Welcome to
Welcome to the first year of Tradoodle, Monaghan’s Traditional Arts Festival for Children and Young Audiences.
T
adoodle Festival, presented by Ceol Connected in association with Monaghan County Council, will bring a wide range of events to school and family audiences in selected venues throughout the county. Our exciting programme features a mix of magical musical feasts, sean-nós dancing for early years, live band extravaganzas, online tin-whistle lessons for schools and families, art exhibitions, special animation screenings, and lots more. You’ll even have a chance to fine-tune your shadow puppet skills and join our spooky Halloween session! We hope that you’ll get to join us, sing, dance, laugh, be curious and wide-eyed,
explore, learn some new things, and see what else Tradoodle has to offer! Looking forward to seeing you there! Thomas Johnston Artistic Director
Join us for the launch of
Tradoodle Festival The Market House, Market Street, Monaghan Town Tuesday 10th October at 6pm
We have been busy working with local partners to create a festival which we hope will enhance and invigorate traditional arts in Co. Monaghan. A sincere thanks to everyone who has worked with us so far! Arts Council Ireland Arts Office Carrickmacross Workhouse Catherine Elliott Cathy Bennett Clones Film Festival Comhaltas Branches Creative Ireland Dave Curtin (Brainstorm Design) Darren McCreesh Deirdriu McQuaid
Dominik Kosicki (Red Paw Media) Eileen Costello Garage Theatre Íontas Jacob Stack (Cover Illustration) Joanne Brennan Karen McCague Kay Cassidy Laragh Heritage Laura Carey Mick McCabe
Monaghan County Council Monaghan County Libraries Nicola Cusack Paula McCaul Pauline Duffy Sandra McQuaid Seán McElwain Somhairle MacConghail Teach na nDaoine Thérèse McKenna and many, many more...
Tradoodle Festival is funded by the Arts Council and Creative Ireland, Monaghan County Council and supported by local partners.
‘a wonderful, magical, absolutely enchanting and beguiling work... a real treasure’ (Ellen Cranitch (Vespertine on RTÉ Lyric FM)
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he Quiet Tree tells the story of the creatures of Whistleberry Forest who have discovered a little oak tree growing deep in the woods. However, there are no birds singing, no leaves rustling, and no animals scurrying around its trunk. This delightful show takes children and accompanying adults on a journey through the forest where they explore musical instruments, sing, and dance, and help Ornaith the owl, Sorley the snail, and Faolán the frog bring the little oak tree to life.
The Quiet Tree was developed with the kind support of The Ark. Listen to music and songs from The Quiet Tree at
Suitab le for
3-6 YEARS
www.whistleberryforest.bandcamp.com
OCTOBER
SCHOOL PERFORMANCES
11TH/12TH/13TH
To request a performance of The Quiet Tree at your school email: bookings@tradoodle.ie
TIME: Performance times are arranged with each school
TICKET: €5 PER CHILD
Duration: 45 Minutes
Special discount for large groups. Contact us for more info.
More info: f @tradoodlefest l @tradoodlefest 2 tradoodle.ie
Suitab le for
GARAGE THEATRE
A LL A GES
Education Campus, Armagh Road, Monaghan Exhibition dates: Tuesday 3rd October - Thursday 19th October
Ă?ONTAS THEATRE & GALLERY Conabury, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan Exhibition dates: Thursday 19th October - Thursday 16th November Live drawing: Gallery space, Thursday 26th at 11am
Ticket
FREE
F
inn Harper’s traditional musicinspired artwork has become a hugely popular addition to many arts and music festivals in Ireland and internationally. His exceptional portrait work brings to life a wide range of renowned past and present-day Irish musicians - from Andy Irvine, to Christy Moore, to Micho Russell, to Matt Molloy, among others. Originally from County Wexford, Finn is himself an accomplished musician. In 2015 during a short music residency in Florida, USA, Finn tried his hand at drawing portraits of Irish musicians that
inspired and influenced him over the years, and he hasn’t looked back since! Finn has garnered an enthusiastic following with his individual style of realistic high contrast pencil artwork. In 2017 alone, Finn has exhibited at Lorient Interceltique Festival in Brittany, Milwaukee Irish Festival in America, Doolin Folk Festival, Fleadh Cheoil in Ennis, and the Padraig O’Keefe Festival in Castleisland. Between 3rd October and 19th November you have an opportunity to see Finn’s work as part of Tradoodle Traditional Arts Festival for Young Audiences.
Suitab le for
3-6
YEARS
Duration
45
MINS
TUESDAY
October 24th TIME: 10am & 12pm
GARAGE THEATRE Education Campus, Armagh Road, Monaghan
TICKET: €5 BOOK: http://www.garagetheatre.com/ or +353 (47) 39777
More info: f @tradoodlefest l @tradoodlefest 2 tradoodle.ie
C
eol Connected’s The Far Field is an irresistibly joyful musical tale for young audiences infused with Irish traditional music, puppetry, and folklore. One Summer day in the little hills of Co. Monaghan, Lonán the farmer discovers a magical whistle hidden in a hare’s nest. Suspecting that it belongs to the fairy folk who live at the edge of his farm, Lonán decides that the whistle should be returned to its rightful owners. Join Lonán on his quest filled with magical traditional music, puppetry, and storytelling to the enchanted ‘Far Field’.
Described as spellbinding, magical, and a gentle and joyful performance for children, The Far Field comes to Tradoodle Festival hot on the heels of its 8-venue nationwide tour of Ireland, supported by The Arts Council. Alongside Samantha Harvey (keyboard) and Emma Fisher (puppeteer), The Far Field performers include some of Monaghan’s finest traditional musicians: Thomas Johnston (whistles/vocals) and Seán McElwain (guitar/fiddle). Duration
45
MINS
THURSDAY October 26
ÍONTAS THEATRE & GALLERY Connabury House, Conabury, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan
th
TIME: 10am & 12pm
TICKET: €5 BOOK: http://www.iontascastleblayney.ie/ or +353 (47) 9753400
More info: f @tradoodlefest l @tradoodlefest 2 tradoodle.ie
Suitab le for
A LL A GES
Duration
50 MINS
Wednesday October 25th TIME: 10am & 12pm
ÍONTAS THEATRE & GALLERY Connabury House, Conabury, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan
TICKET: €5 BOOK: http://www.iontascastleblayney.ie/ or +353 (47) 9753400
More info: f @tradoodlefest l @tradoodlefest 2 tradoodle.ie
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old on to your seats, it’s MOXIE! MOXIE are an innovative, highly charged, and irresistible young band at the forefront of new traditional music. MOXIE will bring young audiences on an unforgettable musical journey. Fast becoming a festival favourite internationally, MOXIE have built a reputation for their high energy live performances, brimming with youthful vitality. With traditional music that flows from banjos, guitar, accordion, keyboard and percussion, their sound is inspired by Ireland’s untamed West Coast. Their music fuses musical influences from folk,
rock, jazz and new age bluegrass, giving the band a truly distinctive sound. MOXIE’s performance as part of Tradoodle Festival follows an epic 3-week sold out run of performances with Prodijig, The Revolution at The Cork Opera House which received rave reviews. In August 2014 they released their debut album Planted to critical acclaim. MOXIE are: Cillian Doheny (tenor banjo/ guitar), Jos Kelly (button accordion/ keyboard), Darren Roche (button accordion), Ted Kelly (tenor banjo) and Paddy Hazelton (percussion). Duration
Thursday October 26
GARAGE THEATRE
50 MINS
Education Campus, Armagh Road, Monaghan
th
TIME: 10am & 12pm
TICKET: €5 BOOKING: http://www.garagetheatre.com/ or +353 (47) 39777
More info: f @tradoodlefest l @tradoodlefest 2 tradoodle.ie
Duration
35
MINS
THURSDAY October 26th
MONAGHAN TOWN LIBRARY Booking: Contact Monaghan Town library on 047 81830 10.30am
CASTLEBLANEY LIBRARY Booking: Contact Castleblaney library on 042 9740281 2pm
More info: f @tradoodlefest l @tradoodlefest 2 tradoodle.ie
Y
oung imaginations will be enthralled by this interactive musical and theatrical early years feast. I am a Little Boat soothes the senses through gentle creative play for young children. Featuring magical shadow theatre by artist George Hanover,
there are a few surprise friends to meet along the way! Music from Caoimhin Vallely on piano/harmonuim/percussion and Fiona Kelleher on vocals provide a gentle soundscape that follows the characters, images, and colours of the shadow play.
FREE ADMISSION - BOOKING ESSENTIAL
FRIDAY October 27th
CARRICKMACROSS LIBRARY Booking: Contact Carrickmacross library on 042 9661148 10.30am
CLONES LIBRARY Booking: Contact Clones library on 047 74712 2pm
More info: f @tradoodlefest l @tradoodlefest 2 tradoodle.ie
Sean nós dance workshop with Sibéal Davitt
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his year at Tradoodle, children can experience the thrill of sean nós dancing as they shuffle and stamp their feet to the beat in this fun-filled workshop. Renowned dancer and musician Sibéal Davitt, known for her appearances on RTÉ’s ‘Centenary’ and TG4’s ‘Glas Vegas’ will introduce children to the lively moves of sean nós. There will be lots of fun, games, movement, and laughter, and a chance for children to create and show off their own brand new fancy footwork!
Suitab le for
3-6
YEARS
“Fusing sean-nós with contemporary dance Davitt lets loose, delivering a raw, rhythmic, primal yet playful performance that is searingly powerful and a sheer joy to behold.” – Chris O’Rourke, Irish Examiner
NEWSFLASH! Sibéal can bring her Feet
to the Beat workshop directly to your school or crèche. Contact us at bookings@tradoodle.ie for available dates and times.
TEACH NA NDAOINE
Wednesday OCTOBER 25th
FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE Time: 10am
Ticket Price
€3
Address: Oriel Way, Monaghan Town
CARRICKMACROSS WORKHOUSE Time: 3.30pm & 4.30pm Address: Shercock Road, Carrickmacross Booking essential: Email bookings@tradoodle.ie
More info: f @tradoodlefest l @tradoodlefest 2 tradoodle.ie
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radoodle Festival is delighted to partner with Clones Film Festival Ireland’s Biggest Little Film Festival - to host this special screening of select animations from the Anam na Amhráin series. Anam na Amhráin was produced by Cartoon Saloon in conjunction with Sónta Productions for TG4. The series includes a collection of well known traditional songs, sung by a range of acclaimed singers such as Paul Brady, Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, Declan O’Rourke, and Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh, under the musical guidance of Iarla O’Lionard. Accompanying each song are stunning animations by artists such as Tomm Moore, Adrien Merigeau, Nora Twomey, and Lily Bernard. Come to Clones and sing-along to some old favourites, and be captivated by their accompanying visuals!
SATURDAY
OCTOBER 28th
MOBILE CINEMA
TIME: 11am*
ON THE DIAMOND IN CLONES
SUNDAY
For more info visit: https://www.clonesfilmfestival.com/
OCTOBER 29th TIME: 11am*
*Two Anam na Amhráin animations will be shown before each of Clones Film Festival’s main children’s shows
C
ome and learn the tin-whistle in Whistleberry Forest!
Whistleberry Tunes is an online music course created especially for young children (and their accompanying adults) who are taking their first steps into learning how to play the tin-whistle. In Whistleberry Tunes, children are guided through 9 lessons where they will learn basic techniques as well as a carefully chosen range of traditional and newly composed tunes.
Researched and developed by Ceol Connected’s Dr. Thomas Johnston and Faolán the frog, this course has been designed to motivate children, to encourage them to learn to play by ear, and to support and give confidence to teachers/parents/guardians in the classroom and at home. Visit tradoodle.ie for more information on Whistleberry Tunes and to register.
What will children learn? • • • • • • • • •
Hold the tin-whistle properly and learn proper technique Warm-up with simple stretches Two scales and seven tunes including a polka, a march, and an air Master the scales of D major and G major Beautiful traditional tunes such as Maggie in the Woods, Song of the Chanter, and Mo Ghile Mear Tunes composed especially for Whistleberry Tunes such as Tradoodle Do and Faolán’s Frolics Simple ornamentation such as cuts, taps, and slides How to learn to play music together and perform in a group Develop aural learning skills
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í Beag Sí Mór Artist Residency is an exciting initiative which is designed to encourage new and innovative work in the area of traditional arts for young audiences. Inspired by Tiny Shows, a concept developed by Galwaybased Branar Téatar do pháistí, three artists will come together over three days in the Gate Lodge at Hope Castle in Castleblaney, Co. Monaghan. During their residency, they will be encouraged to • • • • • •
explore new early stage ideas for a children’s show/performance enjoy taking risks with their artistic practice explore new roles (e.g., singer, story deviser, director, actor) explore collaborating with new people and new media think about what they do in new/different ways explore how the traditional arts can work with other creative art forms/ practices (e.g., puppetry, other musical genres, other dance forms, visual art, circus, film, lighting design, etc.)
At the end of their residency, the artists will share what they have achieved with an invited audience of local artists. Visit tradoodle.ie for information on this year’s Sí Beag Sí Mór artist residents and to see how they’re getting on!
B
ring along your instruments and dancing shoes to this very spooky session held in the hauntingly beautiful Tin Church Laragh. Led by experienced witches - we mean - traditional musicians, children who can play a tune
Saturday October 28 TIME: 2-4pm
on the fiddle, whistle, bodhrån, harp, concertina, or any instrument, can join in. Don’t forget to dress up, as there will be a special prize for the scariest costume! Families are invited to come, watch, and enjoy!
TIN CHURCH LARAGH Loughmourne, Co. Monaghan, Ireland
th
FREE ADMISSION Suitable for all ages
More info: f @tradoodlefest l @tradoodlefest 2 tradoodle.ie
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ome and discover the wonders of light and shadow as you make your very own shadow puppet with Emma Fisher from Beyond the Bark puppet and installation theatre. Taking the theme of ‘Otherworldly Fairies and Fables’, children’s creations will be inspired by their favourite fairylore and legends. Afterwards, the children’s shadow puppets will be displayed (and they might even have a little dance) during the Spooky Saturday Session! Parents/guardians are welcome to stay and join in! When: Saturday 28th Time: 12.30pm-2pm FREE event but booking required
Location: Tin Church Laragh
SHADOW PUPPET CUTOUT
Take your music up to the next level THE ONLINE ACADEMY OF IRISH MUSIC
with OAIM’s Trad learning tools!
700+ TUTORIALS GIVEN ON 14 INSTRUMENTS BY 28 RENOWNED IRISH MUSIC TUTORS FROM €15P.M.
Join OAIM tutors and friends for a 3D Virtual Reality Session, or choose your speed and instrumentation at the Jam Session, and play along!
7 DAY FREE TRIAL
Notes and chords provided for all the tunes.
Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh | Kevin Crawford | Tola Custy | Liam O’Brien | Niamh Dunne | Many More!
Get in touch! If you have any feedback on this year’s Tradoodle Festival we would love to hear from you, so please get in touch. What did you enjoy and what could we improve on? What was your most memorable moment? What could we do differently? What else would you like to see? Email all your comments to hello@tradoodle.ie For news and updates on Tradoodle Festival 2018 and to get involved visit tradoodle.ie and join our mailing list.
Design & Print by
Cover Illustration by
Jacob Stack jacobstack.net