Trim band Gluais represents Ireland in American children's music festival

Gluais, a traditional music group from Scoil Mhuire Secondary School, Trim has returned from a 10-day trip to Michigan and Chicago where they travelled in partnership with Trim Tourism Network. Gluais and their music teacher Mícheál Kerr produced some successful performances at the International Children of the World in Harmony Music Festival in Michigan, USA where massive crowds were left in awe of their performances.  

Gluais were in the USA to represent Ireland at the accomplished festival, now in its 23rd year running. Notably, this was the first time Ireland was represented at the festival. Gluais took to the stage every night to perform in some of the most spectacular music venues Michigan has to offer, including Cheboygan Opera House and Great Lakes Centre of Performing Arts. Their youthful energy and musical talent left the audience in awe night after night. Gluais undoubtedly showcased Irish music and culture at the highest standard, blending their Irish traditional musicians, singers and their troop of Irish dancers together effortlessly on stage. Many commenting on the group’s professionalism, the audience was encapsulated by the powerful vocals of the singers performing a mixture of Irish ballads and sing-along songs, such as “Oh Danny Boy”, “Grace”, “I’ll Tell me Ma” and “Rocky Road to Dublin”. Indeed, a crowd favourite was “Rattling Bog”. The musicians’ lively reels and jigs and infectious stage presence paved the way for the line of Irish dancers who meandered across the wooden floor in perfect sync, making the crowd stand on their feet, not wanting to miss a step. 
Of course, the impromptu performances were just as well received and remembered, including Gluais singing 93 stories high on top of the Chicago 360 Observation Deck and furthermore on stage in the main auditorium of the world-famous Chicago Theatre. 
While in Chicago, Gluais also performed a two hour show in the renowned Chicago Gaelic Park. This was a truly special concert for all involved, with most of the audience members being Irish emigrants “away from home”. Many became emotional as Gluais sang their repertoire of old Irish ballads and danced traditional 8-hand reels along with the infamous “Lord of the Dance”. 
When the Americans asked, Gluais certainly delivered. This was most evident when the City Manager of Boyne City, Michael Cain, attended one of their shows in Michigan. He was so impressed by their performance that he called by their hotel the following morning to ask them would they come along and do a surprise performance at his daughter’s wedding party. Needless to say, Gluais were thrilled to be asked and obliged. At 10pm that night, after performing in the festival’s Gala Concert, Gluais travelled to Boyne City Hall and made their surprise entrance – neither the bride, groom nor the 150 guests knew what was in store! It was moments like this and many others that ensured Gluais and indeed Ireland was the talk of the festival. 
Mícheál Kerr, musical director of Gluais and Vice PRO of Trim Tourism Network, acknowledged  that: “ Gluais would not have been afforded the opportunity to travel to Michigan and Chicago if it were not for Trim Tourism Network who initiated the idea and plans in 2018 while planning a return trip to Boyne Valley USA”. Mícheál went on to thank Scoil Mhuire principal Ms Jacqueline Maher for her full support of the group since he started it 6 years ago, saying that “ without the support of the principal for trips aboard, we would be unable to travel and perform on world stages”. He also acknowledges the full support of parents and fundraising committee who raised the €90,000 for the trip.   David Gorey, vice chairperson of TTN added that “Gluais are a ‘world class act’ under the direction of Mícheál Kerr and are the best ambassadors Trim, the Boyne Valley and Ireland could have as they showcased Irish music and dance to sold out arenas”.   Trim Tourism Network travelled to Michigan to complete the twinning initiative that is being formed between Boyne City, Michigan and the Boyne Valley here in Ireland, for which a special ceremony was held on the 18th July. Gluais played a very special part of this twinning ceremony.