Assisted by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media’s Local Live Performance Programme Support Scheme, the Abbey Sessions series will feature performances by Na Mooneys, The Henry Girls and an outstanding ensemble of South West Donegal musicians, singers and storytellers including Tara Connaghan, Steve Cooney, Ellie Nic Fhionnghaile, Aisling Ní Churraighín, and Mick Brown.
Na Mooneys - Tuesday 19th Oct@ 8pm €10
It features extended seven piece family band Na Mooneys, aka Clann Uí Mhaonaigh of Gaoth Dobhair, who are - Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh of Altan, her brother Gearóid Ó Maonaigh and sister Anna Ní Mhaonaigh. The ensemble also includes Gearóid’s son Ciarán Ó Maonaigh, a member of the brilliant Fidil trio, with Ciarán’s partner Caitlín Nic Gabhann, Mairéad’s daughter Nia Byrne, and longtime family friend, music producer and member of seminal Scottish traditional band, Capercaillie, Manus Lunny.
With a great store of songs, tunes and dances from the Donegal Gaeltacht and beyond in their repertoire – much of which has been derived from family sources such as the late, great Francie Mooney – an evening with Na Mooneys is an invitation to join a family celebration of all that is treasured in the Irish tradition.
Tara Connaghan, Steve Cooney, Ellie Nic Fhionnghaile.
Wednesday 20th Oct @ 8pm €10
it’s the turn of a group of musicians, singers and storytellers – also with strong Gaeltacht connections - from South West Donegal, including Glenties fiddle player Tara Connaghan, An Teileann based Australia born guitarist and composer Steve Cooney - recently announced winner of the TG4 Cumadóir na Bliana Award - Gleann Choilm Cille singer, fiddle player and member of the internationally acclaimed Anúna vocal ensemble Ellie Nic Fhionnghaile, folklorist and accordian player Aisling Ní Churraighín - who is also Oifigeach Pleanála Teanga for the SW Donegal Gaeltacht - and An Teileann based, Dublin born fiddle player Mick Brown.
A special night of music on fiddle, guitar and accordion, traditional singing and storytelling is in store, when these five artists come together to offer a unique insight into the vibrant traditions of their homeplace.
The Henry Girls - Saturday 23rd Oct @ 8pm €10
it’s the turn of The Henry Girls. Over the past ten years, the Inishowen trio – sisters Lorna, Karen and Joleen McLaughlin – have enthralled audiences all over Ireland, the UK, Europe, Scandinavia and the US, with their unique blend of Irish Traditional, Oldtime and Jazz music, and a quality of vocal harmonizing that only siblings appear able to aspire to. For this special concert at the Abbey Arts Centre, they will be also joined by regular musical collaborator, Glenties fiddle player, Denise Boyle.
Audiences on the night can expect to hear material from The Henrys’ many recordings to-date as well as from their brilliant recent tribute to the 1930s American vocal trio, The Boswell Sisters - forerunners of the better known Andrews Sisters and a big influence on The Henry Girls’ own singing style.