Festival dedicated to trad and folk music returns to  Cork city 

Before moving to Cork in 2009, I first fell in love with traditional music in America about 25 years ago.

Growing up around the Boston area, there was no shortage of traditional music and Irish cultural influence.

Traditional music felt deeply historic and viscerally meaningful. It held everything; love, grief, power, nature, renewal, survival, loss. All the same stuff poets hope and dream of.

Traditional music seemed to span the full spectrum of human emotion, from joy and playfulness to mysteries and depths I didn’t yet understand as a teenager.

My early impression was that traditional music (especially sessions and festivals) was more communal and welcoming than other musical forms or genres. I was probably a little naïve. Like any art form, trad music has its share of egos, hierarchies, and competition. But it still felt communal to me, and I threw myself into it.

I learned the flute by ear, playing along to CDs, recording sessions on a tape recorder (this was before YouTube and online learning was a thing!) Some websites like www.thesession.org helped me track down tunes and find session locations to play and connect with other like-minded people in the real world.

My entry into traditional music felt easy. I didn’t put pressure on myself, and furthermore, had no notion of becoming a really ‘good’ flute player. I simply wanted to learn a few tunes and sit quietly on the edge of a session without drawing attention to myself.

But, apparently, if you learn a tune a week and keep going for over 20 years, one day you’ll wake up to realise you’re a traditional musician. I’m still at it all these years later, and thankfully with much more company than when I first started.

When I first moved to Ireland, I was surprised to hear so many people say they had always wanted to learn traditional music, but never felt able. I had met beginners from all over the world - Americans, Canadians, Japanese, Germans - who threw themselves into learning trad music. Surely, living in Ireland, surrounded by sessions, festivals, TG4, and a rich musical heritage, people would feel entitled to take part?

Yet I still regularly hear comments like, “I learned a bit in school, but it’s too late now,” or “I’m not from a musical family,” or “I’d love to, but I wouldn’t be able for all that”.

From years of teaching and playing, my sense is that many people would love to engage with traditional music. They just seem blocked, not knowing where to begin.

Even for those who can already play a handful of tunes, pub sessions can feel intimidating. While seemingly open and social, many sessions in Cork city (and all over) are fast-paced, high-energy spaces with their own unspoken rules and etiquette. Often, they’re led by experienced musicians who are paid to keep the music lively. Sessions are often brilliant, vibrant occasions, but they’re not the easiest environment for a newcomer or returning player to find their footing.

Classes and workshops can be a great starting point. There are excellent opportunities across the city, including various branches of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann in Douglas, Glanmire and Ballincollig, as well as community groups like Club Ceoil Ballyphehane, Blarney and Knocknaheeny. But even finding that pathway can be a challenge if you’re starting from scratch.

There’s also another large cohort of musicians out there who just need an outlet. So many amateur musicians are perhaps too experienced for classes, but not quite up to performance tempo for Sin-é or the Corner House. And this is where I suggest people should come check out Féile Fearann Rí.

Established in 2023, this small but growing traditional and folk festival on the northside of Cork city is built on a partnership between Creative Tradition, Music Generation Cork City, local schools, and community groups.

The Féile was founded to bring communities and different generations together, and offer a space where newcomers can collaborate with stellar guest artists, like Liam O Maonlai, Muireann Nic Ambhlaoibh, Donal O Connor, and John Spillane.

With a variety of formal, informal concerts, sessions, and workshops available, the festival was designed to cater to learners and established musicians of all ages and abilities.

The 4th annual festival from March 25-28 is set to welcome Clare Sands as our guest artist. Her original, vibrant artistry combines powerful fiddle playing and bilingual songwriting and will truly bring something fresh to this year’s festivities.

Over the past few months, groups across the northside have been preparing to collaborate with her, and it promises to be a vibrant and uplifting few days.

That being said, the Féile isn’t just for those already involved in Farranree. There are free workshops, open sessions, and informal events open to the public. You don’t need to be an expert. You don’t even need to play! Listening and coming for the craic is important too!

Traditional music doesn’t belong to a select few. It’s a living, evolving practice that grows when more people take part. You don’t need permission to begin. But if you’ve been waiting for an invitation, here it is!

The full programme is at www.creativetradition.ie/feile. The festival is supported by Music Generation, Cork City Council, Arts Council/An Chomhairle Ealaíon, and the Department of Education and Youth.