London Calling is Sligo Live’s celebration of London-Irish Music with a host of musicians flocking to Sligo over the October Bank Holiday weekend.
Sligo Live’s traditional music programme would outshine many a fleadh beginning with a massive celebration of London-Irish music led by 80-year-old Roger Sherlock.
Sligo Live is immensely proud to host a native son who became one of the most influential people in traditional music.
Flute player, Roger Sherlock was born in 1932 near Gurteen on the Sligo/Mayo border.
He emigrated to London in 1953 and became one of the leading figures in London-Irish music. Few musicians speak about their London experience without warmly reminiscing about Roger Sherlock and his generosity in helping and encouraging other musicians.
This concert features London-born musicians, including John and James Carty, Mick O’ Connor, Tommy, Jacqueline, Bernadette and Marion McCarthy who grew up in the world created by Roger and his contemporaries.
London in the 1950’s, 60’s, 70’s and 80’s was a vital venue for Irish-music-in exile, playing host to musicians such as Michael Gorman, Margaret Barry, Bobby Casey, Jimmy Power, Willie Clancy, Lucy Farr, Julia Clifford, Paddy Taylor, Raymond Roland, Vincent Griffin, Sean McGuire, Liam Farrell and Brendan McGlinchey.
Roger Sherlock recorded with Kit O’Connor, Sean McGuire and Josephine Keegan and Memories Of Sligo with Mary Conroy. He was featured on the TV documentary and CD Bringing It All Back Home, playing with Bobby Casey and John Bowe. Roger was also the subject of a Sé Mo Laoch documentary for TG4.
He returned to Ireland in 1996 to live in Bettystown, Co. Meath. In 2009 he received the prestigious TG4 Hall of Fame Award.
WHAT'S ON...
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28
1pm - Harp Tavern – Quay Street – FREE
Sligo Live’s celebration of London-Irish music kicks off with a Session anchored by London-born musicians led by Tommy McCarthy (Fiddle). Tommy will be joined by many noted musicians who spent time in the musical meccas of Holloway Road, Camden Town and Fulham.
9pm – The Snug – Stephen Street Car Park – FREE
James Carty, Declan Folan and Mick O’ Connor
James Carty – flute is from a north Roscommon family and was born and lives in London. James plays with At The Racket. Mick O’ Connor is a banjo player based in London where he plays and teaches. He was a member of the renowned Thatch Celi band and his playing is highly respected by many. Declan Folan is from South Sligo and plays fiddle in a beautiful Sligo style. Declan spent some years in London and cites the experience as being very influential on his music.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 29
5pm – Fiddlers Creek – Rockwood Parade - FREE
Wrap up session in Fiddlers Creek Restaurant, anchored by Tommy McCarthy – fiddle, Shane Mitchell and Mick O’ Connor. This is where all the festival personnel and many of the artistes go to wind down after a hectic weekend turning it into one of the biggest trad sessions.
For full festival line up log onto www.sligolive.ie.
