Home to Mayo presents a celebration of Irish culture, centre stage in the Royal Theatre, Castlebar on Saturday, May 28, featuring local, national and international musicians, singers and dancers.
Among the line-up is musical director Stephen Doherty, renowned folk singer Sean Keane, Irish tenor Sean Costello from Ballinrobe, along with the talented Ballina folk group In Tune.
Travelling all the way from New York City, Castlebar native Dawn Doherty is bringing her Academy of Irish Music to perform alongside local artists The Clew Bay Pipe Band, trad group CODA, sean nos dancer Tommy Stenson, World Champion Irish Dancer Maiya Allworthy, and Mayo’s Rock and Roses Cancer Choir. Atlantic Rhythm Dance Troupe will also perform a highly anticipated display.
Named Home to Mayo ‘A Transatlantic Journey Home’, the show will see artists cross the Atlantic Ocean and Irish Sea come together to join their Mayo and Irish contemporaries on the famed stage in the Royal Theatre, Castlebar.
To mark this momentous gathering of Irish talent, Home to Mayo are delighted to honour some of Mayo’s musical ambassadors. World renowned flute player, Matt Molloy, has performed with some of the greatest musical names including Van Morrison, The Rolling Stones, and Sting, and is a man synonymous with the promotion and practice of traditional Irish music, tourism and culture throughout the county of Mayo and across the globe. Matt Molloy and The Chieftains have attracted sell out concerts worldwide entertaining our Diaspora.
Songwriter Brendan Graham, the man who penned the stunningly beautiful song 'You Raise Me Up', will also be honoured on Saturday, May 28. Graham, once described as the Musical Midas in the Mayo Silence, wrote four of Ireland’s entries in the Eurovision Song Contest, two of which were eventual winners. Graham has worked with a diverse range of artists including Josh Groban, Westlife, IL Divo, Celtic Woman, Daniel O’Donnell, and Katherine Jenkins. The Nenagh native now resides in County Mayo for many years.
The third honour will be presented to the man behind the classic Is This The Way To Amarillo and other big hits, Tony Christie. Christie has strong Mayo roots and proudly called his publishing company Mayo Music. Christie, whose grandfather hailed from Claremorris, is looking forward to returning to his native county.
The event, which is supported by Mayo.ie, Fáilte Ireland, Creative Ireland and Home to Mayo promises to be the must see Mayo concert of the year.
Producer Henry McGlade and musical director Stephen Doherty commented: "This is going to be an extraordinary gathering of Irish talent like nothing Mayo audiences have ever witnessed before. One of the highlights of the show will be the closing number featuring Sean Keane and his band; the Clew Bay Pipe Band; the Mayo Rocks and Roses Choir; Sean Costello; and Matt Molloy all performing Brendan Graham’s poignant emigration song 'Isle of Hope'."
Tickets are on sale now, book your seat early though the Royal Theatre on (094 ) 9023111 or Ticketmaster.ie Tickets cost €20 plus booking fee and all profits from the show will go towards promoting young talent of all genres of music from across the county through upcoming music workshops and showcase events.
