Friday, December 11, 2009

Achill November Open Mike a Success!




Achill's November Open Mike Poetry and Music Night was a huge success. Despite there being a Force 10-12 storm in progress on the evening, a crowd of poetry and music lovers turned out to the 6th of these cultural evenings since they were started in June.
As usual, the venue was Gielty's bar at Dooagh, the most westerly pub on Achill island. The occassion was made even more special in that the first ever 'Special Guest' appearance was by local multi-talented singer-songwriter, Gareth McNamara from Currane, Achill. Those who braved the weather were treated to a variety of songs and instrumentals from the young man who plays harmonica, acoustic guitar, fiddle, banjo and piano. On this occasion he played guitar, harmonica and banjo including his own songs and some folk numbers.
A variety of poetry including Christmas poems were read by myself, Ethna Johnston, Tessa Johnston, Eileen Chaddock and Marcus Colquhoun. Attending was Maura Mulligan, a New York writer who had just completed a two-week residency at Boll Cottage on Achill.
There will be no Open Mike in December but we hope to be back in January around Burns Night with a haggis, a piper and a few of the great Scottish bard's songs and poems.

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