Con Curtin Festival - Brosna
June 25, 2019
The 19th Annual Con Curtin Music Festival takes place this weekend of June 28th – July 1st in the North Kerry village of Brosna, an area steeped in the Sliabh Luachra tradition. This weekend includes concerts, céilithe, busking competition, recitals, many traditional music sessions with many top class musicians in the village. Although established in 2001, the festival has now become a tribute to the memory of traditional musical legend, Con Curtin from Brosna, who passed away on April 25, 2009, aged at 82 years.
The following is the official programme of events:
A packed weekend of music, song and dance is planned; the concert kicks off the festival weekend on Friday, June 28th with the headline act of Don Stiffe, Jack Talty and Damien O’Reilly supported by Brosna Bucks, and Greta Curtin and friends.
Frances Kennedy of storytelling fame will host the evening. There will be a music trail of great musicians in the four bars all weekend.
On Saturday morning music workshops will be delivered by a group of talented musicians; Jack Talty, Damien O’ Reilly, Éamonn O’Riordan, Brian Mooney and Connie O’Connell.
Tom Roche, historian and author will provide a workshop on the history of Brosna.
This year we host a Wren Boy parade through the village culminating in performances on stage in the square. Everyone is invited to attend and to participate in what promises to be an afternoon of music, song and craic.
A fiddle recital of Sliabh Luachra music will commemorate Con Curtin and there will be a traditional Mass at 7.30pm.
Brosna like many villages has been hard hit by emigration and policies that impact on rural communities. The Minister of State for the Diaspora, Ciarán Cannon, will address the community on Saturday at 6 p.m. and the many visitors from far and near who are returning to Brosna for the festival. Invited guests include local TDs, newly elected councillors and Kerry County Council officials.
A Set Céili on Sunday with Donie Nolan’s Taylor’s Cross band is followed by a singing evening with the renowned Nora Butler.
On Monday a walk in Mount Eagle is planned followed by a scattering of musicians.
For more information, check out the official website (www.concurtin.com) or Facebook page (Con Curtin Music Festival)