‘Senior’ singers and dancers take to the stage
The older the fiddle the sweeter the tune, they say – and the same goes for the fiddler too! Because a group of musicians and storytellers who have been entertaining in their own circles for up to 40 years are now taking their talents to the stage.
The performers call themselves ‘An Stíl Mar A Bhí’ (‘The Style That Was’) and they hail from all over the Connemara Gaeltacht – An Spidéal, Indreabhán, Leitir Móir, Rosmuc, Cill Chiaráin and Carna – with singers, dancers, musicians, poets and storytellers among their ranks.
And they will be performing in Galway city when they take to the stage in the King’s Head for a lunchtime cabaret next Thursday, March 10, as part of Seachtain na Gaeilge, which runs from March 1 to 17.
The silver-haired headliners have a knack for enrapturing their audience with tales and songs of old as well as ‘rince beo’. Performances are delivered in a “theatre in the round” format, meaning performers demonstrate their skills in the centre of a circle whilst a circumference of spectators surrounds them.
There is no amplification; everything remains faithful to the style of old.
The group is the brainchild of Ristéard Mac Aodha, who, although articulate and fluent in Irish, was born and bred in South Boston and served as a soldier during the Vietnam War.
But a visit to Ireland was to leave a lasting impression on the Bostonian. He found refuge and solace in the Connemara Gaeltacht; a peace of mind far divorced from the war zones that besmirched his earlier years.
After spending the best part of thirty years living the quiet life, Ristéard – himself an experienced sean-nós dancer and musician – recently decided to make the move to Cathrach Na Gaillimhe.
The lunchtime recital is in association with Conradh na Gaeilge. Musicians, dancers and singers, now in their dotage, put their personal “party pieces” together on a voluntary basis.
The senior singers do not seek to profit from performances, but rather, they do it out of love for culture and tradition – a nostalgic return to ‘The Style That Was’.
‘An Stíl Mar A Bhí’ promises to deliver traditional entertainment in an atmosphere of “rince, cultúr agus cairdeas”.
An open invite is extended to all, and people are “welcome to take part in the event – should they be so inclined”. Admission is free, but as always “donations are greatly appreciated”.