Paul K to support Duke Special

Fri, Nov 28, 2008

Westport-based pianist and songwriter Paul Kirwan, alias Paul K, is to support Duke Special on part of his nationwide tour promoting Duke Special’s forth coming album I never thought this day would come. Duke Special will be appearing at the Royal Theatre, Castlebar on November 30. Paul will be promoting some of his own material from his debut album which will be released in March 2009. Paul K’s brand of blues and rock-influenced piano playing has captivated audiences around the country. Paul K’s style of playing is sure to be just the ticket to fire up the crowd for Duke Special at what is a widely anticipated gig. More details of this and further gigs may be found at www.myspace.com/paulkirwanmusic or you may contact him at [email protected].

Father Ted star opens permanent exhibition of his art in Westport

Fri, Nov 28, 2008

Celebrated artist Kevin Sharkey has opened a permanent display of his distinctive paintings in Westport. The former TV star of music and chat shows and of Farther Ted fame fame, has chosen the brand new AMO Gallery in Westport's High Street as the permanent venue for his work in Ireland.

Chart toppers The Feeling lined up for Royal Theatre gig

Fri, Nov 21, 2008

A number one album and numerous top ten singles have made The Feeling one of the most talked-about acts to come out of Britain in the past few years. Tracks like “Fill My Little World”, “Sewn”, “Never Be Lonely” and “Love it When You Call” saw their debut album Twelve Stops and Home rocket up the charts in 2006. Sixteen months of solid touring ended in May 2007 during which they had played more than 200 shows and sold over a million copies of their critically acclaimed debut album, Twelve Stops and Home. The Feeling are not one of those bands who respond to success by getting grumpy and telling you how hard their lives are now. This, after all, is a band who had previously spent several ski seasons as a covers band in the Alps, playing two sets a night in two different bars (and carting their own gear between them). "That was bloody hard work, for bugger all money" says frontman Dan Gillespie Sells. "But we did it because we loved it. And we still do."

Shakin' Stevens ready for Castlebar show

Fri, Nov 21, 2008

As one of the most successful male artists of all time, Cardiff-born Shakin’ Stevens needs no introduction. He has had more number one hits than any other Welsh artist, and is also recognised as one of the highest selling artists in the UK, having notched up 39 hit singles, 37 of which were consecutive. This unprecedented success was mirrored across Europe and in many territories worldwide. In the UK alone, he has accumulated 280 weeks in the singles chart and consolidated all that success with a run of a dozen hit albums - and a multitude of gold, platinum and double platinum discs.

Throughout his career he has collaborated with many internationally renowned musicians, including Roger Taylor, Albert Lee, Hank Marvin, Bonnie Tyler and most recently Tony Joe White. Shaky is a unique international artist, so don’t miss his debut performance on our stage, which will include some of his classic hits, songs from his current album Now Listen and other songs, with his nine-strong band of great musicians performing music from rock to Cajun, swamp-rock, country and gospel. Shakin’ Stevens will be performing in the Royal Theatre, Castlebar for one night only on Friday December 5 - so don't miss him!

Swan Lake at the Royal Theatre Castlebar

Fri, Nov 21, 2008

The brand new Royal Castlebar Theatre is sure to have pirouettes, plies and piqués aplenty, when Ballet Ireland showcase their wonderful production of the world renowned Swan Lake on Tuesday December 9.

Ballet Ireland celebrates its ten-year anniversary this year with a landmark production of Swan Lake at the Royal Theatre. This most famous of ballets combines romantic themes and classical technique, and its ethereal imagery, together with Tchaikovsky’s majestic score, conspire to ensure this masterpiece’s immortality. The scenario, initially in four acts, was fashioned from Russian folk tales as well as an ancient German legend, which tells the story of Odette, a princess turned into a swan by an evil sorcerer's curse. In 1875, Tchaikovsky was commissioned by the directorate of the Moscow Ballet to produce the music for Swan Lake, work which he gladly accepted as it not only paid well but also allowed him to try his hand at a different type of music. However, its first performance in 1877 was not a success and after the composer’s death in 1893, the first St Petersburg ballet production was precipitated, the second act of which was staged in choreography by Lev Ivanov. In January 1895, the score was edited once again and the scenario revised by Marius Petipa and Ivanov, and although today it is presented in many different versions, most ballet companies base their stagings both choreographically and musically on Petipa and Ivanov’s 1895 revival.

Exhibitions of icon paintings

Fri, Nov 21, 2008

An exhibition of paintings by Sr Irene Gibson, icons at the gallery of the Clew Bay Hotel, Westport will run until November 30. Originally from Dublin, Sr Irene spent 16 years living a prayerful and contemplative life in her hermitage in Drummin, Westport. It was during this time that Irene completed this body of work consisting of religious icons.

Custom House Studios looking for expressions of interest

Fri, Nov 21, 2008

The Custom House Studios are now inviting submissions for exhibitions and use of studio space for 2009 and 2010. Custom House Studios are currently constructing an extension and carrying out renovations – set to reopen March 2009. The studios complex houses seven artists’ studios, a gallery and a print studio. These facilities are housed in a historic restored Customs House building on the Quay in Westport, on a prominent redeveloped waterfront street.

The studios are located up stairs overlooking the harbour. All studios have daylight and 24-hour access. One studio is available for shorter stays. The gallery is located at street level and enjoys high visitor numbers. There is a full programme of exhibitions. Artists are now invited to submit proposals for year long use of studios in the years 2009 and 2010 and for shorter-term use. Artists are also now invited to submit proposals for exhibitions at Custom House Studios gallery during 2009 and 2010. To apply please send letters of interest, CVs and documentation of work to: John Mc Hugh, Unit 1 No 15, Westport Industrial Park, Newport Road, Ireland. Closing date; January 30 2009.

Kevin Sharkey exhibition in Westport

Fri, Nov 21, 2008

Kevin Sharkey will be opening his new exhibition Endless Skies at the brand new Amo Gallery, Main Street, Westport on Tuesday November 18 the exhibition runs until December 29.For more information contact. Joseph on 087 743 0082 or Kevin on 086 376 0622, www.kevinsharkey.com for more details and forthcoming events.

Back to Front with Jon Kenny in Belmullet

Fri, Nov 21, 2008

Amid all the doom and gloom of late, an evening of hilarious comedy with the one and only Jon Kenny is just what the doctor ordered! The Limerick comedian will perform at Áras Inis Gluaire, Belmullet, on Friday December 5 at 8.30pm. Touring Ireland with his fantastic new show, Kenny’s Back to Front is a hilarious critique of contemporary Ireland, hugely inspired by small-town Ireland and its rich crop of characters. In this exhilarating performance, Kenny presents us with his side-splitting observations and characters. With an astute eye for the ridiculous in modern life, Kenny takes no prisoners and delights in emphasising the hilarity in everyday life.

Hip-hop and animation workshops in Belmullet

Fri, Nov 21, 2008

Mayo County Council’s EXCEL 08 is a developmental programme of arts events for teenagers and young adults across the county. The programme focuses on supporting and developing the skills of young people with specific arts interests, while also providing opportunities for young Mayo people to get involved in quality arts events during the month of November, through a number of open workshops.

A bit of everything in at the Linenhall

Fri, Nov 21, 2008

Dazzling trad with Flook at the Linenhall
Dazzling contemporary trad group Flook performs at the Linenhall Arts Centre in Castlebar on Monday November 24 at 8pm. The flutes of Brian Finnegan and Sarah Allen, the guitar of Ed Boyd and the bodhran of John Joe Kelly weave and spin traditionally rooted tunes into the breathtaking sound of the groundbreaking band Flook. Comprising four exceptional musical talents, Flook possesses a rare blend of fiery technical brilliance, delicate ensemble interaction and a bold, adventurous musical imagination, as witnessed in a string of acclaimed CDs. Exuberant and exhilarating, and with a justifiable reputation for brilliant live performances- be prepared to be blown away. Flook performs at the Linenhall Arts Centre on Monday November 24 at 8pm. Booking advised. Tel: 094 9023733

Shake off the winter blues at the National Museum

Fri, Nov 21, 2008

Invitation to participate in Christmas Food Fair
We are presently organising a Christmas Food Fair for Saturday December 13 2008 (11am to 5pm) in the grounds of the museum. The Education and Outreach Department will also run a number of public events on that day. If you are a food producer and would like participate please contact the museum as soon as possible. (Tel: 094 903 1773 or email: [email protected]). The Museum is keen to reflect the customs, culture and traditions of all people in the region, so we would also welcome enquiries from non-Irish food producers.

We are presently organising a Christmas Food Fair for Saturday December 13 2008 (11am to 5pm) in the grounds of the museum. The Education and Outreach Department will also run a number of public events on that day. If you are a food producer and would like participate please contact the museum as soon as possible. (Tel: 094 903 1773 or email: [email protected]). The Museum is keen to reflect the customs, culture and traditions of all people in the region, so we would also welcome enquiries from non-Irish food producers.

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