations copyright © Axel Scheffler 1999, published by Macmillan Children’s Books.
This nostalgic evening of song and story features all of Johnny's many hit songs, songs that are haunting, evocative and beautifully presented in Johnny’s inimitable style.
As a hobby, Johnny started singing with Mike Crotty and the pair called themselves The Ramblers Two. As was popular at the time, Johnny was singing a mixture of Irish ballads and American folk. He decided to record Mursheen Durkin and the rest, as they say, is history.
The record went straight to the top of the Irish charts and made Johnny an overnight sensation. Armed with an acoustic guitar, harmonica and boyish good looks, Johnny took the country by storm. Early in 1967, he released his follow up single, Boston Burglar to even greater chart success. Johnny was now firmly established as one of the country's top folk acts. He toured America and played in Carnegie Hall, one of the highlights of his career to this day.
Having performed for Nelson Mandela at the Yankee Stadium, for the Pope in Central Park, with the Chieftains on their US tour and on U2's “Rattle and Hum” album, film and tour, the Harlem Gospel Choir will, once again, return to Ireland for an extensive tour.
The world famous Harlem Gospel Choir was formed in 1988 and made its highly successful debut at New York's Cotton Club the same year. The Choir draws its core singers from various black churches in the Harlem community, who share the common aim of bringing about a better understanding of African/American culture. Founder member, Allen Bailey has worked in the entertainment industry for over 30 years. He was promotional director for major recording artists including Lionel Ritchie and the Commodores, Prince, Michael Jackson, Mr. T, and Isaac Hayes. He was chairman for the Martin Luther King Holiday campaign and it was through this work that the Harlem Gospel Choir was born.
Their songs of inspiration touch the depths of the soul and raise spirits to angelic heights. The Choir devotes his time to spreading the joy of faith throughout the world. This is not to be missed and promises to sell out quickly.
Mindfulness can help clarify every situation by focusing on the breath, allowing space and creativity to experience what is already present, bringing gentle kindness to yourself and others around you.
A prerequisite to attend this course includes participation on the 6 week Guided Meditation course which starts on Wednesday 24th September.
For booking or further information please contact Josephine Sweeney on 087 6926715 | info@serenitywithin.ie | www.serenitywithin.ie
Des Bishop is coming home after spending over a year in China. He has some fun stories to tell about that: from working in a restaurant in the North East for a month to trying to find a wife in a Marriage park; plus some great journeys with Leo his co-worker from the Abrakebabra days. But he also can't wait to tell you about all the things he missed about home: democracy, milk, sarcasm and so much more. Most importantly though Des just can't wait to speak English without being censored. Absence makes the heart grow funnier, so come and check out this unique show.
Born on Dublin’s Northside in 1975, Damien Dempsey is the quintessential Irish singer songwriter. Damien's fanatical audience identify with a singer who has emerged from the working-class streets of Dublin's Northside with his powerful self-belief intact, and a storyteller's eye for detail in the writing and delivery of his songs. His concerts can be almost spiritual occasions – with fans singing along to every word. Described by The Times as ‘the Bob Marley of Ireland’ and by the Irish Examiner as ‘one of the most important and evocative singers of all time.’
Damien has released 5 original studio albums since his debut in 1997 which established him as an exciting new talent and attracted the attention of Sinéad O’Connor and the Hot House Flowers, among others. He has toured the world, playing his own headline shows and supporting legends such as Bob Dylan, Morrissey, Sinead O'Connor, The Pogues and Willie Nelson, and even U2 at their 2009 Croke Park show in Dublin on the first night of their 360 tour.
As part of its annual commitment to supporting glór and the arts in Clare, Dromoland Castle will co-host another wonderful evening of fine dining and entertainment in their 5-star Brian Ború banqueting hall this November. Commencing at 7pm with prosecco reception in the Kincora Gallery (kindly sponsored by The Old Ground Hotel & The Temple Gate Hotel), an exquisite four course dinner will be followed by music and dancing ‘til late with The Jerry Fish Electric Side Show, famed as the highlight of Electric Picnic Festival 2013.
This event merges the unmatched service and dining style of Dromoland Castle with glór’s unparalleled talent for providing top class entertainment and promises to be a very memorable occasion! Tickets cost €70 each and may be booked individually or as a table of 10.
Dromoland Castle is also offering a special B&B rate of € 150 per room to glór customers for this night only (booking for accommodation directly with Dromoland).
Up in that Pantheon inhabited by the biggest selling recording artistes of all time in Ireland, rubbing shoulders with Bono and the Boys, you might be surprised to bump into Phil Coulter. He has performed with everyone from James Galway and the London Symphony Orchestra to Nanci Griffith and The Blue Moon Orchestra, not to mention Henry Mancini, Elmer Bernstein and Quincy Jones.
He has written at least four titles that can be added to the list of Great Irish Songs - the anthems ‘The Town I Loved So Well’ and ‘Ireland’s Call’ and the haunting ‘Scorn Not His Simplicity’ and ‘Steal Away’.
Phil will be joined by his special guest Geraldine Branagan for an unforgettable evening of music & song.
The latest Gift Grub Live Tour is following its wildly succesful predecessors footsteps - the 2010 & 2012 Gift Grub Tours sold out with sales of over 100,000 tickets!
Mario Rosenstock Gift Grub Live 3 features a host of brand new characters developed on 'The Ian Dempsey Breakfast Show' on Today FM and over two series of the critically acclaimed ratings smash 'The Mario Rosenstock Show' on RTÉ Two.
Expect to see Francis Brennan, Marty Morrissey, Davy Fitz, Donal Skehan and Miriam 'Genuinely' O'Callaghan 'live on stage' as you've never seen them before!
There's the return of Keith 'Howya Buddies' Duffy, Joan Burton, José Mourinho, Michael Noonan, and of course Mario's inimitable take on Vincent Browne.
But probably most of all Mario is delighted to bring back probably his most celebrated character - Roy Keane - "Roy's back, José's back - it's a perfect storm" he says of Mario Rosenstock Gift Grub Live 3.
"I can't wait for people to see the new show - and there's going to be even more audience interaction this time so, watch out, If you're in the audience, you might be in the show too!"
This most famous of ballets, combines romantic themes, classical technique and ethereal imagery together with Tchaikovsky's majestic score, to ensure this masterpiece’s immortality. Swan Lake tells the story of Odette, a beautiful princess, who by day is turned into a swan by evil magician Von Rothbart, only to regain her human form at night. Out hunting by the Lakeside, Prince Siegfried encounters her and falls in love with her. But will he be able to break Von Rothbart’s spell…?
This enduring story of love and tragedy, good and evil, and has enthralled audiences since it premiered in 1877. This autumn 25 leading professional dancers from Ireland and abroad will perform in this breath-taking production which was loved by audiences and critics when last produced by Ballet Ireland.
‘Perfectly formed and translucent production of the romantic classic’ ‘Clever touches with the choreography, performances and staging’
The Irish Times
‘Moving production…beautifully choreographed’
The Sunday Business Post
‘exuberant and beautiful production’
Irish Mail on Sunday
It’s always party time when ABBA is about, but when it’s the Christmas Show, then that’s a real excuse for a party!
Also, it’s exactly 40 years since ABBA burst on to the world stage with their Eurovision win with “Waterloo” This happy sing-a-long tribute, celebrates with a loud and proud fanfare!
It’s the perfect way to start your Christmas season and it is one of our most requested shows, from audiences for a repeat date!
O Holy Night is a magical evening of Seasonal, Christmas and Spiritual favourites starring Irelands Greatest Ever Voice, Red Hurley, with his musicians. Red Hurley needs no introduction to Irish audiences. A star for over 40 years with 8 No. 1 singles to his name, Red has toured and entertained audiences all over the world.
For this special Christmas show Red & His Musicians will perform their interpretation of such seasonal classic as Silent Night, Away In A Manger, White Christmas, Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer, O Holy Night, Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire, When A Child Is Born and many others. Red will also sing a selection of his favourite Spiritual Hits such as Something Inside So Strong, How Great Thou Art, The Living Years and many more.
O Holy Night starring Red Hurley is the perfect way to start off a musical festive season!
Featuring:
The show’s exciting finale is an ALL Cast Salute to the Showband Era - all of the stars join in for a medley of songs from the unique Showband Years! Bringing you back in time to this magical musical period.
Tommy Fleming is now recognised throughout his homeland of Ireland and across the world as one of the finest singers of his generation. Appealing to all ages, musical tastes and cultures, audiences have now recognised Tommy Fleming as a truly unique talent.
But the fact remains that Tommy Fleming is his own man, delivering song after song – each more haunting than the next. Be it a cover version or his own original material, Tommy Fleming’s velvet-toned voice makes each one his own.
Tommy Fleming’s star is on the rise and with each concert he plays, he is rewarded with a new group of lifelong fans. It’s not difficult to see why that fan-base has now become a global phenomenon.