Hi-Doh Festival underway in south Mayo town

THE inaugural Hi-Doh Festival celebrating songs and the art of songwriting has begun in Claremorris and will continue over the weekend. The ‘mini-fest’ aims to give young singers and songwriters an arena to showcase their talents to an appreciative audience.

The festival will host a number of events that celebrate song and the art of songwriting. It was launched on Thursday evening at 7.30pm in Claremorris Library with a special focus on ‘Songs and Singers of East Mayo’.

The ‘Hi-Doh Collective Circle of Song’ takes place in Warde’s Pub this evening Friday, September 26, starting at 9pm.

The ‘Hi-Doh Youth Open-Mic’ will be hosted by Insomnia Coffee Shop tomorrow Saturday, September 27 at 11.30am. The Mol an Óige event is for young people from 14 to 19 and they are welcome to come along and perform their songs.

The Dalton Inn Hotel is the venue on Saturday afternoon for the screening of the award documentary, 20 Feet from Stardom. This gets underway at 5pm and all are welcome.

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The spotlight switches to the Gallery at Mount Street on Sunday afternoon at 3pm where Aoife Clesham will host a Singing and Vocal Technique Workshop. Aoife is a professionally trained singer who has performed internationally and at the West End and has vast experience in this field of activity. This provided a fine opportunity to get valuable insights and tips from top talent.

Claremorris Library will host an exhibition of books on singing and songwriting from September 25-27 and this is sure to prove popular with all who are attending the various events.

The festival has been inspired by the monthly gathering of the Hi-Doh First Friday ‘jams’ of singers in Warde’s Pub, Claremorris, that has been running for some time and where participants celebrate song and songwriting at these monthly acoustic performances.

This debut festival looks set to put down roots that will continue to flourish and expand in the times ahead. Well done to everyone associated with bringing this project to fruition.