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"The Fiddler" logo created by Joel Lindstedt
visitors since 31 May 2006
Hey!!!!!!! It's Fiddle Fair Thursday .. 17 and a half hours until the opening session and here in Baltimore its the storm before the calm before the storm - sunshine on the way for the weekend though (and if not sure what about it).
Music and music lovers have been trickling in to the village all day, including a car from wee Omagh with the 'hall of famer' at the wheel.
See y'all soon safe traveling
Declan
We would like to dedicate this year's festival to the memory of our good friend Eugene Graham.
Eugene was a music promoter based in Denmark who loved music and really looked after musicians. He came to the Fiddle Fair every year and last year he brought a large Danish contingent with him. It was with great regret that we learnt of his sudden passing last summer.
He is sorely missed.
Declan
Hey Fiddle Fair people, just 48 hours more until the 21st Anniversary Fiddle Fair kicks off with the welcome session at The Algiers Inn at 6pm with the young fiddlers from Comhaltas Óg an Sciobairín, followed by the opening concert at Dún na Seád Castle with John Carty and Arty McGlynn. This magical concert is completely sold out so if you haven't booked you're out of luck!
The good news though is that there are still some tickets remaining for the other shows.... but don't leave it too late or you'll suffer the same fate:)
The tent is up, the stage is being built, the first instruments were seen around the village this afternoon and the forecast is good so its all systems go for what is shaping up to be a savage weekend.
Tune in same time tomorrow for the 24 hour forecast!
Declan
We are delighted to announce another top-class line-up of 'masters' for our workshops this year. These 5 world-class fiddle classes will take place at various locations around the village. Places for all the workshops are limited so advance booking is strongly advised.
All of the Fiddle Workshops are for 'handy' and advanced players only, cost €20 each, and last about 90 minutes.
Discounts are available for anyone attending multiple workshops.
To book a place call 086-3753380 or e-mail declan@fiddlefair.com
Friday
4pm Glebe Gardens: John Carty
Saturday
11am Inish Beg: Old Time Fiddle with Bruce Molsky
2pm Baltimore Sailing Club: Cajun & Creole style with Cedric Watson
5pm Glenans Sailing School: Liam Flanagan
Sunday
11am Inish Beg: Casey Driessen
For more on Fiddle Fair 2013, follow the link ...
2 Twitter Photo Contests!
Twitter #fiddlefairmoment Photo Competition running 27th April - 8th May
To enter - Retweet the Fiddle Fair poster (this tweet is on the Fiddle Fair Twitter page entitled: 'Competition Tweet.'). To bump up your chances even more - post your best Fiddle Fair photo - a photo that best describes the Fiddle Fair to you. The best photo will be voted upon via Facebook. The winners will be announced pre-Baltimore Fiddle Fair 2013. Post photos to @FiddleFair with hash tag #fiddlefairmoment.
If you haven't attended Baltimore Fiddle Fair or you simply don't have a photo from Baltimore Fiddle Fair - make one up! :)
What you can win:
A pair of tickets to Reel It In' with John Doyle, Bruce Molsky, and Casey Driessen
A pair of tickets to see The Nordic Fiddlers Bloc and Colm Mac Con Iomaire & Guests
A Fiddle Fair Goodie bag brim full of Fiddle Fair goodness
Second Competition:
Twitter #fiddlefairface Photo Competition running 9th May - 13th May.
To enter, simply post your Fiddle Fair photo to Twitter @FiddleFair with hash tag #fiddlefairface during Baltimore Fiddle Fair 9th May - 13th May 2013.
To be in with a chance to win: The Grandiose prize of: a season ticket to Baltimore Fiddle Fair 2014!
The best photo will be voted upon via Facebook and the winner will be announced at the end of May.
Best of Luck to y'all - Hope to see you at Baltimore #FiddleFair 2013 and 2014.
Happy Snapping:)
Hi there Fiddle Fair fans - we are delighted to announce the line-up for our 21st anniversary festival.
We hope you agree that its pretty special:
We kick off on Thursday 9th with a candlelit concert at Dún na Séad Castle with John Carty and Arty McGlynn - John performed at a couple of Fiddle Fair's back in the bar days, once with the amazing group At The Racket and one very memorable concert with Arty in 2003. He is a truly gifted multi-instrumentalist and is accompanied by the living legend and Fiddle Fair 'Hall of Famer' Arty McGlynn.
On Friday at the Fiddle Fair Marquee we welcome back one of the world's finest exponents of Old Time fiddle music, Bruce Molsky. Bruce played at Fiddle Fair 2007 and is another multi-instrumentalist,singer and one of the most sought-after fiddle teachers in the world of folk music.
Then we are thrilled to present one of the very first Irish shows by the new 'Super Trio' The Teetotallers, Martin Hayes, Kevin Crawford and especially John Doyle have performed at many Fiddle Fairs down the years and as you can imagine this new project of theirs is exceptional.
On Saturday at 1pm in Dún na Séad we present Cork fiddler Liam Flanagan with Limerick accordion maestro Derek Hickey. Liam is the fiddle player with one of our favourite Fiddle Fair bands, North Cregg and Derek has played accordion with some of the great names if traditional Irish music (He also played fiddle here last year).
Then we move to Glebe Gardens Amphitheatre for a double bill featuring the world premiere of John Doyle, Bruce Molsky and Casey Driessen and one of the most exciting young traditional acts in the country Reel It In', 5 young guys who are proving that the future of the music is in very good hands.
On Saturday night at the marquee we present a double bill of GRAMMY nominees, first up is the astonishing talent that is Casey Driessen. We have been trying to bring this genius to the Fiddle Fair for many years and are incredibly excited to present the Irish Premier of Casey Driessen Singularity. Do not miss it!
And then we have the amazing Cedric Watson & Bijou Creole. Cedric is the leading light of the new generation of Cajun and Creole musicians out of Louisiana and is a remarkable talent - bring your dancing shoes.
On Sunday at Dún na Séad we present the fiddle duo Toner Quinn and Malachy Bourke. Fiddle duos are always a highlight of our festival and these two guys, based in County Galway play sweet sweet music.
Back up to the stunning Glebe Gardens then at 3pm for The Nordic Fiddlers Bloc, Kevin Henderson form Shetland played at a couple of previous festivals, including the last ever Fiddle Fair gig in McCarthy's with his band Fiddlers Bid. Along with Olav Luksengård Mjelva from Norway and Anders Hall from Sweden, they create a very special sound.
Then we present founder member of The Frames and currently The Swell Season, Colm Mac Con Iomaire, a gifted violinist who has been touring the world for the past 20 years yet is making his Fiddle Fair Debut.
To round off proceedings we go back to the Fiddle Fair Marquee for Una Palliser and Marco Hatlak. Una is originally from Cork and spent many summer holidays in Baltimore. In 2010 she played a memorable concert here with her Slovenian band The Balkan Bears, This time around she is accompanied by the supremely talented Marco Hatlak, founder member of the critically acclaimed Slovenian rock band Terrafolk.
Then to finish our festival we are really excited to present one of the worlds best bands, Capercaille. Scotland's finest are celebrating their 30th anniversary this year and are making an all-too-rare Irish appearance. Featuring the amazing voice of Karen Matheson and stellar musicians Donald Shaw, Manus Lunny, Charlie McKerron, Ewen Vernal and Fiddle Fair King Michael McGoldrick, Capercaille have a reputation for innovation and excellence and have influenced countless other acts in Scotland and all over the world. As they celebrate 30 years in the business with a hectic schedule of concerts, we are honoured that the only Irish date is at the Baltimore Fiddle Fair. * Please note that Mike McGoldrick will not be here for this show (we can't afford him these days:) but his very able deputy is exceptional piper and whistle player from County Tyrone, Jarlath Henderson.
We told you it was pretty special, hope to see you in May,
Declan
PS - Thank you for the phenomenal response and support of the FiddleFair! You can further your support buy purchasing a full season pass for only €125 (a €25 savings!) and see ALL these incredible acts for one amazing price!
Fiddle Fair 2013 Season Pass
Hey there everyone in Fiddle Fair land.
Thanks for your patience in waiting to hear our line-up for this year – we have been waiting on a few class acts to juggle their lives about in an effort to be with us in May and whilst some have been unable to make it work, we are absolutely delighted with those that have.
We still have one or two more in the pipeline but will definitely have confirmation in the next 48 hours – one thing i can guarantee is that its going to be amazing
Watch this space and watch this FiddleFair Video produced by dogdaymedia.com!
Declan
"Fiddle Fair 2013"
- 9th - 12th May
- Early Bird Tickets On Sale 1st February
- Buy your season ticket by 8th Feb for €100 only
- Full line-up announced Soon!
Hup!
Check out this promo video produced by dogdaymedia.com!
We are delighted to announce another top-class line-up of 'masters' for our workshops this year. These 5 world-class fiddle classes will take place at various locations around the village. Places for all the workshops are limited so advance booking is strongly advised. Click here for more info.
Hi there Fiddle Fair fans - we are delighted to announce the line-up for our 21st anniversary festival which runs 9th - 12th May in beautiful Baltimore, West Cork, Ireland.
We hope you agree that its pretty special:
Thank you for the phenomenal response and support of the FiddleFair! You can further your support buy purchasing a full season pass for only €125 (a €25 savings!) and see ALL these incredible acts for one amazing price!
Fiddle Fair 2013 Season Pass