Saturday, April 17th, 2010 is promising to be a fantastic day of celebration for music in County Clare. The annual Riches of Clare free lunchtime concert series is now in it’s 6th year, and to mark the occasion, a free promotional CD that was recorded during last summer’s series will be released. In keeping with the ethos of the series, the CD features performances from many Clare based musicians, including Tony Linnane, Maeve Donnelly, Shane Mulvey, The Kilfenora Céilí Band, Padraig Rynne and Chris Droney. The CD is free of charge and will be available during the 2010 series and from libraries throughout the county.

The series began in 2005 inspired by the UCC Traditional Music Society’s ‘Seomra Caidreamh’ series. “These were free concerts, organized by the students, where local musicians would perform. They were often the highlight of a working week and a great opportunity to hear musicians performing in a more formal but intimate setting” explained Finola Ryan, co-ordinator of the series. After leaving UCC, Finola suggested the County Arts Office run a similar series, promoting Clare based musicians.

The 2010 series will continue to be free of charge, and 16 concerts are planned. “Over the past few years we have had concerts as part of local festivals around the county, and this year we are delighted to be working with Fleadh Nua in Ennis, the Clare County Fleadh in Kilfenora and the Feakle Festival.” Ennis concerts take place on Wednesday afternoons in the now familiar base of the Clare Museum. The series will also visit Kilkee and Ballyvaughan this summer.

The Riches of Clare series has gone from strength to strength over the past five years and is now an established event on the Clare traditional music and social calandars. “Local musicians have been enthusiastic and obliging with their participation in each and every concert. The series really belongs to the musicians and the audiences. A special word of thanks must also be delivered to all the venues and staff of each venue throughout the County that has welcomed the series and made it a community event” continues Liam Ryan, who also co-ordinates the series with his sister.

Sixty-eight musicians took part in the series last year, in Ennis and throughout the County. “A guest book that was set up this year has fantastic comments from people from Kilrush to Kilnaboy, from New York to Newmarket-on-Fergus, from Spain to Spanish Point. As well as more traditional methods of advertising, the series has a Myspace Music page and a Facebook page which were set up last year. These pages welcome people to view pictures of concerts, video clips of concerts and offers visitors the opportunity to leave comments about concerts. Visitors to MySpace and Facebook will find exclusive recordings of some of the singers from last year’s series, a taste of what is to be heard on the CD.

The Riches of Clare is organized by the Arts Office of Clare County Council and is overseen by Siobhán Mulcahy, County Arts Officer. “Siobhán offers support, ideas and overall advice on the running of each concert and has always been very enthusiastic about each concert. She was delighted with the idea of having a CD made last year to promote the concerts and secured funding from the Arts Council for same,” explains Liam.

Recording of the concerts was done by Lucy Polden and Jack Talty. Lucy is based in Dublin City as a recording engineer and has worked with many well known bands in our Capital. Jack Talty is from Lissycasey, a nephew of well known concertina player, Noel Hill. Jack has his own recording studio in Lissycasey and has recorded many well know musicians from and outside the County.

“Both Lucy and Jack have done a fantastic job, we are delighted with the finished product. We are sure the public will also be impressed with the quality and professionalism with which it was made” continued Liam.

The CD and 2010 series launch is being held in the Clare Museum (above the Ennis Touist Office) on the 17th of April at 1pm. Liam explains, “It is fitting that this is the venue for the launch of the CD as this is the venue where the very first concert was held in 2005. Colm and Hugh Healy, Paul O'Driscoll and Seanie McGrath will perform at the launch. They were the four musicians who played at the very first concert in 2005 so we are thrilled to have them returning now to mark this occasion.” Muiris O’Rochain, Director of the Willie Clancy Summer School, will officially launch the CD. All involved are delighted to have Muiris, a great friend to traditional musicians over the years, to do the launch.

More information about the series can be found at richesofclare.com or the Clare Arts Office at 065-6899091. A text message reminder service is available by sending RICHES to 087-419 9293. A text will be sent on each day of a concert reminding people who is playing, and of the venue.