Scots Irish fusion onSt Pat’s Day menu

THE Londonderry UK City of Culture 2013 St Patrick’s Day Carnival will be a showcase for local talent - not least in the form of the unique blend of Scottish and Irish music promised by Sontas - who will be entertaining revellers with a selection of jigs, reels and strathspeys in Guildhall Square.

That’s according to one of the main organiser, Sharon Meenan, North West Carnival Initiative Officer with Derry City Council.

She said a proposed Spring Sounds and Gigs in the Hood event will bring the best local talent to the Live Stage in Guildhall Square from 12noon to 6pm on March 17 and will feature an exciting mix of the UK City of Culture’s finest traditional and contemporary musicians.

She said: “Spring Sounds and Gigs in the Hood is all about showcasing the local talent that exists on our doorstep and offering musicians, young and old, the opportunity to play in front of a large audience.

“With so much going on in the City over the weekend, people will be able to dip in and out of Guildhall Square whilst taking advantage of range of on street entertainment that has been programmed.”

Kicking off the day’s music in which will be the home of the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann this year, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann will be bringing the best in local Irish traditional music to spectators in a celebration of Irish music and culture.

This will be followed by the Dolphin School of Dance at 1.30pm, when audiences will be treated to an astounding mix of traditional Irish Dance fused with contemporary modern music.

The entertainment continues from 3pm – 4pm with Sontas who will bring their spectacular performance, blending Irish and Scottish music fused with contemporary playing styles and arrangements in a way unheard before.

They will be followed by the critically acclaimed Ard Rí from 4pm, whose folk influenced sound features current and past members of Paddy Nash and The Happy Enchiladas, Cashier No.9, Teknopeasant, Here Comes The Landed Gentry, Red Organ Serpent Sound, The Whole Tribe Sings, & Cuckoo.

Gigs in the Hood will close the event from 4.40pm, the Practice Makes Perfect youth initiative, will be compared by local busker, Luke Mac, who will perform with some of the city’s rising talents.

Naimh McCay, 15year old Thornhill student fresh from her appearance on the Other Voices trail is classically trained and self taught instrumentalist playing the guitar, banjo, ukulele and more recently mandolin.

Gavin and his Ukulele, a unique act in which 15 year old music student will be taking to the stage for his solo performance. Four piece local favourites The Clameens, a band tipped to be on the way up will round off the day’s offerings with their great live show.