Frankie Kennedy Winter School 2003

Ah it's that time of the year again when half the country packs up lots of warm clothes and braves the generally inclement weather that our lovely Donegal is known for. It is all worth it though because Donegal folk are known for their total disregard for bad weather and in fact relish the thought that they could be snowed into a session for about a week. As long as there is a bar and some music Donegal people can last for weeks trapped in a weather beaten hostelry.

One of the best of these winter events is the Frankie Kennedy Winter School. The school part of it is an excellent way for players of most levels to get together and learn new tunes and techniques and the classes and workshops are always run by the best musicians you can find.

This will be the 10th Frankie Kennedy Winter School. The School was established in 1994, in memory of and to honour Frankie Kennedy shortly after his death that year. Frankie was one of the founding members of Altan and was one of the best loved people in the business. His enthusiasm for the music and everyone he met through the it is certainly still living in spirit in the band he loved so much. This festival is a fitting and joyful tribute to Frankie.

The revellry will commence on December 28th and will continue until January 2nd. All the events will take place in Gweedore, Co. Donegal. There will be two principle venues during the School, The Dunlewey Lakeside Centre, in Dunlewey(one of the most beautiful places on the planet) and Ostan Gaothdobhair, in Magheraclogher.

During the School classes will be provided on the following musical instruments: Flute, Fiddle, Uilleann Pipes, Whistle, Button Accordion, and Accompaniment (Guitar/Bouzouki). Additionally this year, classes will be provided in Sean Nós Singing, and in Old Stlyle Step Dancing.

As from the beginning, they have been assisted again this year by Tionscnamh Lúgh, who have arranged an excellent series of concerts.

The Timetable so far looks like this (and I deliberatly leave in the Irish so i can hear my US friends try the pronunciation)

Dé Dómhnaigh/Sunday - Nollaig/December 28 th
Venue: Ionad Cois Locha/Dunlewey Lakeside Centre 

11:30am  - 2:30 pm Clárú do na ranganna/Registration for classes €60.00

2:30pm - 5:30pm Ranganna/Classes

5:30pm Oscailt Oifigiúil/Official Opening

Seoladh CD Launch

Dé Luain/Monday - Nollaig/December 29 th
Venue: Ionad Cois Locha/Dunlewey Lakeside Centre 

12:30pm - 4:30pm Ranganna/Classes

8:30pm Coirm Ceoil/Concert DERVISH €18.00
  Venue: Ostan Gaoth Dobhair

4:30pm Na Fideallacha/The Fiddles €12.00
  An afternoon of exceptional Fiddle Music

Dé Máirt/Tuesday - Nollaig/December 30 th
Venue: Ionad Cois Locha/Dunlewey Lakeside Centre 

12:30pm - 4:30pm Ranganna/Classes

8:30pm Coirm Ceoil/Concert TOMMY PEOPLES €15.00
Venue: Ostan Gaoth Dobhair

4:30pm Na hAmhráin/The Songs €12.00
  Songs with some of the best singers

Dé Céadaoin/Wednesday - Nollaig/December 31st
Venue: Ionad Cois Locha/Dunlewey Lakeside Centre 

4:30pm Matineé Mol an Óige €12.00
Ciarán Ó Maonaigh, Maeve O'Hare, Tara Connaghan,
Joey Doyle, Ciarán MacFheilimí, Séan McKeown, Danny Diamond.
 Venue: Ostan Gaoth Dobhair

9:30pm Ceol, Céilí & Craic Le Séamus Begley €20.00

Diardaoin/Thursday - Eanair/January 1st
Venue: Ostán Gaoth Dobhair

3:30pm The Flute Blowout €12.00
Venue: Ionad Cois Locha/Dunlewey Lakeside Centre

8:30pm Coirm Ceoil/Concert ALTAN €20.00

Dé hAoine/Friday - Eanair/January 2nd
  Possible Tour - subject to interest
Venue: Ionad Cois Locha/Dunlewey Lakeside Centre 

8:30pm Coirm Ceoil/Concert ALTAN €20.00

This year as part of the Winter School , a CD of Flute music will be launched. This was recorded by numerous musicians, some of whom influenced Frankie's own playing, and also those who were influenced by him.

This is a Winter School, so be prepared for the weather, good or bad. Pupils may, and are encouraged to bring recording devices to the classes. Instrumental classes are not suitable for pure beginners.

I am so jealous I can't be there this year although I will be there in spirit while I am on a beach in South Carolina I will look out over the Atlantic and hum a wee tune.

Maybe the Parting Glass would suit. Goodnight and Joy be to you all.