Irish singing legend Christy Dignam to perform at Tralee’s 5^th Celebration of Christie Hennessy

 

CHRISTY Dignam and fellow Aslan band member, Joe Jewell will perform at this year’s 5^thAnnual Celebration of Christie Hennessy at Fels Point Hotel on Friday 30^th and Saturday 31^st October.

 

Maybe it’s because the event is taking place over Halloween, but it’s scary to see so much talent coming through to the fore and this festival provides a platform for new singer/songwriters to showcase original material over two glorious days.

 

The CEO of Tralee Chamber Alliance, Kieran Ruttledge, said: “The Christie Hennessy Celebration is a great weekend of top class music from some of Ireland’s best contemporary musicians. Both nights are great occasions with fantastic talent on display. I am constantly amazed by the standards of musicianship in Ireland and this festival is a great platform for these bands to showcase their talent. It’s all done in honour of Tralee’s own Christie Hennessy, who was himself a great singer and songwriter.”

 

Christy Dignam and Joe Jewell will be the special guests at the Live Final of the 2015 IMRO Christie Hennessy Song Competition, in association with Tralee Chamber Alliance, Tralee Credit Union and Fels Point Hotel, on Saturday 31^st October from 8.30pm.

 

The IMRO Christie Hennessy Song Competition is a tribute to the life and music of one of Tralee’s most famous sons.

 

Paul McDonnell took home the top prize last year for his song, “Be All You Can Be”, co-written with Dave Molloy and Cathleen Flynn.

 

Ten finalists selected from over 200 entries across Ireland will perform their original songs in front of a live audienceand a panel of expert judges. The winning songwriter willbe presented with a cheque for €1,000 on the night,courtesy of Tralee Credit Union. Previous winners have included Alan Kavanagh, Enda Reilly and Christine Deady.

 

Open to all musical styles, the artists must perform their own compositions live (no backing tracks) and the 10 finalists – selected by IMRO – will perform their songs before a live audience (and panel of judges) in Fels Point Hotel.

 

The Troubadour Club presented by Francie Conway will return to kick-start the weekend on Friday 30^th October featuring performances by ten artists (many Kerry-based) including Q14, Roy Buckley, House of Hippies, Alan Kavanagh, Pam & Joe O’Connor, Richie Ros, Aidan & the Astronauts, Sumdaze and Tony Henderson.

 

Both The Troubadour Club on Friday 30^th and the IMRO Song Competition Final on Saturday 31^st will get underway at 8.30pm admission is €10 on Friday for the Troubadour Club and Saturday night is Free admission.

 

All ticket holders at the Troubadour Club event will receive a complimentary drink, BEFORE 9pm on Saturday night.

 

Tickets are available from Tralee Chamber Alliance Office, 18 Denny St, Tralee and at the door in Fels Point Hotel on both nights.