'Blas Ceoil' Launches On BBC 2

'Blas Ceoil' a new 10-part Irish language music series launches on BBC 2 Northern Ireland on Monday 15 October at 10pm.
Presented by Lynette Fay and Karen Kirby, it is a journey around each of the counties of Northern Ireland, showcasing musical talent from the area and highlighting the history and influence of music and language there.
The programme introduces the audience to a new generation of musicians from each area and special guest artists have been invited to perform alongside the local talent. The programme will feature Lynette and Karen chatting to the artists and local music enthusiasts at each of the specially selected locations and enjoying the music on offer.
Three of the ten programmes will reflect the high standard of performances at three of the country's premier festivals, The Open House Festival in Belfast, The Belfast Festival at Queen's and the annual William Kennedy International Piping Festival in Armagh.
The filming of several upcoming programmes is also taking place in venues across the country. On Thursday October 11, Blas Ceoil will be recording in The Bank Bar in Newry and the programme will feature artists The 4 of Us, Nuala Kennedy & The New Shoes with special guests Luan Parle from Wexford and Bill Coleman from Cork.
On Wednesday October 17, Blas Ceoil will be recording in Sandino's, Derry and the line-up includes the debut performance from The Amachords, Paul Casey & band, Ruadhrai O'Kane, Desi Adams and Brian Mullan.
On Wednesday October 24, Blas Ceoil will be recording in The Ceili House in Lurgan, Co. Armagh. featuring music from Flook, Cat Malojian and Lára Kerr.
The recordings will begin at 7.45pm and entrance to the venue is on a first come first served basis. The music can be heard on Blas, the daily irish language radio programme on BBC Radio Ulster, on The Saturday Show and online at:
www.bbc.co.uk/ni/blasceoil
(DS)