Workshops

Dark Space Light Planets: 10.00-12noon, 8-12yrs, Max Places 12
John Harvey of Valentia Island is a skilled facilitator and has worked with Samhlaiocht for the last number of years working with children of all ages. In this unique workshop, John will explore Dark Space, Light and The Planets and teach attendees about the star constellations in our night sky, and how they got their names.

Ceramics: 10-12 noon, 8-12 yrs, Max Places 12
Valentia based ceramist Anja, who has facilitated workshops for Samhlaiocht in the past, will work with children from 8 to 12 years of age, to create wonderful clay masterpieces. This 2 hour workshop will take children through the creative process of working with clay. This creative and inspiring workshop will be great fun!!

Stunning Stars; 10-11.30am, 4-8 yrs, Max Places 12
Jane Savage, a Killarney based artist, is a past facilitator with Samhlaiocht. In this workshop Jane will teach 4 to 8 year olds how to make hanging ornamental stars from willow sticks and how to decorating their creations with paper scraps and glitzy bits!! A must see workshop for all of you 'Bright Stars' out there!!

Hip Hop: 10.am-12.pm, Under 12's, Max Places 15
Hip Hop is an excellent way for children to have fun while staying in shape. The Hip Hop dance moves will make exercise exciting, whilst improving confidence. So get up and move to the funky beats and Hip Hop your way to fitness!! Please bring a bottle of water.

The Stars Are The Limit: 12 noon-2pm, 8-12 yrs, Max Places 12
Another wonderful workshop run by Jane Savage, a Killarney based artist. This workshop will allow attendees' creative sparkle to shine through!! A Fascinating workshop, where attendees use all their creativity. Come and join the fun!!

"Starry Eyes" - Make Up: 2-4pm, 12yrs + Max Places 12
A welcome return for Miriam's make-up workshop aimed at teenagers. Learn about all aspects of make-up from cleansing and toning to make-up application. Put a twinkle in your eye and a glow on your face while learning how to care for your skin!!

Fun with Clay; 2pm-4pm, Under 7s, Max Places 12
Another chance to work with Anja for under 7's. Squiggy and soft, mucky and wet have fun messing around with clay!!

Candlemaking: 2pm-4pm, 8-12 yrs, Max Places 12
John Harvey will lead this 2 hours workshop for 8 to 12 year olds in candle making and design.. Enter the bubbling molten world of melted wax and make beautiful and useful candles for all occasions. A well worth workshop for this age group!!

Hip Hop 1pm-3pm, 12 + Max Places 15
Hip Hop is an excellent way for children to have fun while staying in shape. The Hip Hop dance moves will make exercise exciting, whilst improving confidence. So get up and move to the funky beats and Hip Hop your way to fitness!! Please bring a bottle of water.

Workshop Programme Sunday 8th April 2007
KDYS Denny Street Tralee, Admission 5 euro for all Workshops unless otherwise stated
For more info on any workshop or to book places please call Samhlaiocht 066 712 9934

Fun with Food: 12 Noon - 1pm, 3-6 yrs, Max Places 12
This delightful and much requested workshop, lead by Catherine, will take 3 to 6 year olds through the delights of having fun with food. "Light and yummy, fruity & gummy."

Origami: 12-1pm, 10-15yrs, Max Places 14, Admission 10.00 euro
Samhlaiocht are delighted to welcome back Cecil to this year's festival. Cecil is a skilled facilitator and this year will take 10 to 15 year olds through the Japanese art of folding paper, "Origami." Attendees will discover various ways to fold paper, making beautiful objects full of good luck and best wishes for any occasion!!

Twinkle Twinkle I'm A Star: 12-2 pm, 3-6 yrs, Max Places 12
Aylish is a Tralee based facilitator who worked for Samhlaiocht in 2006. Aylish will work with 3 to 6 year olds helping them to create their very own star accessories for the bedroom. Come and join in the fun!!

Sun Moon and Stars Galore: 3-5 pm, 7-12 yrs, Max Places 12
Another fun filled creative workshop with Aylish. Lots of choice, customise you own bedroom, accessorize a board game or bring your old clothes (a white T-Shirt) and leave the workshop looking like a star!!

Scrapbooking "You Are A Star": 2-4 pm, 15 yrs + Adults, Max Places 12, Admission 10 euro
Cecil will lead this workshop for 15 year olds +.
Don't let your family roots vanish with time! Come along and get hooked on scrap-booking.
Please bring a selection of old family photographs to get you started

Medicinal Herbs; 3-5 pm, Adults, Max Places 15 Admission 10 euro
Fully qualified Medical Herbalist Christine Best will give an introduction on how to use Medicinal Herbs. Learn how to make your own herbal preparations. A real interesting workshop for adults who are interested in herbal medicine!!


Workshop Programme Monday 9th April 2007
KDYS Denny Street Tralee, Admission 5 euro for all Workshops unless otherwise stated
For more info on any workshop or to book places please call Samhlaiocht 066 712 9934



Aura Readings: 12-2 pm, Adults, Max Places 12 Admission 10 eruo
Kate will introduce participants to Aura Reading. Have a go at reading your own aura. See the layers of your personality leading to the true you and the fulfilment of your dreams and desires!!

Stars (Drama) 12 Noon - 1.30 pm, 4 - 8 yrs, Max Places 12
Ann is a skilled facilitator and has worked with Samhlaioct over the past 15 years in various art form areas. Ann will lead 4 to 8 year olds through this workshop. Prepare to be star struck through drama. Learn how you can be a 'Star' by joining us in this all-star cast. Be as care free as you want to be in this fun filled workshop!!

Comic Strip: 12 Noon - 2.30 pm, 6 - 10 yrs, Max Places 12
Sally has worked with Samhlaiocht over the last two years, and this year will work with 6 to 10 year olds creating their own comic strips. Imagine a story and then get to work bringing the story to life in the form of a comic strip. At the end of the workshop we hope to join all the stories together to make a comic for each child to take home!!

Painting Under 7: 2 - 3 pm, Under 7s, Max Places 12
Michelle, a Listowel based artist working with the "Blue Umbrella Gallery" will facilitate this ever popular workshop for under 7's. Lots of fun to be had!!

Painting Workshop 3.30 - 4.30 pm, 7 - 9 yrs, Max Places 12
Another chance to work with Michelle for the 7 - 9 year olds. Popular painting workshop, paint your own special stars, for your room or a special ceiling hanging star. Lots of fun to be had!!

Stars (Drama) 3.30 - 5 pm, 8 - 12 yrs, Max Places 12
Another chance for the 8 to 12 year olds to work with facilitator Ann. Prepare to be star struck through drama. And have so much fun doing so. Don't miss this workshop with Ann!

Introduction To Circus Skills: 2pm-3pm, 8+,Max Places 15
Come clowning around with Kerry's own, home grown, hot stuff Fanzini Bros! This workshop will introduce you to the secrets of Plate Spinning, Diablo & Balancing skills!!

Street Entertainment

No festival could be complete without professional entertainment. The entertainers that have no problem performing in public, some even humiliating themselves for your entertainment! The ones that you just can't take your eyes off, with their show stopping costumes and the ones that have you hiding in the back of the crowd in case they pick on you to assist them with their antics!

Well, this year we have the lot. Amazing costumes, amazing performers & plenty of rhythm to boot!

We welcome back Dublin based MaSamba, a talented collection of performers with energy to burn & a contagious enthusiasm that affects all who see them. "The drummers will have everybody shakin' & movin', the dancers costumes will have the fellas droolin'!"

MaSamba have performed worldwide. Their show stopping act enthralling thousands of spectators everywhere they go. The Dublin St. Patrick's Day Parade being one their regular bookings. "We thoroughly enjoyed our previous visit to Tralee & being in the Samhlaiocht Easter Arts Festival" says MaSamba's Simeon Smith "We're really looking forward to participating again this year".

After leading the Samhlaiocht Easter Arts Festival Parade on Easter Saturday, April 7th at 8:30 p.m. MaSamba will give an un-missable performance in the town square, beginning at 9:30 p.m.

"I'm really excited about MaSamba coming to our festival again" says Trish Thompson - ProEntertainment co-ordinator "They were a fabulous addition to our 2005 parade & I've no doubt they will be again this year".

Coconut Samba are a delightful new addition to our parade. Based in Dingle, the Coconuts are regular players at Feile Na Bealtaine & The Mindana Halloween Festival, bringing their Euro-Dingle samba wherever they go. "The Coconuts have been a great contribution to our annual Halloween Festival for the last 2 yrs" says Kieran McAuliffe from the Knocknagoshel festival, "Their rhythm gets everybody moving & there's a real feel good factor when their playing".

Our very own Kerry gigalos, The Fanzini Brothers will perform their very entertaining show in the town square at 4pm on Saturday 7th April. These handsome million-hairs (wait until you see their hair!), with their hijinks & hot pants are certainly not to be missed.

"My favourite is seeing them cycling their tiny bikes" says Milan Williams (7yrs). They'll entertain you with their wit, charm you with their style & have you in stitches with their antics.

"The Fanzini's entertained a huge audience last year in the square" says Noreen Thompson, also Pro Entertainment co-ordinator "They received a huge applause & do a great show for all the family."

And knowing that you just can't get enough of him, one of the funky Fanzini's will also be juggling fire in the parade. (PS: I was joking about the hot pants but these 2 are capable of anything!)

Last but definitely not least, we welcome back Cork Circus. Watch out for their big Dragon but don't panic, they will also be providing a handsome Knight in shining armour to slay him (hands off ladies, he's mine!). "Cork Circus are a truly entertaining combination of talent." Says Noreen Thompson "I'm delighted they are able to come back to our festival again this year". There will be music, dance & fire wherever these guys are. They will also be doing a not-to-be missed fire performance in the town square after the parade.

We are also running our 1st Busking Competition around the town over the weekend. "I'm really excited about this event. There are so many talented street entertainers out there" says Michele Sheehan - Busking co-ordinator "Busking brings such a variety of entertainment including music, juggling, comedians & some great characters in bright costumes. I thank Danny Leane of The Abbey Inn & Chairman of the Tralee Branch Vintners Federation, for sponsoring the competition prize."

"Buskers entertain for love,
Sharing their talents far & wide.
Please show some appreciation & give them a euro,
Before you move on with the tide!"

Well, with all these attractions & the many other events we have programmed, I'm really excited about this years' festival & we look forward to seeing you there!

For further information log onto:

Poles Apart

Poles Apart, with members Erwin Zebro (trumpet), Pawel Sokol (bass guitar), Tomasz Chlebowski (piano), Lukasz Romanski (drums) and Michal Szulc (percussion), formed in Mielec, Poland, in 2005. They toured Ireland in a previous incarnation when they were known as The Whisky Band (wit Pawel Kolodziej Saxophone).

With influences ranging from Sonny Rollins to Chick Corea, from Chuck Mangione to Dixiland and from Michel Camilo to traditional Polish music their music features many of the great rock'n'roll standards but they make 'em all their own!

Not content with being a rock'n'roll band Poles Apart also play a neat combination of Latino jazz, funk and blues which, with their Polish romantic sensibilities, makes their music a great fusion of excellent sound and fiery Polish temper.

Having already played in many places around Ireland, including the world famous Cork Jazz Festival in 2005 and 2006, Poles Apart are no strangers to this country and guarantee their audience a fantastic time!

The gig is completely free and open to all, it kicks off in Club Head Bang Bang in The Greyhound Bar on Monday April 9th at 9:00 p.m. with Tralee based support from The Scenes.


For further information log onto:

Mike Brown

ESB Environmental Photography Awards "Winner - Professional section 2002"
Irish Professional Photographers Association "Photographer of the Year 2003"
"Best Pictorial Image 2005"

Samhlaiocht is delighted to have the brilliant photographer Mike Brown from Clonakilty in West Cork here in Tralee this Easter to present a workshop for all enthusiastic photographers. The workshop takes place on Easter Saturday from 12.00 to 2.00pm at the Samhlaiocht Gallery, Lower Castle St.

Having only taken up photography in his twenties and, without any formal training, Mike now has his own premises in Clonakilty from where he sells his wonderful images of Irish wildlife.

He has published two successful books, "Ireland's Wildlife" and, most recently, "Images of Irish Nature". This latter contains a foreword by legendary Irish wildlife expert Eamonn de Buitlear as well as essays by many prominent nature specialists.

Mike also featured in the RTE nature series "Wild Trials", in which Irish personalities had to travel to the remotest corners of Ireland and track down and photograph an elusive wild Irish animal.

At his workshop this Easter Mike will present a slide show of his work and discuss different techniques and tips. Serious photographers will be welcome.

For more information log onto:

Kerry Astronomy Show

Keeping with the theme of Stars Kerry Astronomy Club has lined up a wonderful night of Stargazing to take place at Gortbrack Farm.

Kerry Astronomy Club, which is now starting into its fourth year, will present a talk titled The Life & Death of Stars, followed by some fun observing of real stars -weather permitting of course!

At the heart of Kerry Astronomy Club is its 'observing sessions'. It holds these as often as the weather allows and uses them to study the night sky, looking at clusters, nebulae, the moon, the planets and any unusual visitors to the night skies like comets.

Holding observing sessions that tie in with major sky events such as meteor showers and comets, Kerry Astronomy Club, holds a number of public observing sessions allowing the public to look at the wonders of the night sky through the clubs telescopes.

Complimenting Kerry Astronomy Clubs observing sessions are its monthly talks during which attendees discuss what's to see in the coming month, what they saw in the previous month and hold a talk on a particular area of interest such as space probes or meteors. Highlights of the year at Kerry Astronomy Club include its summer day trip and a Christmas social.

Directions to Gortbrack Farm: Turn Left at Ballyseede Castle, go straight to the next T junction and turn right at Farmer's bridge, turn left at the next bridge and follow on to top of the hill to Quill's Cross. Turn left and follow for a mile. Farm is signposted.

For more information on Kerry Astronomy Club please log on to

For more information please call Sheila on 066 712 9934 or log onto

Glitter Na Gig Puppet Show

Welcome to the wonderfully wacky world of Kerry native, Sean O'Laoghaire. Sean, who lives in his native Portmagee, describes himself as "a dealer in of dreams and imagination, creating spaces and realms that allow magic to happen through puppet shows, stories and workshops."

Sean tells stories, performs puppet shows and conducts workshops and his love of Irish language, folklore, wildlife and environmental issues shines through in everything he does. He has been touring extensively throughout Ireland for Seachtain na Gaeilge with his show, Seasonal Soap Opera, playing in Kerry, Cork, Carlow, Kilkenny and Offaly.

"I first started touring with my show Seasonal Soap Opera about two years ago," said Sean. "The show is loosely scripted and based on the seasons. So the recent Seachtain na Gaeilge shows were based firstly on Spring and then on pollution and the way in which mankind has taken control of the weather away from the seasons with Mother Nature relegated to the subs bench. The show is totally interactive with the audience deciding who wins the battle."

The show is primarily aimed at families but contains something for everyone and all age groups. "My shows have a number of different levels, adults will enjoy certain elements of Seasonal Soap Opera while children will enjoy totally different aspects of the show," says Sean.

Sean grew up in a house full of stories, high jinks and laughter. He has been able to translate this upbringing in to his very creative and unusual style of work. He has been storytelling, performing and working as a puppeteer for more than ten years and loves the opportunity to tour around and see more of Ireland.

"I don't have a TV at home and so it's nice to stay in hotels and get a chance to catch up on some telly, "laughed Sean. "I suppose my show is a bit like The Simpsons, in that it has something for everyone. I never really understood the need to differentiate between children and adults, after all every adult was once a child and every child will one day be an adult, and I think cleverly produced shows, whether on TV or put on with puppets, can and should appeal to everyone."

Sean will appear as part on the upcoming Samhlaiocht Easter Arts & Children's Bumble Bee festival in the Imperial Hotel on Easter Monday.

For more information please call Samhlaiocht on 066 712 9934 or log onto

Food & Craft Fair

Come celebrate with Samhlaiocht the richness and diversity of food and crafts that thrive in Kerry today.

Samhlaiocht presents its First Food & Craft Fair on Sunday and Monday 8th and 9th of April. Up to forty traders will bring you a selection of local food produce and crafts in the KDYS, Denny Street, Tralee.

There will be an assortment of fine foods ranging from warm wholefood savouries, handmade chocolates, home baked cakes, cheeses, organic produce and much more. If cuisine isn't your thing then check out the superb array of crafts which includes photography, wood turning, jewellery, spinning, slate products, pottery, patchwork quilts and herbal skincare products.

This is a wonderful opportunity to promote Irish food and craft vendors. There will be abundance of things to buy and because the event takes place indoors it's completely weather proof.

The event takes place in the KDYS on Denny Street in Tralee on Easter Sunday from 11:00 am until 4:00 pm and on Easter Monday from 11:00 am until 6:00 pm.
For further details log onto:

Dancing Etc.

Samhlaiocht is delighted to present a Salsa party on Easter Saturday night in the Brandon Hotel. The night will kick off at 7:30 p.m. with registration before the real action takes with dance classes scheduled to begin at 8:00 p.m.

The dance class will be taught by dancer extrodainiare Linda Flannagan and will last for about 90 minutes with Linda instructing in Salsa, Cha Cha and Merengue.

There will be a short break at 9:30 p.m. to give revelers a chance to catch their breath before kicking up their heals and trying to win prizes in the Dance competition which begins at 10:00 p.m.

But the fun doesn't stop there with more prizes to be won in the Raffle Ticket and Door Prize section which kicks off at 10:45 p.m. and a special award for the best dressed lady being presented at 11:00 p.m.

And then, if you have any energy left DJ Natalie will be playing some red hot dance tunes into the wee hours of the morning.

Whether you're the clumsy owner of two left feet or a twinkled toed Salsa expert the night offers something for everyone and with tickets on sale at the door at just 10 euro, it promises to be a night not to be missed.

Charlie & Chocolate

A young boy wins a tour through the most magnificent chocolate factory in the world, led by the world's most unusual candy maker while all around Oompa-Loompas go crazy for Coco-Beans!

What better time to enjoy Charlie & the Chocolate Factory than on Easter Monday, stuffed full of Chocolate Easter Eggs? And with a special little delight supplied by Cadbury's for everyone in the audience - it's sure to be a 'treat' of a show!

For more information or to book tickets please call Siamsa Tire on 066 712 3055

Pierre Bensusan

A visit to St John's Theatre in Listowel is never disappointing. This intimate and popular venue has a reputation for bringing performers of very high quality to Kerry. It is no wonder that audiences travel many miles here, as proprietor Joe Murphy will always make your trip worthwhile.

Each visitor is given a hearty welcome, the pre-show introductions by Joe are frequently hilarious and the interval refreshments are dished out with humorous quips... and the cupla focal. You can't beat it.

It is rare that Joe's acts are not excellent. His programme of events always boasts great variety. There is a huge array of musical and theatrical genres, big names and not so big, amateur and professional, contemporary and traditional, regional, national and international.

The venue is also fabulous. As well as it being such an aesthetically pleasing building it was a masterstroke to choose an old church - guaranteed to prevent rowdiness among the crowd. The discerning St John's audience is invariably attentive and appreciative.

"Pierre Bensusan has been coming to St John's since the end of the nineties, Joe told me." A self-taught finger-style steel guitarist of French-Algerian origin Pierre Bensusan is considered one of the best of his kind in the world. He recently played in St John's as part of his Irish tour, and spell-binding stuff it was too.

His demeanour was calm, self-assured and good-natured as he chatted and joked with the audience between breathtakingly masterful playing.

"Do you like my new computer?" he asked at one point, referring to the sophisticated gadget that was enhancing his musical effects and that he contemplated at length between numbers. He then joked "Actually, I am watching a very good movie here..."

'Antiplanos' - his latest CD, was released in 2004 and I am now the happy owner of a copy. One of the tracks from 'Antiplanos' is a song called "La Nuit des Meteors", which means "Night of the Shooting Stars". It was this song that I remember most from the concert. Pierre sings very nicely, with a folksy Mediterranean voice and even though I did not understand the words as he sang it, still I was captivated.

Now having read the translation on Pierre's website I see why I was so entranced. This extract shows the romantic sensibility of the song:

Still while I sleep/I travel through time/All that I see
Is not just a simple dream/My body weighs down/And your soul is so light
Till I find you/I would need all eternity

Bensusan's music is often classified as world music (though it could also be Celtic, folk or New Age). Hearing him play and sing reminded me again of how beautiful music goes beyond the barriers of language.

Pierre's website is crammed with information and his CD's can all be purchased through it. He will shortly be uploading master classes and live concert videos on it. So, to acquire some Gallic charm, log onto

Contact St Johns Theatre and Arts Centre Listowel at 068 22566 or e-mail stjohnstheatre@eircom.net.

National Sculpture Factoey

The National Sculpture Factory, (NSF), is a visual arts organisation based in Cork City, providing workshop spaces for artists. It is hosting an 'Open Day' on Wednesday, 28th March from 11.00am - 4.00 pm. And the public is warmly invited, even Kerry people apparently!

Thanks to the launch of the Factory's refurbishment, the NSF has a new, brighter and warmer, working-friendly interior thanks to a brand new insulated roof with 28 clear roof panels and whitewashed internal walls.

In addition to this, all workshop spaces have wireless access and the Factory has acquired 60,000 euro worth of new artists' equipment. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet artists working there, including artists-in-residence Holly Asaa and Belinda Guidi. Visitors can also watch artists' video screenings, take part in workshops and see Japanese artist Kenji Endo's installation Replicant.

Replicant is Japanese artist, Kenji Endo's, site-specific sculpture. Kenji will install his sculpture along the side of the NSF building. It's made from aluminium duct piping and LED lights and will sprawl, virus-like along the western face of the factory building, emitting a low lit, blue glow!

Groups are particularly welcome it is, however, advisable to let the NSF know in advance.

For further information on The National Sculpture Factory Open Day please contact Elma O'Donovan, The National Sculpture Factory, Albert Rd, Cork on 021 4314353 or email elma@nationalsculpturefactory.com or log onto

Dancing In The Isles

Catherine Young, Dancer in Residence with Kerry County Council in association with Siamsa Tire, will premiere her new work, Athmhachnaimh (Reflections) on March 30th at Siamsa Tire, Tralee.

"The idea for the piece came about because I was living abroad for ten years," said Catherine. "And the Ireland I returned to was not the Ireland I left. So the piece explores the Ireland of now versus the Ireland of then."

"Because I felt it was important to get input from all the differing groups now living in Ireland I designed and sent out a questionnaire to over 200 people with the aim of researching four distinct groups: Irish emigrants living abroad, Irish emigrants who have returned to Ireland, non-national immigrants into Ireland, and Irish people who had never felt the need to leave home," adds Catherine.

Catherine has worked with key themes arising from this research that not only look at the sense of isolation experienced by the emigrant/immigrant, but also reflect on aspects of Ireland - its culture, landscape, sense of community - all of which are changing at a rapid pace as Ireland moves from a 'we' based community, to a more urban 'me' based society.  But a new 'us' is emerging, influenced and shaped by the myriad of new cultures that now call Ireland 'Home'.

The commission's ensemble will feature members of Siamsa Tire's Performing Company, contemporary dancers Tara Brandel and Jazmin Chiodi amongst others, as well as featuring Catherine Young and Hamed Toe from West Africa.

The evening's performance promises to engage, intrigue and enchant, blending dance styles of many genres - contemporary modern dance, Irish, African and a hint of break dancing.

The performance takes place at 8:00 pm in Siamsa Tire on March 30th. For more information or to purchase tickets please call the Siamsa Tire Box Office on (066) 7123055

Excerpts from Athmhachnaimh will also be performed at the CYMS, Killorglin, March 31st at 8pm. The evening's performance will be preceded by an afternoon of Dance Master Classes given by Catherine Young in African dance, break dance and Tango (2-5pm at CYMS hall). Please call Kerry Arts Office (066) 718 3541 for more information or to reserve place.

Sean Puppets

Welcome to the wonderfully wacky world of Kerry native, Sean O'Laoghaire. Sean, who lives in his native Portmagee, describes himself as "a dealer in of dreams and imagination, creating spaces and realms that allow magic to happen through puppet shows, stories and workshops."

Sean tells stories, performs puppet shows and conducts workshops and his love of Irish language, folklore, wildlife and environmental issues shines through in everything he does. He has been touring extensively throughout Ireland for Seachtain na Gaeilge with his show, Seasonal Soap Opera, playing in Kerry, Cork, Carlow, Kilkenny and Offaly.

"I first started touring with my show Seasonal Soap Opera about two years ago," said Sean. "The show is loosely scripted and based on the seasons. So the recent Seachtain na Gaeilge shows were based firstly on Spring and then on pollution and the way in which mankind has taken control of the weather away from the seasons with Mother Nature relegated to the subs bench. The show is totally interactive with the audience deciding who wins the battle."

The show is primarily aimed at families but contains something for everyone and all age groups. "My shows have a number of different levels, adults will enjoy certain elements of Seasonal Soap Opera while children will enjoy totally different aspects of the show," says Sean.

Sean grew up in a house full of stories, high jinks and laughter. He has been able to translate this upbringing in to his very creative and unusual style of work. He has been storytelling, performing and working as a puppeteer for more than ten years and loves the opportunity to tour around and see more of Ireland.

"I don't have a TV at home and so it's nice to stay in hotels and get a chance to catch up on some telly," laughed Sean. "I suppose my show is a bit like The Simpsons, in that it has something for everyone. I never really understood the need to differentiate between children and adults, after all every adult was once a child and every child will one day be an adult, and I think cleverly produced shows, whether on TV or put on with puppets, can and should appeal to everyone."

Sean has toured Ireland extensively, he has also worked in England and appeared on the TG4's chat show Ardan performing his Puppet Show Seo Don Gach Aimsir. On Sunday, March 25th at 7:00 p.m. in Portmagee Community Centre, Sean will be performing with the All-Ireland award winning Portmagee Youth Club in a piece he wrote and helped direct. Tickets are available on the door for 5 euro for adults and 3 euro for teenagers.

Sean will also appear as part on the upcoming Samhlaiocht Easter Arts 7 Children's Bumble Bee festival in the Imperial Hotel on Easter Monday.

For more information or to book for gigs please call Sean directly on 087 776 2989 or log onto

Tesco Fireworks

Fireworks Display to Raise Money for Temple Street Hospital

The Samhlaiocht Easter Arts Festival, which is celebrating 15 years of bringing the Arts to the streets of Tralee, has announced a sponsorship deal with Tesco Ireland that will see a fireworks extravaganza in Tralee on Easter Saturday, April 7th. Festival goers at the event will be encouraged to donate to the Tesco Charity of the Year, Temple Street Children's University Hospital.

"We're delighted to be involved with the Samhlaiocht Easter Arts Festival," said Patricia Harte Corporate Responsibility Manager of Tesco Ireland. "Our involvement has a double benefit, firstly for the people of Tralee because they'll experience what promises to be a wonderful fireworks display and secondly any money that's raised at the event will benefit our Charity of the Year Temple Street Children's University Hospital."

This year's Samhlaiocht Easter Arts Festival, themed STARS, is a celebration of all things artistic. Music, tradition, craft, culture, food, film and literature for in the immortal words of Irish rogue, Oscar Wilde "We are all in the gutter but some of us are looking at the stars."

"Because the theme this year is 'Stars' we thought it would be cool to have a fireworks display to close our annual parade," said Jason O' Mahony, Artistic Director of Samhlaiocht. "I got in touch with Tesco to see if they might be interested in getting involved and from my discussion with them the idea to raise money for Temple Street came up. I think it's a fantastic idea – everyone's a winner, the people of Tralee, Tesco, Temple Street and, of course, Samhlaiocht."

"As the Tesco Charity of the Year, we at Temple Street are delighted to have the opportunity to be involved in The Samhlaiocht Easter Arts Festival. This is a highly innovative, community focused event which brings children and families together to celebrate the Arts in an exciting and fun way," said Sue Lawlor, PR and Communications Manager for Temple Street Children's University Hospital.

The fireworks extravaganza will take place after the Samhlaiocht Easter Arts Festival Parade, April 7, 2007. The parade will feature close to twenty local community groups and will also include professional street theatre acts such as Brazilian Group, maSamba, and the Kerry natives, but internationally renowned, Fanzini Brothers. The parade is made possible thanks to the very kind sponsorship of Kerry Group, who through its ongoing collaboration with Samhlaiocht, has been responsible for bringing the Arts to life in Kerry.


The Samhlaiocht Easter Arts Festival, April 6th to 9th, 2007, offers a range of activities and events for everyone. From street theatre to photography, poetry to dance, the festival programme is packed full of events from a broad range of artforms enjoyed by many community groups from throughout Kerry.

For more information on Samhlaiocht please log onto

Blood Diamond

Eager at the chance to avoid slumping in the couch watching TV, entertaining and all as it can be, I seized the opportunity to see 'Blood Diamond', starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Djimon Hounsou and Jennifer Connelly at the Tralee Omniplex.

The title of the film 'Blood Diamond' refers to the diamonds that are illegally mined in parts of Africa and then sold around the world in order to fund bloody civil wars on African soil. Also known as conflict diamonds, the lucrative trade in these precious gems has led to murder and misery on a massive scale.

'Blood Diamond' is directed by Ed Zwick and depicts the unrelenting apocalyptic violence of civil war as graphically as only a multimillion-dollar Hollywood production can.

"Yet another Hollywood war movie?" you might say. Well, I wouldn't dismiss this one so quickly. Firstly, it highlights the plight of child soldiers (of which there are some 200,000 in Africa today). It was both sobering and enlightening to see this dark representation of the cruel way that young boys (and more rarely girls) are captured and brainwashed in order to turn them into military machines from the age of 5 upwards.

Djimon Hounsou plays Solomon, whose young son is forced to be a soldier. His paternal anguish over his son's ordeal and refusal to abandon him is touching. He is extremely impressive in a scene with DiCaprio in which he insists on his responsibility to try to rescue the boy from his rebel army captors.

Leonardo DiCaprio gives a remarkable performance as tough-as-nails-but-occasionally-tender diamond smuggler Danny Archer. He was nominated for Best Actor at last month's Oscars but didn't win. This was not his first time being disappointed as he was also previously nominated for Best Actor for his role as Howard Hughes in Martin Scorsese's "The Aviator". No doubt with his calibre, there'll be plenty more chances.

Jennifer Connelly stars as journalist Maddy Bowen whose conviction and sense of justice touches the heart of the hard-bitten Archer. Connelly's glowing screen presence and her character's coolly intelligent persona make for very nice chemistry between her and DiCaprio. Yet the good thing is that Connelly herself was actually a bona fide card-carrying member of Amnesty International for years before 'Blood Diamond' was made.

'Blood Diamond' is packaged as an action thriller but it also conveys a political message about the dreadful suffering caused in wars fuelled by conflict diamonds, and specifically during the Sierra Leone civil war (1991 - 2000). Conflict diamonds are no longer a problem in Sierra Leone but, according to Amnesty, remain a problem elsewhere. This film is highly recommended. See it in the cinema or on DVD.

Janet Fitz

What's your name? Janet Fitzgerald

Where are you from? Kansas City Missouri, USA

How long have you been living in Kerry? 1 ½ in Kerry, 5 years in Ireland.

What are you doing in Kerry? My husband was born here.

Who is your favorite artist? Vincent Van Gogh

What is your favorite film? Shawshank Redemption

What is your favorite book? One Flew Over The Cookos Nest

What is your favorite piece of music? American Bluegrass

What's your favorite club night in Kerry? Don’t have one

What is your favorite Arts venue in Kerry? (Can be anything from a cinema to a performance space?) Samhlaiocht

"My theory is that when it comes to important subjects, there's only two ways a person can answer. For example, there's two kinds of people in this world, Elvis people and Beatles people. Now Beatles people can like Elvis. And Elvis people can like the Beatles. But nobody, nobody, nobody likes them both equally. Somewhere you have to make a choice. And that choice tells me who you are." Uma Thurman as Mia to John Travolta’s Vincent in Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction.

Elvis or The Beatles? They don’t call Elvis the “King” for nothing!

Leonardo or Michelangelo? Leonardo because his brilliance was multi-faceted.

Coronation Street or Eastenders? Eastenders

Spielberg or Scorsese? Well it definitely would’t be Spielberg anyway.

Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter? Lord of the Rings. It’s the hallmark.

John McNamee Poetry Reading

John McNamee has published seven collections of poetry since 1977. His Collected Short Stories was published in 2005 by Weaver Publications. He is also the organizer of the popular Out To Lunch Readings that occur every month in the Irish Writers Centre in Dublin, which feature Ireland's foremost poets.

John is a popular performer of his own work and has read throughout Ireland and the United States and Canada.

He was born in Dublin in 1946 and he published his first poem at the age of 26 in the prestigious journal Icarus, which is published by Trinity College. Since those long ago days of the early 1970's he's since dedicated his life to the poet's craft. His first collection came out in London, from the Sparrow Press in 1977.

His work is down to earth, earthy, and rooted in the everyday. The renowned literary critique, James J. McAuley, has said of him: "This John McNamee fella has the endurance of a cross-Atlantic oarsman, the chance-your-arm-courage of a seasoned literary campaigner, and all the varied styles, in verse and prose, of one who has seen it all and known it all. Read his work with sympathy and gratitude: it'll do you good."

The reading on Thursday promises to be a unique opportunity for anyone interested in real poetry. The event is funded by Poetry Ireland / Eigse Eireann in association with the Kerry Arts Office and admission is free.

Richard Hearnes

A solo painting exhibition by artist Richard Hearns opened at Sheen Falls Lodge in Kenmare, on March 1st and will run until April 1st. Since June 2006 Richard has been a resident artist and keeps a studio at the Mantua Art Project Centre in Bellingare, Co. Rosscommon.

Much of his work derives inspiration from his travels in Asia, North Africa, Canada and Europe. Since he divides much of his time between Thailand and Dublin, the Far East holds particular interest and is a recurrent subject for his work.

"I was born in Beirut and raised in Dublin and I now work between Ireland and Thailand," said Richard. "I think my paintings document a search for an idyll, driven by a deep spiritual sensibility that comes about because of my experiences and connections with three wildly differing locations - Beirut, Ireland and Thailand."

Paintings of rural life in Thailand are often executed with a palette of dusty browns, cobalt blues and brilliant yellows, communicating the sensual reality of the place and evoking the atmosphere, climate and rural culture with efficacy. In much of his work, there is a discernible sense of haste. His canvases are confident, highly textured, vigorous and devoid of any prissiness or affectation. They refuse to settle down, exhibiting a sense of urgency, a sense of being an excited dispatch from remote places.

"My connections with the three cultures combine to form a triangular history. Meditative layers are applied in a physical expression of form, drawn from the discipline of martial arts and the rhythmic nature of oriental life," explained Richard. "I believe that behind the search for paradise lies all the tender realities of life."

His delicate observations of barefoot monks congregating for prayer, in robes of various shades of traditional dark brown to familiar brilliant saffron, present an altogether more spiritual experience. Nevertheless, each canvas is testimony to the artist's insatiable appetite for visual stimuli and reveals the process of hyperactive free association out of which these tantalizing and enigmatic paintings are born.

It is the artist's unfaltering enthusiasm for his subjects that makes these paintings truly exquisite, beautiful and resolutely optimistic.

To view Richard's work please visit The Sheen Falls Lodge in Kenmare or call 064 41600 or

Imprint

What does freedom mean to you? What creates a person's identity? To look at some possible answers to these questions visit the "Imprint" art exhibition at the New Samhlaiocht Gallery on Thursday 8th March. Imprint is an exhibition of the work of eight artists who are students of the Art, Craft & Design course in Tralee Community College.

"The exhibition is divided into two main sections dealing with the themes of identity and freedom. The interpretations of the themes and style of work are as diverse as the students themselves," said Mary Kirby the class tutor.

The Samhlaiocht Gallery is at the forefront of bringing new and exciting artists to the public in Kerry and supporting their progress throughout the development stage.

"Over the past number of years work by the PLC students has featured not only in our Gallery but also in our Samhlaiocht Easter Carnival," said Trish Thompson, Gallery Coordinator of Samhlaiocht. "We are delighted to give the students the opportunity to have a public exhibition of their work. Taking art work into the public domain is a big step and Samhlaiocht's aim is to support the students through this process."

The seven contributing artists are:
Fiona Ladden's abstract images examine the natural world and how each form creates it own identity. Fiona is already an experienced artist and exhibitor with Samhlaiocht.

Paola Kennedy studies her relationship with her Peruvian birthplace and her new homeland Ireland.

Ewa Miszczaks photomontages ask the question when identity is formed.

Katie Forrester's mixed media pieces also look at the genetic imprint and the effect of environment on identity.


Helen Dineen's painting studies freedom and seeks to find escape from life's issues in her dreams.

Time and living by the clock is an issue for Rochelle Lucey, her Dali inspired paintings are semi abstract and expressive.

Finally we end on a positive note with Geraldine Guinan who finds her freedom and peace of mind in the rhythms of the sea and the vastness of the ocean.

The New Samhlaiocht Gallery is located at the Old Presbytery next to St. John's Parish Church in the centre of Tralee on Lower Castle Street.

Opening times at the Gallery are:
Mon-Thurs 9.00am-6.00pm and Friday 9.00am-5.00pm everyone is welcome.

For more information on Samhlaiocht please log onto

Flower Power

Daisies by Geraldine O'Brien

With Spring just around the corner areas of woodland will be carpeted with acres and acres of bluebells and other forest flowers and to celebrate the Frank Lewis Gallery in Killarney is opening an exhibition of work that pays tribute to the beauty of nature.

'Flower Power', an exhibition of paintings by Helene Brunicardi, Vicki Crowley and Geraldine O'Brien will run at the Frank Lewis Gallery from March 6th to 31st, 2007. The official opening on Tuesday evening, March 6th will be performed by Fr Michael Murphy and will also include music by flautists Rhonda & Laura Daly.

For more info please drop by the Frank Lewis Gallery, 6 Bridewell Lane, Killarney. You may also telephone on 064-31108 or log onto

Dervish

As most of you know the song to represent Ireland at this year's Eurovision Song Contest in Helsinki in Finland is They Can't Stop the Spring , composed by Tommy Moran and John Waters. It will be performed by the excellent traditional Irish band from Sligo, Dervish.

So, there I was on a Sunday night in the Gleneagle Ballroom in Killarney during the Gathering Festival, waiting to see Dervish play. Dessie O'Halloran was on stage, followed by Niamh Ni Charra, from Park Road, Killarney, who launched her CD On Da Thaobh/From Both Sides that night. The audience were in mighty form.

Little did I expect to bump into RTE's John Masterson, long-time executive producer of the Late Late Show. John is the man with the task of steering the Eurovision song on its path to Helsinki and, hopefully, to Eurovision glory. When he heard that I wrote for the Kerryman's Arts Attack, John immediately whisked me backstage so that I could meet with Dervish after their gig.

Everyone seemed remarkably calm and controlled after what was the band's first live performance in almost a month and after having just picked up the mantle of Ireland's Eurovision hope for 2007.

"Yes, we're calm," agreed singer Cathy Jordan, "It was hectic in the week running up to the Late Late Show, you know, rehearsing and arranging the songs, but now I think the hard work is done. That night was tough because I had to sing four totally different songs that I'd only just learned for a live TV audience but in Helsinki, even though there'll be 600 million people watching, I'll just be singing one, so I'll be grand."

600 million is a big figure and it testifies to the growing popularity of the Eurovision Song Contest. It is without doubt a major musical event and one that Dervish are delighted to be associated with.

"Frank Gallagher from Derry was the producer," fiddle player Tom Murrow explained, "and our job was to put the Dervish stamp on the song."

They certainly did that. The Dervish formula is enchanting. The five men are consummate musicians and produce a tight and flawless sound. In their dark clothes they are dignified cohorts for Cathy, a fiery and fascinating front woman with a voice that is truly unique.

Cathy is, as they say, in her element when she's performing and obviously delights in the multi-layered rythms, whether she's crouching over her bodhran or leaping to her feet and dancing like a marionette. On stage there's an intensity about her that is born of a very free-spirited and natural artistry, almost reminiscent of an Irish Bjork.

I was disappointed not to hear They Can't Stop the Spring on that night in the Gleneagle. However, as it will be released in the next few weeks, we won't have long to wait before it's in the shops and on the air waves. I think it's a great song, the best Eurovision entry we've had in years. Let's keep our fingers crossed on 12 May.

Bang Bang

USA Is A Monster

The popular Tralee based club night, Club Head Bang Bang, brings two acts to Tralee on Thursday, March 15th.

First up is USA Is A Monster, a brilliantly fried two-piece guitar and drums band of sun spotters hailing all the way from the borough of Brooklyn in New York City. The band has roved the planet with instruments strapped to their backs playing on the tops of mountains, in skin-melting deserts and in rusted out America. Having trekked across Europe, America, Japan, Canada and Mexico on their way to Tralee the gig promises to be a melting pot of rock and "thoughtful, hardcore, hippie explosions tempered with tribal breakdowns and politically and environmentally aware chants."

The band has released albums on Infrasound and Load Records (home to Lightning Bolt).

Also in Club Head Bang Bang on Thursday, March 15th are Tralee band Scenes, originally known as 6th Of October City, a band that formed in mid-2005.

With a wide and varied list of influences ranging from the musical Bad-Plus, Don Caballero, Keith F. Whitman, and Saul Williams, to the plain bizarre their music has fused into a modern heavy jazz style. Given that Scene's music has been variously described as "sounding like octopi mating out of water with cymbals attached to all 8 pairs of legs" and as a "medley of rock, metal, jazz and climactic punk" the night is sure to be, at the very least, a strenuous and vigorous affair.