Blas Summer School of Irish Traditional Music and Dance
at the Irish World Academy, University of Limerick
June 25th – July 6th
The Irish World Academy of Music and Dance at the University of Limerick hosts its eleventh annual Blas Summer School of Irish Traditional Music and Dance on the superb L campus from June 25th to July 6th. Tutors will include Martin Hayes, John Carty, Mel Mercier, Kevin Burke, Andy Irvine, Niall Keegan, Karan Casey and more.
Blas 2007 is being guest-directed by Carl Corcoran, musician, composer and radio presenter on RTÉ Lyric FM. On his appointment, Carl Corcoran said, “It's a tremendous honour and thrill for me to be associated with this great event. Irish music and dance has played an important role in my life both as a musician and a promoter, particularly during my twenty years in America. In my current role as Presenter of the Lyric Breakfast on RTÉ Lyric FM, I have consistently been an advocate of our musical legacy. As Director of Blas, I look forward to the opportunity of building on the successes of past summer schools."
Commenting on its unique standing in the hierarchy of summer schools in Ireland he added, “Blas is one of a kind. The host of talented tutors, the curriculum (and extracurricular activities) along with the friendly and comfortable surroundings of the University of Limerick guarantee a memorable experience, musically, socially and personally.” Blas offers on-campus accommodation in the University’s luxurious new student-villages.
Dr Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin, Director of the Irish World Academy on Blas:“The Irish World Academy is happy to announce that several scholarships to attend Blas have become available, sponsored by RTE Lyric FM, Aonad na Gaeilge at the University of Limerick, Limerick City Council and Limerick County Council.” Further information on how to apply for these scholarships is available on the website: www.blas.ie.
As well as tuition, lectures and master classes, Blas students can expect a whole range of activities including field-trips, sessions, concerts and céilís and above all, the opportunity to share tunes with some of Ireland’s finest traditional musicians.
The public concerts taking place during the summer school include ‘Niall Keegan, Sandra Joyce and Friends’ which will feature guests including Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin, Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, Clive Carroll and more. Kindly sponsored by Aonad na Gaeilge at the University of Limerick, this concert will take place upstairs in Dolan’s, Dock Road Limerick on Tuesday July 2nd.
The second concert welcomes the legendary band Patrick Street to Limerick on Thursday July 5th. Patrick Street is one of the seminal Irish traditional bands and features a stellar line-up which includes Kevin Burke on fiddle, Andy Irvine on vocals and bouzouki, Jackie Daly on box, John Carty on fiddle and banjo and Ged Foley on guitar. Members of the band will also tutor for two days at Blas, allowing students to access their vast experience and wealth of tunes.
A third public concert featuring Martin Hayes and Denis Cahill has been scheduled for Thursday June 28th.
