Talking Trad – A new series of talks as part of TradFest Temple Bar 2023
TradFest Temple Bar is running a series of talks as part of the 2023 Festival. These talks are going to take a deeper dive into the experiences of female trad and folk artists, as well the new Irish communities in traditional music settings / festivals. We also look at the important role travellers have played in the maintenance and development of our traditional music. Finally, we will work Mike Hanrahan, founding member of Stockton’s Wing and his work with the Global Brain Health Institute.
9.30am: Talking Trad – Beyond the Male! Featuring contributions from artists, practitioners, academics and advocates, this discussion will look at experiences of women in trad and folk. With this talk we aim to highlight the contributions women artists make to the industry despite – or perhaps despite – gender imbalance and exclusion. We want to spotlight their stories, celebrate their music, and share their insights for our audiences, as well as the trad and folk industries at large. Panelists include musician and independent arts council consultant Emer Mayock, PHD student and Independent TradFest Temple Bar researcher Emma Grove and folk singers Karen Casey and Aoife Scott.
11.30am: Talking Trad – My People with Steo Wall– Steo and guests examine the importance of the contribution of travellers to Irish culture and folk/trad music. Panelists will include Sharyn Ward who is continuing the tradition of story and song and who came to fame from being a finalist on Ireland’s Got Talent. Sharon will be joined by young Galway musician PJ Mongan.
2.00pm: Talking Trad – Tradition, Irishness & Belonging
Presented by Ola Majekodunmi an Irish broadcaster, writer, Gaeilgeoir, and creator this series of talks will look at traditional & folk music and how this genre has a visible absence of people of colour and new Irish communities. This discussion also acknowledges the socially ingrained notion that Irish traditional music is for ethnically white Irish people, a concept which presents barriers for inclusion and integration within Ireland as a whole. Focusing on themes such as intercultural exchange, integration and belonging. Discussing the conceptual boundaries of what Ireland is and who it is for. Other contributors include filmmaker & producer Alex Mojekwu, Libyan Irish musician Farah Elle, Nigerian musician Segun Akano of the Akano Rhythm Brothers, and local Fingal Councillor JK Onwumereh who is working with TradFest and Fingal County Council to change this narrative.
4.00pm: Talking Trad – Creative arts in Dementia Care
Evidence grows stronger each day on the positive effects of music, song, dance and other creative arts on the emotional health, well-being and quality of life for those living with Dementia. Leading this talk is Mike Hanrahan, founding members of Stockton’s Wing. Mike will be joined by Dr. Aline Haas, Research and Dance for Parkinsons, (Brasil) Norah Walsh Conductor composer Forgetmenots Chour (Ireland) and Anna Marie Rosická PhD Researcher in Psychology at the Gillan Lab, Trinity College Dublin
Printworks, Dublin Castle, Dame St, Dublin 2
Free but ticketed.