If you were expecting a travel blog, this is not the place. Instead this is about a are radio station, that through it's programming, keeps the tradition alive. The station is Clare FM, based in Ennis, County Clare. Each weeknight they have a two hour show focusing on Traditional Irish Music. Each night there is a different host, each with his/her own style and personality.
For Set Dancers traveling to Ireland, they announce locations,festivals and classes that will occur throughout County Clare.
Last fall, Clare FM did an eight week series, "The Kitchen Sessions", that originated in homes and pubs throughout County Clare.
Paula Carroll did an incredible job in bringing the flavor of a rural home seisun to a worldwide audience.
From the kitchen of Pat & Peggy O'Reilly, Rath, Corofin
Each show featured live music performed by local musicians, set dancing, interviews with the host and hostess, as well as some of the musicians andset dancers.
Clare FM has kept all 8 Kitchen Sessions on line for everyone to enjoy.
My favorite was the Session 7 held at Chris Droney's house in Belle Harbor. Chris is one of the all time great Concertina players and usually plays with the Four Courts Ceili Band.
His whole multi-generational family participated.
They were able to convince Chris to do a few steps.
(My goal in life is to be able to dance like Chris when I too am
in my Mid 80's)
There were Set Dancers and Sean Nos dancers who added a distinct comfort feeling to the show. Aidan Vaughn, Four Courts Drummer, and a frequent visitor to Boston, and Gussie McMahon, did a Sean Nos duet.
(Keiran Jordan is producing a video based on Aidan's Sean Nos dancing.)
I was fortunate to have met Gussie when I stayed at his Bed and Breakfast in Doolin the last time I was in Ireland.
Chris's brother John runs Set Dancing classes in Glastonbury CT and is a good friend of my aunt.
During the show they had a few call-ins from the Droney clan in Simsbury CT, giving the show an international audience.
If you enjoy great Traditional Music and want to know where to Set Dance in County Clare, Clare FM is the perfect choice.
For those technology buffs, they leave each show on the web for a week.
You can either listen or download to your IPOD.
Pictures provided from the Clare FM website
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