DON’T forget your shovel if you want to go to Tralee where the music and songwriting genius of Christie Hennessy will be celebrated Fels Point Hotel this coming weekend, Friday 21 and Saturday 22 November.
The Gathering of Songwriters – A Tribute to Christie Hennessy, now in its fourth year and sponsored by Tralee Chamber Alliance, will provide a platform for new singer/songwriters to showcase original material over two glorious days.
The CEO of Tralee Chamber Alliance, Kieran Ruttledge, said: “The positive impact of last year’s Celebration of Christie Hennessy has been phenomenal and we are confident that this year’s Gathering of Songwriters will be even more memorable. Every minute of the weekend will be a highlight with a packed line-up of performers on both Friday and Saturday nights. The free workshops are back by popular demand with many budding musical talents set to hone their skills under the guidance of some songwriting experts.”
Dublin bluesman Don Baker will perform as the special guest during the IMRO Christie Hennessy Song Contest Final on Saturday 22nd November.
Open to all musical styles, the artists must perform their own compositions live (no backing tracks) and the 10 finalists – selected by IMRO – will perform their songs before a live audience (and panel of judges) in Fels Point Hotel.
The Troubadour Club presented by Francie Conway will return to kick-start the weekend on Friday 21st November featuring performances by ten artists (many Kerry-based) including Robert Delaney, Chapter 2, Fiach Moriarty, Gary Keane and Mickey Harte.
The festival title will really do what it says on the tin in bringing together a gathering of songwriters at FREE songwriting workshops at 12pm and 4pm on Saturday 22nd November hosted by Mickey Hart and IMRO respectively.
Musicians will also be treated to a showcase and trial of equipment from Cort Guitars and Bose Sound Systems at 2pm on Saturday afternoon.
Admission to The Troubadour Club event on Friday night is only €5 with tickets available from Tralee Chamber Office, 18 Denny St, Tralee and at the door on the night. Admission to the Song Contest Final is free, while seats can be reserved through IMRO at info@imro.ie or 01 – 6614844.
Places at the FREE workshops can be reserved by contacting johnk@tralee.ie or 066 – 7121472.
