MUSIC Mayo musicians to duet in Leitrim

Westport harpist and Achill whistle player join forces


WESTPORT harpist Laoise Kelly, celebrates the launch of her long-awaited second CD, ‘Ceis’ at Carrick-on-Shannon’s The Dock venue on Wednesday, October 27, where she will be accompanied by Clare fiddle player Michelle O Brien.  
And as an extra special treat, Achill tin whistle/flute player Des Cafferkey, guitarist Seamie O’Dowd and bodhran player Junior Davey will perform during the first part of the night.  
Laoise, who recently represented Ireland at the World Harp Festival in Paraguay, has pioneered her own unique style of harp playing, using a combination of techniques, by playing the thirty-four gut strung Irish harp with fingernails as opposed to finger tips.
Her sheer talent and technical brilliance is very much to the fore on her new album, through her remarkable interpretations of the old and new tunes she has chosen. 
‘Ceis’ breathes a fresh lease of ife into ancient harp airs, previously unheard for centuries, alongside lively west Kerry polkas and new compositions from legendary fiddler Tommy Peoples. 
‘Ceis’ follows her critically acclaimed first album ‘Just Harp’ - pure music, played in her beautiful style of bouncy bass runs, lilting melodies and lots of spontaneous ornamentation.
Laoise was a founding member of traditional group ‘The Bumblebees’ with whom she recorded two albums and toured worldwide. Throughout her solo career she has recorded with many of Ireland’s foremost artists including The Chieftains, Donal Lunny, Sharon Shannon, Clannad, Altan, Tommy Maken, Matt Molloy and Mary Black as well as Kate Bush and American country/bluegrass icon Tim O Brien.   She has toured and performed in all corners of the globe from Africa, Japan and Russia to New Zealand, Australia, America and Canada,  performed with Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, at Celtic Colours in Cape Breton and Celtic Connections in Glasgow. She performed for President Mary Robinson; for President Mary McAleese and HRH Prince Andrew and with Poet Laureate Seamus Heaney on the ancient hill of Tara.
Originally from Westport but now living in Achill, Laoise has invited Achill tin whistle/flute player Des Cafferkey to perform during the first part of the night to celebrate his new CD Achill Air, which features Des’s unique rendition of traditional tunes as well as many beautiful new compositions, accompanied by the likes of Trevor Hutchinson, Tony Byrne, Paul McGrattan, Laoise Kelly and Gerry ‘Banjo’ O’Connor. Since performing with Ceoltoir Retrospective at The Dock in 2007, Des has recorded two albums and has performed with the likes of Mary Coughlan, Gerry O Connor, Matt Molloy and St Laurence O’ Toole Pipe Band. 
The show on Wednesday October 27, starts at 8.30pm, with theatre bar open from 7.45pm.  Admission is €15 and €12.  Bookings on 071 9650828.