Scoil Gheimhridh Frankie Kennedy / The Frankie Kennedy Winter School
By John Cutliffe

It is well documented that I love Irish winters. Once again though, due to family and music world responsibilities on this side of the water I have to put up with the insipid mild winters that Georgia has to offer.

The best part of a cold wet winters night in Donegal is a warm pub with a roaring fire and the sound of great music being played by the local talented players. I had been part of so many magical sessions that seemed in total harmony with the howling wind singing outside and the crash of distant waves as the Atlantic Ocean danced to the tunes.

So obviously I am saddened again to miss the 11th Frankie Kennedy Winter School which was set up to honor the memory of the late Altan front man.Frankie was not only a great musician and guiding light among his fellow Altan members but was also one of the nicest people you could ever wish to meet.

Over the last eleven years the event has become a mecca for traditional music fans and players alike, attracting people from all over the world to one of the most remote parts of our lovely county. This year will be no exception. So below I have included the full press release and schedule of events for the festivities. The only thing missing from the official release is that if you do find yourself there, you will be in the company of great players and the warmest people anywhere in the world. The impromptu sessions will keep you away from your bed a lot longer than you had planned and the day you have to leave will be sadder than you ever expected. So go...enjoy yourselves...don;t worry about me. I will make it next year I suppose and anyway I have to put up with the Altan gang for a month or so in April for the American tour.

Press Release

This will be the 11th Frankie Kennedy Winter School. The School was established in 1994, in memory of and to honour Frankie Kennedy shortly after his death that year.

The Frankie Kennedy Winter School will commence on December 28th and will continue until January 2nd . All the events will take place in Gweedore, Co. Donegal. We will be using two principle venues during the School, The Dunlewey Lakeside Centre, in Dunlewey, and Ostan Gaothdobhair, in Magheraclogher.

During the School classes will be provided on the following musical instruments: Flute, Fiddle, Uilleann Pipes, Whistle, Bodhran, Button Accordeon, Sean Nós Singing, Old Style Step Dancing and Accompaniment (Guitar/Bouzouki).

As from the beginning, we are assisted again this year by Tionscnamh Lúgh, who have arranged an excellent series of concerts. Their help is always very welcome. We also thank the local people, our sponsors, Dunlewey Lakeside Centre and Óstán Gaoth Dobhair.

We will show the TG4 tv documentary “Frankie” about Frankie Kennedy and The Frankie Kennedy Winter School prior to the Flute Blowout. The CD “An Gaoth Aduaidh/The North Wind” will also be available for sale during the week.

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.

Click HERE for more details and the schedule