Shennaghys Jiu 2008

Playing Shennaghys Jiu 2008

After a rather self-indulgent 2007 when the committee invited friends who had previously performed, yet in the intervening time had become full-time or semi-professional, (were they brilliant or what!) we took a long hard look at where we are going. The result is a new look committee - more youthful with succession in mind - and a firm commitment to maintain the reasons for starting Shennaghys Jiu: showcasing young musicians and helping them to learn from each other and more established performers in a relaxed setting.

Guest Groups

Full Spate

fsp

Following our "back to roots" theme we are pleased to welcome back a young and popular band. Full Spate is a dynamic, young ceilidh band that blends traditional and modern celtic tunes with styles such as jazz and rock.

Full Spate has been performing together for approximately one and a half years and enjoyed success at Speyfest 2006 and 2007 and also at local venues where they have played for ceilidhs and concerts.

Land or Sea

We are extremely pleased to welcome the Scottish duo of Michael Haywood (Clarinet, fiddle, sax and whistles) and Laura Grime (fiddle, piano and dancing) who are currently delighting audiences with their unique blend of folk and Jazz music.

Michael is also member of the Scottish Fiddle Orchestra and Laura is an acclaimed highland dancer.

They are both part of Yehudi Menhuin's prestigious "Live Music Now" scheme and have performed in some of the countries leading venues such as the Sage in Gateshead, the Glasgow Royal Concert hall and the Queens hall, Edinburgh.

Local Groups

hopefully!

In addition to the stalwart locals such as "The Chiaullees", Katie Lawrence, and Staa, we have a welcome number of new local groups. Following last year's storming success, Sunday evening showcases new bands and, for established groups, new tunes. A dedicated night for what's up and coming NOW! We feel this truly returns us to the philosophy that created Shennaghys Jiu in the first place. It's intended to seamlessly flow into a session with all the guest groups.

Appearing at New Jiu are:

Reeling Stones

We are a group of young people who love music! We are influenced by all kind of music as we all have different tastes! King Chiaullee are certainly a major influence on us, Seth Lakeman, PEDDYR! (shouldn't that be spelt Heather?-ed) Also some rock such as Led Zeppelin, and some Jazz music influence us.

We first got together originally about 3 years ago, back then it was just Karl Kramer – Guitar & Vocals, Tom Callister – Fiddle & Bouzouki & Luke Melvin – Bodhran & Drums. Then David Forrest – Fiddle & Vocals joined a few months later and then Caz Dougherty – Vocals & Whistle, joined us just before Christmas 2006.

We are just loving gigging at the moment, hopefully doing some more recording soon, we'll get our album out there so you better buy it! This is probably going to be our last year together properly for a while, as people are off to Uni in September!

Pobble

Pobble consists of Gemma Hurst (accordion and banjo), sister Beccy Hurst (whistles and concertina), cousin Ruby Biscoe-Taylor (voice and bodhran) and friend Becky Collings (guitar). They all attend Castle Rushen High School and play both Manx and Irish music.

Since their first main public appearance last year they have played at various venues on the Island, including Port Erin Regatta, a Manx Music concert at the Villa Marina and at various school and charity events. Those of them old enough to go into pubs are also keen session musicians!

Peddyr

heather

Last, but by no means least - yet certainly many years late! is Peddyr Cubberly. Sighted at Shennaghys Jiu on many occasions, seen playing with Sheean Raah once in about 1999 and part of the original Mactullagh Vannin line-up.......... Peddyr is back!

For those of you under 25, Peddyr composed many of the tunes you consider "traditional". Last year we encouraged Peddyr to record many of his other tunes that have rarely been heard, are not written down, and will genuinely "blow you away". We were very subtle in our approach: "Hey Peddyr, listen to all these groups playing your tunes - and you're not even dead yet!"

Stalwart Manxman, manx speaker, but primarily a most innovative and technically challenging composer of contemporary traditional music, he will be backed by the "Stannin Vones" - we can't wait!

For more information on the origin of Shennaghys Jiu please take the "about" link on the left. If you are interested in playing for 2009, please

mail us here!

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