Gasun Photography : Trim : Meath : Ireland

In what will prove to be one of the best live performances in a Meath Theatre this year, Jack L and members of the Maynooth Gospel Choir supported by the wonderful Jesebel pulled out all the stops to deliver a top drawer performance at The Solstice Arts Centre, Navan on Friday, March 5th. No matter how many times you listen to Jack L on ipod (Record, CD or Tape) on your B&W Diamond 800’s, it only takes you half way there … The live show with all its energy and Jacks vocal power is it would seem in my opinion, the best way to appreciate Jack L, while you always feel you are hearing trademark songs including Georgie Boy, Universe & Rooftop Lullaby for the first time …. The unsigned ‘Jesebel’ were an eyeopener and one to watch for the future … Now to the pictorial evidence which says more than I could describe to you in my broken English …

Jesebel : Solstice Arts Centre Navan : 05.03.2010 : Photograph by Enda Casey.

Jack L : Solstice Arts Centre Navan : 05.03.2010 : Photograph by Enda Casey.

Jack L : Solstice Arts Centre Navan : 05.03.2010 : Photograph by Enda Casey.

Jack L : Solstice Arts Centre Navan : 05.03.2010 : Photograph by Enda Casey.

Jack L sings the delicate and fragile 'Rooftop Lullaby' : Solstice Arts Centre Navan : 05.03.2010 : Photograph by Enda Casey.

The legendary Texan Nanci Griffith complete with her band and  touring her acclaimed new album; ‘The Loving Kind’ played a sell-out show at the Solstice Arts Centre, Navan on Monday, February 22nd, 2010. A few weeks earlier, on Monday, February 01st, 2010, Nanci received a lifetime achievement award at the BBC2 Folk Awards. Her fans in Meath were treated to a set of old classics and new numbers after Nashville singer-songwriter Chet O’ Keefe opened up the proceedings with a 30 minute set featuring many songs from his album, ‘Game Bird’ shortly after 8pm.  A few photos from this wonderful evening below ….

Nanci Griffith : Solstice Arts Centre Navan : 22.02.2010 : Photograph by Enda Casey.

Nanci Griffith : Solstice Arts Centre Navan : 22.02.2010 : Photograph by Enda Casey.

Chet O' Keefe : Solstice Arts Centre Navan : 22.02.2010 : Photograph by Enda Casey.

I was out on assignments on Friday night last and happened to catch Toronto (home of Rush) singer-songwriter, Royal Wood in Boyles of Slane (late gig). Andrew and Ditte of Boyles explained to me how they say Royal performing with Emm Gryner in 2009 and decided on the spot that they would bring him to Slane. While in Ireland, Royal also played The Ruby Sessions in Doyles, Dublin. Royal is a splendid musician and a self-taught multi-instrumentalist with two full albums and two EP’s under his belt. Visit him on Myspace or on his official site ….. Come back soon please!

Toronto singer-songwriter, Royal Wood performing in Boyles of Slane on 29.01.2010. Photograph by Enda Casey.

Toronto singer-songwriter, Royal Wood performing in Boyles of Slane on 29.01.2010. Photograph by Enda Casey.

It all started over a few pints of Guinness in McSorleys Pub in Dublin. Now with their musical director, David Wray, The Three Irish Tenors (Kenneth O’ Regan, Ciaran Nagle & Domnic McGorian) have created programs of their favorite songs and arias, not only from Ireland but also from a truly international repertoire. Since their first performance this talented and exciting trio has performed to delighted, packed houses throughout Ireland, the United Kingdom, Asia and the United States of America. On January, 23rd, 2010, they played a sell-out show at the beautiful Trim Castle Hotel, Trim, Co. Meath with violinist Tara Novak. Some photographs from the show below.

The Three Irish Tenors (Domnic McGorian) : Trim Castle Hotel : 23.01.2010 : Photograph by Enda Casey

Violinist, Tara Novak performs with The Three Irish Tenors at Trim Castle Hotel on January 23rd, 2010. Photograph by Enda Casey.

I am delighted to be included with other Music Photographers in a projected exhibition of Music Photography on the theme; “Re-Action” for this years Hard Working Class Heroes Festival in Dublin. The exhibition is being curated by Conor Goodman (The Ticket), Graham Keogh (Hot Press), Roger Woolman (State.ie) & JP Keating & Aidan Kelly (Candy Collective). One hundred bands will play six venues over three action packed days in Dublin on October 16th, 17th & 18th, 2009 in what has become one of the most popular events on the Irish Music Calender. HWCH is a First Music Contact project and best wishes to the festival and the bands 2009!

For those who cant make the EXPO, Ill post my submissions here closer to the festival date ……

It’s always nice when a new festival comes along, especially when it sprints from the traps! This was the case for the inaugural “Rock The Lough” in Ryans, The Gormalough, Slane, Co. Meath on Saturday, August 29th as 800 people attended to see Damien Dempsey, Ruari Coogan, Fiona Melady & Peadar Farrelly (not forgetting Ethenos who played the e2 Music Garden), literally ‘Rock The Lough’. As Damo said; “It’s great to be playing Slane” and he urged the Meath football team to defeat Kerry and take “Sam” back to Leinster. Sadly, the spirit and success of this festival didn’t translate into a victory for Meath the following day in Croke Park!

This new event was managed by Profile Music Group and Band Wagon TV and hopefully the response to the inaugural event will guarantee it’s return to The Gormalough in 2010 and see it take it’s place alongside Le Cheile in Oldcastle (previous blog) and other Festivals of all types and capacities in Meath, including Slane Castle (previous blog). See you there then in 2010 and now for some photographs …… Enda.

Peadar Farrelly : "Rock The Lough" : 29.08.09 : Ryans The Gormalough Slane Co. Meath : Photograph by Enda Casey : www.gasun.net & www.gasun.net/wordpress

Fiona Melady : "Rock The Lough" : 29.08.09 : Ryans, The Gormalough, Slane, Co. Meath : Photograph by Enda Casey : www.gasun.net & www.gasun.net/wordpress

Ruari Coogan : "Rock The Lough" : Ryans, The Gormalough, Slane, Co. Meath : 29.08.09 : Photograph by Enda Casey : www.gasun.net & www.gasun.net/wordpress

Ruari Coogan : “Rock the Lough” : Ryans, The Gormalough, Slane, Co. Meath : 29.08.09 : Photograph by Enda Casey : www.gasun.net & www.gasun.net/wordpress

Damien Dempsey : "Rock The Lough" : Ryans, The Gormalough, Slane, Co. Meath : 29.08.09 : Photograph by Enda Casey : www.gasun.net & www.gasun.net/wordpress

Damien Dempsey : "Rock The Lough" : Ryans, The Gormalough, Slane, Co. Meath : 29.08.09 : Photograph by Enda Casey : www.gasun.net & www.gasun.net/wordpress

Damien Dempsey : "Rock the Lough" : Ryans The Gormalough Slane Co. Meath : 29.08.09 : Photograph by Enda Casey : www.gasun.net & www.gasun.net/wordpress

Yolanda Haughey (Collon) : "Rock The Lough" : Ryans, The Gormalough, Slane, Co. Meath : 29.08.09 : Photograph by Enda Casey : www.gasun.net & www.gasun.net/wordpress

Caroline & Colm Ginnity (Oldcastle) : "Rock The Lough" : Ryans, The Gormalough, Slane, Co. Meath : 29.08.09 : Photograph by Enda Casey : www.gasun.net & www.gasun.net/wordpress

Declan, Anne & Richard Byrne (Kells) : "Rock The Lough" : Ryans, The Gormalough, Slane, Co. Meath : 29.08.09 : Photograph by Enda Casey : www.gasun.net & www.gasun.net/wordpress

more photographs to follow ……..

Fresh from making a new movie in Scotland titled “IVAN”, the legendary Finbar Furey, accompanied by Francie Conway on guitar and supported by Anna Tully (Slane) hit Boyles for two sell-out shows on August 26th and 27th, 2009. How Finbar got to where he is now musically, is well documented; but tonight, Furey delivered a trademark performance and enjoyed the audience participation as much as they enjoyed his sublime performance. Newer material like “Nelly McGann” is mature enough and blessed to sit alongside the awesome “Green Fields Of France” in this two-hour set. Powerful and timeless stuff from one of the masters and yet again another top quality event from Boyles of Slane in bringing great music right to the heart of Meath …. And then there is tomorrow nights gig to look forward to and all …. some photographs below from tonight (26th), which don’t really do this kind of performance much justice methinks! I tried … E.

Finbar Furey : Boyles Slane : 26.08.09 : Photograph by Enda Casey : www.gasun.net & www.gasun.net/wordpress

Finbar Furey : Boyles Slane : 26.08.2009 : Photograph by Enda Casey : www.gasun.net & www.gasun.net/wordpress

Finbar Furey : Boyles Slane : 26.08.2009 : Photograph by Enda Casey : www.gasun.net & www.gasun.net/wordpress

Finbar Furey : Boyles Slane : 26.08.2009 : Photograph by Enda Casey : www.gasun.net & www.gasun.net/wordpress

Ana Tully : Boyles Slane : 26.08.2009 : Photograph by Enda Casey : www.gasun.net & www.gasun.net/wordpress

Francie Conway & Finbar Furey : Boyles Slane : 26.08.2009 : Photograph by Enda Casey : www.gasun.net & www.gasun.net/wordpress

Finbar Furey : Boyles Slane : 26.08.2009 : Photograph by Enda Casey : www.gasun.net & www.gasun.net/wordpress

Finbar Furey : Boyles Slane : 26.08.2009 : Photograph by Enda Casey : www.gasun.net & www.gasun.net/wordpress

“Ashbourne Summer Music Series” is a series of concerts featuring young professional musicians and hosted by Ashbourne Church Choir in celebration of their 30 years in the parish. The four August/September concerts (two remaining at the time of posting this blog) are as follows;

1. August 16th: Violinist, Nicole Crespo O’ Donoghue (Spain).
2. August 23rd: Dublin Brass Ensemble.
3. August 30th: Organist, Peter McBride (Ashbourne).
4. September 06th: Stylus Vocal Ensemble (accompanied by Ashbourne Church Choir).

Events take place in Ashbourne Church at 8PM and tickets cost €10 (€8 concession) so get out and support the events! For further information on the two remaining concerts (at the time of getting to post this blog) on August 30th and September 06th; email ashbournesms@gmail.com - A few photographs of Nicole performing from the first concert on August 16th below to set the scene ……

Nicole Crespo O' Donohoe : Ashbourne Church : 16.08.09 : Photograph by Enda Casey : www.gasun.net & www.gasun.net/wordpress

Nicole Crespo O' Donohoe : Ashbourne Church : 16.08.09 : Photograph by Enda Casey : www.gasun.net & www.gasun.net/wordpress

Mickey McKenna from Trim, County Meath was a most talented and respected musician, who sadly passed on in 2004. I never had the pleasure of meeting Mickey nor seeing him perform first hand, but each year since his death, those who knew and played music with him have gathered in Trim to commemorate his life through the music he loved. This year, the concerts and music workshops (including Rock Guitar) took place in Trim Library on August 21st and 22nd, with music workshops in Rathcairn Library as well. The event was funded and supported by Meath County Council / Arts Council and organised by Alternative Entertainments. Officially opened by Cllr. Ray Butler (Trim); the legendary Barney McKenna (The Dubliners) and Sean Og McKenna took centre stage alongside Eamonn MacDonnacha (Rathcairn), Patsy Conroy (Trim), Henry McCullough (Antrim) and the famous Glenties fiddlers; Vincent, Jimmy & Peter Campbell, as well as other well-known traditional and bluegrass musicians including Bill Whelan (Fairview), Liam Kennedy (Ballyfermott), Austin Waring (Malahide) and Kevin Ward (Dublin) …. All events were free to attend!

When one reflects on the various music festivals in Ireland, Trim County Meath is an ideal place for a Music Festival with ample facilities across the town, including one of the finest castles in the world! This commemorative event already shares that common bond with some other Irish festivals in that people unite in Music to honour and cherish the memory of a sadly missed friend and musician. Thankfully due to his friends and family, Mickey has been commemorated for five years now, which hopefully will continue for years to come! Nonetheless, as I sat on the floor of the Library in front of the small stage and savoured each sublime performance, I pondered; (I) Could this enjoyable commemoration evolve into a bigger Festival, similar to The Johnny Keenan Banjo Festival or other festival formats too numerous to mention here or (II) Could a Music Festival be developed in Trim if (I) was not possible? Great credit must go to The McKenna family and those who organise the Commemoration, but what a wonderful legacy Mickey would have left the people of Trim if the event were to evolve further and reach out to a wider local and national audience and performers/musicians alike, so exploration of my “Question I” above would be logical, before moving on to cut another cloth so to speak?

Now as we all continue to take off to the O2, The Olympia Theatre and other such venues to see and hear Live Music, there is something extra special about experiencing Live Music on your own doorstep as this event and the recent visits of Christy Moore and Declan Synnott to Knightsbrook Hotel have proven! Having said all this, I believe that the possibilities for a suitable Music Festival / Event / Venue in Trim are endless and as a Music Photographer living in Trim, I would like to see something happen, but that’s just my personal opinion! At the moment, the only show in town is the Mickey McKenna Commemoration Concert and in my respectful opinion, this event should be examined to see if it can be developed further for the future. Would Trim be ready for significant development of this Commemoration or indeed another unrelated Music/Arts Festival? What do you think? I hope the few photographs below conjure up in your minds what prompted these thoughts in mine, as I sat on the Library floor at the weekend enjoying the music. I make final reference to the ever-youthful, Sean Og McKenna, who performed at the weekend in the words of the incredible Christy Moore …….

“as soon as we found Stuggart, we got the wagons in a ring, Sean Og got out the Banjo and Peter played the Mandolin. There were fans there from everywhere, attracted by the sound, the first Fleadh Cheol in Europe, and Joxer passed the flagon round”

- photographs from friday august 21st 2009 -

Bill Whelan : Trim Library : 21.08.09 : Photograph by Enda Casey : www.gasun.net & www.gasun.net/wordpress

Bill Whelan, Ben Keogh & Liam Kennedy : Trim Library : 21.08.09 : Photograph by Enda Casey : www.gasun.net & www.gasun.net/wordpress

Patsy Conroy : Trim Library : 21.08.09 : Photograph by Enda Casey : www.gasun.net & www.gasun.net/wordpress

Eamonn MacDonnacha : Trim Library : 21.08.09 : Photograph by Enda Casey : www.gasun.net & www.gasun.net/wordpress

- photographs from saturday august 22nd 2009 -

Sean Og McKenna : Trim Library : 22.08.09 : Photograph by Enda Casey : www.gasun.net & www.gasun.net/wordpress

Barney McKenna : Trim Library : 22.08.09 : Photograph by Enda Casey : www.gasun.net & www.gasun.net/wordpress

Jimmy Campbell : Trim Library : 22.08.2009 : Photograph by Enda Casey : www.gasun.net & www.gasun.net/wordpress

Vincent Campbell : Trim Library : 22.08.2009 : Photograph by Enda Casey : www.gasun.net & www.gasun.net/wordpress

Vincent, Jimmy & Peter Campbell : Trim Library : 22.08.2009 : Photograph by Enda Casey : www.gasun.net & www.gasun.net/wordpress

more photographs to follow …..

For 11 years, the Le Cheile Festival in Oldcastle, Co. Meath has hosted some of the finest performers in Ireland and further afield. The 12th Le Cheile Festival taking over the August Bank Holiday weekend continues in this vein and boasts top names including Mundy, Declan O’ Rourke, Meteor Award nominee, Lisa Hannigan, Nell Bryden (New York), Delorentos, Ari Hest, Adebisi Shank, Fiona Melady, Joy Booth, Fight Like Apes, Kells finest, Little Palace & top comedian, Jason Byrne. What follows is a pictorial account of the Friday & Saturday nights entertainment, but the highlight for me came from the ranks of the newcomers in the form of the hooded Adebisi Shank on Saturday in Creans and the atmosphere at Lisa Hannigan in a packed Caffreys Red Room on Friday … Best wishes to Lisa for the Meteor Awards from all here ……… Le Cheile 13 is looming …. Enda.

- FRIDAY NIGHT -

Fiona Melady : Le Cheile Festival Oldcastle 2009 : Caffreys Red Room : 31.07.09 : Photograph by Enda Casey : www.gasun.net & www.gasun.net/wordpress

Jason Byrne : Le Cheile Festival Oldcastle 2009 : Oldcastle House Hotel : 31.07.09 : Photograph by Enda Casey : www.gasun.net & www.gasun.net/wordpress

Lisa Hannigan : Le Cheile Festival Oldcastle 2009 : Caffreys Red Room : 31.07.09 : Photograph by Enda Casey : www.gasun.net & www.gasun.net/wordpress

Nell Bryden (NY) : Le Cheile Festival Oldcastle 2009 : Phantom 105.2 Stage Creans : 31.07.09 : Photograph by Enda Casey : www.gasun.net & www.gasun.net/wordpress

Mundy : Le Cheile Festival Oldcastle 2009 : Phantom 105.2 Stage Creans : 31.07.09 : Photograph by Enda Casey : www.gasun.net & www.gasun.net/wordpress

- SATURDAY NIGHT -

The Incredible Adebisi Shank : Le Cheile Festival 2009 : Phantom 105.2 Stage Creans : Photograph by Enda Casey : www.gasun.net & www.gasun.net/wordpress

The Incredible Adebisi Shank : Le Cheile Festival Oldcastle : Phantom 105.2 Stage Creans : Photograph by Enda Casey : www.gasun.net & www.gasun.net/wordpress :

The Incredible Adebisi Shank : Le Cheile Festival Oldcastle : Phantom 105.2 Stage Creans : Photograph by Enda Casey : www.gasun.net & www.gasun.net/wordpress

Delorentos : Le Cheile Festival 2009 : Phantom 105.2 Stage creans : Photograph by Enda Casey : www.gasun.net & www.gasun.net/wordpress

Sanzkrit : Le Cheile Festival 2009 : Phantom 105.2 Stage Creans : Photograph by Enda Casey : www.gasun.net & www.gasun.net/wordpress

Declan O' Rourke : Le Cheile Festival 2009 : Caffreys Red Room : Photograph by Enda Casey : www.gasun.net & www.gasun.net/wordpress

Ari Hest (NY): Le Cheile Festival 2009 : Caffreys Red Room : Photograph by Enda Casey : www.gasun.net & www.gasun.net/wordpress

The Incredible Adebisi Shank : Le Cheile Festival 2009 : Phantom 105.2 Stage Creans : Photograph by Enda Casey : www.gasun.net & www.gasun.net/wordpress

- BRING ON LE CHEILE 13 -