Muscial alternatives at Mickey McKenna Festival

If Kings of Leon at Slane and Champions League finals aren't your thing, then rock on over to Trim on 28th May for the Mickey McKenna eclectic music festival. Trim native Mickey McKenna passed away seven years ago, and each year since his friends and family, which include musicians Seán "g and Barney McKenna, have gathered in Trim to celebrate the man and his music. In 2008 arts group Alternative Entertainments, with whom Mickey worked on many projects over 20 years, including as a member of the acclaimed Tallafornian Mandolin Band, were asked to create an annual festival around the celebration. The festival has grown year-on-year and this year's event promises to be even better again. In keeping with the eclecticism of Mickey's music-making, the festival each year features a broad spectrum of musical styles. This year is no different and joining the festival will be internationally-celebrated classical guitarist John Feeley. John has performed all around the world and is considered one of the foremost exponents of his instrument. Also on the bill is Paul Kelly, a musician who has been at the centre of the Trad and country scenes for the past 30 years. Paul is well known for his virtuosity on the fiddle, mandolin and banjo. For the Saturday, 28th May, concert he will perform a set on Mickey's preferred instrument, the tenor guitar. Paul Dooley is a well respected harper from Clare. He has been playing and making harps since the mid-80s, and is one of the few Irish harpers who plays and makes the traditional metal-strung instrument. Two fine traditional singers, Barry Gleeson and Eamonn O'Donnchadha, complete the Saturday night concert. Barry is from Dublin and has been one of the country's central figures in traditional song. He is one of the regular contributors to the legendary Góilín Singers Club in Dublin. Local Trim man Eamonn is recognised as one of the finest sean-nós performers in the country, and has performed in Mickey's honour at past festivals. The workshops (rock guitar at 1.30-3pm, and interactive traditional 3-4pm) and concert (7.30pm) will be in Trim Library and an informal pub session will follow on the night in The Bounty Bar, Trim, at 9.30pm. All the events are free of charge and to find out more contact or to book for workshops contact Trim Library: on trimlib@meathcoco.ie or on (046) 943 6014.