Déise Abu will celebrate youth culture in County Waterford
Pictured at the launch of Déise Ábu Youth Music Song and Dance Weekend in Lawlor's Hotel, Dungarvan are Fox Miller (Banjo), Jay Miller (Tin Whistle / Harp), Áine Byrne (Fiddle), Emma Collins (Concertina / Bodhrán), Zoë Collins (Tin Whistle), Ciarán Carroll (Fiddle), Rory Mulcahy (Banjo), Jack Hennessy (Guitar), Emily Curran (Concertina), Ewan Donnelly (Singer & Mandolin) and Caoimhe Byrne (Flute). Photo by Nathan Burke Photography.
County Waterford will have a brand new festival this year that will be aimed at celebrating the creativity of young people aged between 8 and 21.
Déise Ábu Youth Music Song & Dance Weekend will be a first-of-its-kind cultural initiative that will take place in Dungarvan on Saturday and Sunday, February 21 and 22.
A spokesperson for the organisers said the event will be designed as "an ambitious, inclusive and joyful celebration of youth creativity".
"Déise Ábu Weekend brings together music, song and dance across a range of styles from traditional Irish music to classical, brass, choral, pop and contemporary ensemble work, all within one town-wide weekend," he said.
Across two packed days, young people and families will be able to participate in hands-on workshops, live performances, try-an-instrument sessions, Céilís, concerts, open sessions, and large-scale ensemble events, with opportunities both to learn and to take part.
The weekend will combine education, tuition, participation, performance and entertainment, and offer something for beginners, improvers and more experienced young musicians and dancers.
The organisers believe Déise Ábu Weekend is the first event of its kind in Ireland as it will bring together a broad spectrum of traditional, classical and contemporary music, song and dance events, devoted to children and young people in one accessible, family-friendly weekend.
Ticket prices range from €5 to €20, which will make the weekend affordable and family-friendly. Tickets must be booked in advance and will be available from February 1 on www.dungarvanschoolofmusicandtrad.ie
Déise Ábu Weekend is founded by Helena Burke, of the Dungarvan School of Music & Trad, along witn: renowned traditional fiddle player Manus McGuire; Amy Landers, Irish dancing teacher and owner of Landers Irish Dance School; Alice Fitzgerald, local singing legend; Chris O’Sullivan, drummer, musical director and educator (SETU, Music Generation Waterford and Dungarvan Brass Band; and Jennifer O’Connell, co-founder of the Lismore Opera Festival (Blackwater Valley Opera Festival), together with parents and a team of volunteers.
Speaking ahead of the event, Helena, who is also the producer of the event, said: "This weekend is dedicated to young people [and] is designed to help children and young people improve their musical skills, expand their repertoire, learn from inspiring teachers, try new instruments, and experience the excitement of playing, performing, singing and dancing together."
“What makes this weekend special is the range from fiddle and accordion to brass, choir, pop bands, céilí dancing and large ensemble performances," she said.
"We want young people who are already involved to deepen their skills, but we are just as keen to welcome families who may not yet be engaged with the arts," she added.
"If you’re curious, this weekend is for you.”
Manus McGuire, co-founder said: “The organising founders are proud to welcome an exciting line-up of visiting and local performers to Dungarvan for the weekend, including Out the Gap, Dungarvan Brass Band, a vibrant Youth Choir led by Moylan Brunnock, and the County Tipperary Ryan Youth Orchestra."
"Their presence brings a special energy to the town and reflects the generous, collaborative spirit at the heart of the weekend," said Manus.
"It’s all about young people learning from one another and great tutors, performing together in Dungarvan, where there is a rich tradition of music, culture and community," he added.
Déise Ábu Weekend will take place across multiple venues throughout Dungarvan including Lawlor’s Hotel (Weekend HQ), the 360 Castle Room, the Town Hall Theatre, Dungarvan Harbour Sailing Club, the Church of Ireland, the Dungarvan School of Music & Trad, Merry’s Gastro Pub, the Enterprise Bar, Tudor House Bar and other town venues, creating a lively, walkable, festival-style atmosphere.
Highlights of the weekend will include: Instrumental workshops in fiddle, accordion, concertina, tin whistle, flute, guitar, banjo, mandolin, bodhrán, ukulele and drums; Irish and English singing for different age groups; Songwriting workshops for young people aged 10+; Try-a-Traditional Irish Instrument sessions for beginners and the curious; Beginner céilí and set-dance workshops for all ages; Grand céilís and open music sessions; Youth brass band performances and try-a-brass experiences; Youth choir performances; A 30-piece youth orchestra concert from Co. Tipperary; Pop band gigs and Music Generation Jam Club; A large-scale Sessiún Mór bringing together young musicians from across the region.
There will also be a grand finale concert featuring Co. Clare band, Out the Gap, with guest performers.
“Déise Ábu Weekend gives young people a weekend they can truly call their own,” said Helena Burke.
"It’s about gathering together, learning and playing. Young people meeting in person, sharing skills, trying new things, and enjoying the experience of music, song and dance as a community."
Another aspect of the event that is likely to benefit the town and area around Dungarvan is the fact it will be taking place at what is ordinarily a quieter time of the year so in that regard the organisers are hoping it will support the town while creating something meaningful for young people.
"We have real aspirations for this weekend to grow over time, but its heart will always be participation, inclusion and joy," said Helena.
"It’s been wonderful to see how quickly it has been embraced by parents, tutors, local businesses and the wider community," she added.
She went on to comment: "The organisers would like to acknowledge and thank the many local supporters and sponsors who have helped make the inaugural Déise Ábu Weekend possible, including: Nathan Burke Photography, Grace’s Getaways and Fraher Media aswell as our wonderful venue providers and amazing volunteers."
Families, schools, teachers and the wider community are warmly encouraged to get involved, attend events and help spread the word.
Tickets go on sale on February 1st and those interested in going along are encouraged to visit the website to book tickets and view the full weekend programme of events at www.dungarvanschoolofmusicandtrad.ie
Enquiries about the event can be directed to Helena on 087 6181681 and the event can be followed on social media through Facebook: DéiseÁbuyouthmusicsonganddanceweekend.
