Shennaghys Jiu - Review 2004

We started on a Friday for the first time this year. Despite our organisational fears - many committee members were still at school (teaching, I hasten to add) - everything went marvellously. A good crowd at "The Masonic" were treated to a multi -origin Ceilidh (Breton, Manx, Irish and Cornish) together with some music at intervals from our visitors so the dancers could get their breath back!

On Saturday we opened with Mactullagh Vannin's CD launch (excellent music both old and new) followed by Bands Night. Slight problems ocurred with early arrivals to Bands Night - no spare seats! (sorry) which showed us how popular we've become. Having cleared more space and provided more chairs "Scoot" (left) showed us why they won the 'New Roots' youth folk competition in London. Own compositions and arrangements of traditional tunes from many Celtic sources were skilfully mixed for a packed house.

Our other visitors, Diorma, (right) added the Irish musical dimension. They were especially appreciated at the "Unplugged" event on Sunday, held for the first time at Kirk Lonan. A warm welcome, tea, and terrific acoustics complimented our performers that included Scoill Vallajeelt and Laxey School. The sight of Roy McMillan interviewing our chairman, and visitors, (indeed at one point seemingly stalking the more reluctant speakers through the graveyard!), for Manx Radio's Arts programmes showed us how established we have become in the Island's musical calendar. "Big John" Kaneen was also present recording for his folk show; the committee would like to thank John, Roy, Bob and all at Manx Radio for their support of Shennaghys Jiu.

Sunday evening produced an excellent "session" at "The Mermaid" where all performers plus local musicians exchanged tunes over more than a few beers - Francie being in especially good form I hear!

Monday saw us at the Grand Island Hotel where we showcased our young talent from local schools to our sponsors. Well supported as usual, though the second half did suffer a little from some parents understandably departing with younger children who had performed earlier.

We finished on Tuesday this year at "The Creg" in Peel, now sadly finished itself. Another loss of a wonderful venue, the one that really made Shennaghys Jiu happen in Peel. More CD's were on sale, this time from our final act King Chiaullee. Nobody wanted the evening to end; the Chiaullee's, having played all their current material, had to resurrect some old ones to the obvious delight of the audience. The "unfinished" feeling where all the musicians wanted to carry on into a session, but had to depart back to Ramsey, has made us review arrangements for 2005.

Altogether we had a great time: a bigger audience than ever including many first timers, new local young performers, a "volunteer" from NZ (thanks Blou), the legendary Mannin Folk, AND - thanks to our sponsors - we remained afloat for 2005.