Review
2002
With the loss of the Viking Hotel, main base of Shennaghys Jiu since
it's inception, the committee had to work hard to find new venues for
2002. Thankfully The Grand Island filled the breach and made Shennaghys
Jiu 2002 a great success.
As usual the Festival began on Saturday with Music in the Pub at the
Mitre. The two visiting groups "Turus" from South Uist and "Rain n'
Gaels" (Morayshire) met local groups and a lively and session resulted.
The enthusiasm generated in the afternoon was
carried through into "Bands Night" at the Masonic Hall. Another new
venue yet a relaxed and friendly atmosphere gave way to possibly the
best start to the Festival to date.
Of particular note was the reapppearance of Mactullagh Vannin after 15 years in retirement. New tunes were played as well as old favorites, in the style that made them a seminal influence in the promotion of Manx music to the younger generation.
Sunday afternoon saw Shennaghys Jiu "Unplugged" at St. Mary's Church. A venue with not only excellent acoustics but a magnificent afternoon tea for the performers, courtesy of the ladies of the church. Carrjyn Coodjagh and Scooil Vallajeelt are regular performers at this event and both performed to a high standard with Carrjyn Cooidjagh giving a tongue in cheek demonstration of how to set a menu? into song!
The major formal concert of the week took place at The Grand Island.
This is the night where Shennaghys Jiu thanks its sponsors and shows
them exactly what has been achieved through their generous support. Two
northern schools took part, Dhoon and Albert Road, parents finding out
how important Shennaghys Jiu has become in promoting Manx culture
within school children. Davina from Turus was invited to sing a
haunting duet with Rain 'n' Gaels An impressive night by all accounts.
If it's Tuesday it must be Peel - The Creg Malin did us proud again.
Neil (right) from Rain n' Gaels was especially grateful
not to be on last........ leading to an alternative type of "session"
in the front bar! Back in the main venue Kirk Michael School were
excellent and many parents simply arriving to pick up offspring were
sufficiently impressed to stay......and pay!!
Headlining were Corragh; a stunning set from a Manx group with Jamie
from Mabon (Wales) providing accompaniment on accordion and jambe
