IN terms of box office, how do you possibly follow a reunion concert by the legendary Moving Hearts?
Simple. Just line up some other terrific musical acts to keep the crowds enthralled.
While the magical Moving Hearts rolled back the years in sensational fashion on Friday night, the inaugural Killarney FolkFest was every bit as enjoyable and exciting on Saturday as some of the top musicians on the road hit the stage at the INEC and Gleneagle Hotel complex.
The onus of responsibility to keep the momentum going – and they did so in some style – fell on the likes of Tinariwen, Kíla, Seamus Begley, Jim Murray, The Lost Brothers, the Máirtín O’Connor Trio, Lynched, Aldoc and Lumiere and the bumper crowd and lively atmosphere ensured the event was a massive hit.
Also lined up on the night were Catriona McKay and Chris Stout, Druce & Jones, Riona and Matt Griffin and Sliabh Luachra’s own rising star Bryan O’Leary from Tureencahill, a grandson of the late, great Johnny O’Leary.
And it’s not over yet. This Sunday will see Liam O’Fynn, Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin, Paddy Glackin and Neil Martin, Martin Hayes and Iarla Ó Lionáird, Sharon Shannon and Tulla Céilí Band hit the stage – and that’s only for starters.
A feast of folk it most certainly is.
* Pictures from the FolkFest by Valerie O’Sullivan. Click on individual images to enlarge and for information
