Welcome to
The Irish Festival of Oulu 2009

Lace up your boots and get ready for a night of Irish Folk-fuelled Punk from a band proclaiming everyday is St. Patrick’s Day!!

NECK is a high-energy Celtic rock band based in North London (County Holloway) whose songs fuse traditional Irish melodies and rhythms with Punk and Rock, earning them the official title “London-Irish Psycho Ceilídh”. They have regularly been described as a cross between The Clash and The Pogues and have drawn comparisons with The Dropkick Murphys and Flogging Molly – both of whom they have supported on tour.

"I like a few of the bands that are combining Irish music and punk – the Tossers, Neck from London and Flogging Molly from L.A..."
–Ken Casey, Dropkick Murphys–

All this is driven by the authentic, passionate voice of lead vocalist, guitarist and songsmith Leeson O'Keeffe, a man with both a vision and undeniable pedigree. Leeson is an ex-member of Shane MacGowan's band, The Popes, and from the same Irish enclave of North London that spawned Johnny Rotten, and with close family roots in the same Dublin neighborhood as Dave King of Flogging Molly.

"Another dose of manic Psycho Ceilídh from the London Irish heirs to the Pogues' legacy. … not for the fainthearted, this is incendiary, belligerent stuff!"
–Hot Press, Ireland–

Firm favorites across the festival circuits of the UK, Europe and USA, NECK captivates audiences with their infectious reels, powerful riffs and fantastic lyrics.

NECK brings a whole new flavour of Irish to the festival and a whole new flavour of Punk to Oulu.

Leeson O'Keeffe (lead vocals, guitar); Sara Bowrey (tin whistle, vocals); Wispy McCracken (bass, vocals); Liam Maher (banjo, vocals); Joel Kurta (drums); Michael Eccleshall (fiddle)

Kíla are one of the planet’s most exciting world-music bands, energizing audiences wherever they go with their spectacular live performances. Playing together for nearly 20 years, Kíla are known as Ireland’s most innovative and exciting band. The seven members all come from different musical backgrounds but share a passion to create great music with an ability to absorb influences from across the globe.

With their roots in traditional Irish music, the band features a strong percussive like singing and beautiful, stirring melodies driven by a powerful rhythmical undercurrent. Kíla have created their own distinctive style of world music and are widely renowned for their stunning sets.

"Kila are extraordinary" –Bono, U2–

"Brilliant" –Sinéad Ó Connor–

Kíla have played in over 20 countries throughout the world, at festivals and venues, most notable festivals in recent years include Womadelaide Australia, Womad Reading, Spain and Sicily, Glastonbury Festival, Witness Festival, Sigzet Festival Budapest, Montreaux Jazz Festival, Stockholm Water Festival, and the Opening Ceremony of the Special Olympics Ireland 2003. They regularly tour Japan with Plankton Agency, North America with Columbia Arts Management, Australia with Gaynor Crawford and Michael Chugg Entertainment and the UK, Spain, and throughout Europe.

Kíla now bring their ‘heart-pounding’ performance to Oulu for one night only. The Soap Pig will open the concert at 21.00.

Rónán Ó Snodaigh (bodhrán, djembe, congas, bongos, guitar, vocals); Rossa Ó Snodaigh (tin whistle, low whistle, clarinet, bazouki, mandolin; bones, vocals); Colm Ó Snodaigh (flute, tin whistle, guitar, percussion, vocals); Lance Hogan (guitar, drums, vocals); Brian Hogan (bass, double bass, vocals); Dee Armstrong (fiddle, viola, hammered dulcimer, accordion, bodhrán); Eoin Dillon (uileann pipes, tin whistle, low whistle, shakers, vocals)

The Soap Pig are a groovy band with a repertoire of energetic and melodic traditional tunes from the many musically rich areas of Ireland fused with original tunes they have written. Known for their lively performances, the lads have performed in numerous venues and festivals throughout Finland including an unforgettable concert with legendary guest Paddy Keenan at the 2007 Irish Festival of Oulu.

The Soap Pig are thrilled to be opening for Kíla.

Markus Lampela (uilleann pipes, tin whistle, vocals); Brent Cassidy (bodhran, vocals); Anthony Johnson (fiddle); Jorma Mäkitalo (mandolin, vocals); jani Suvanto (bouzouki, guitar)

Described as 'a dream team line up', At First Light are one of the most exciting bands to hit the traditional Irish music scene in many years. With dueling uilleann pipes, gutsy vocals, driving guitar, dazzling fiddle, bodhrán and whistles, At First Light display their immense talents on an array of instruments creating a sonic landscape that is guaranteed to capture the imagination of all who listen.

“Every decade produces a ground-breaking act that just can’t be ignored… At First Light are surely one of those special pioneering acts who push the boundaries and redraw the map…”
–Eddie Creaney, Irish Music Magazine–

The pedigree of each individual musician is outstanding, their experience and sheer mastery of the music evident for all to see, but it is when their considerable talents are combined, that you should definitely expect the unexpected. They have performed their exciting brand of traditional Irish music to enthusiastic audiences around the world and now they are landing here in Oulu.

“The rhythmical power of At First Light would cause the most reluctant of feet to tap” –Scottish Herald–

This year’s main event, At First Light, bring an afternoon of world class traditional Irish music to Oulu. The concert begins with the masterful singing of Doimnic Mac Giolla Bhríde at 16:00.

John McSherry (uillean pipes, low whistle); Dónal O'Connor (fiddle); Francis McIlduff (uilleann pipes, whistle, bodhrán); Alan Burke (guitar, vocals); Michael McCague (bouzouki)

The festival welcomes the renowned singer/musician Doimnic Mac Giolla Bhríde. This passionate performer hails from the wee village of Gaoth Dobhair in northwest Donegal, where he also learned his store of songs, some of which come from nearby Tory Island. He sings mostly unaccompanied in the old Gaelic, highly-ornamented singing style known as Sean nós and on occasion he compliments his singing with a drone-like accompaniment on the accordion. He also plays the traditional Irish pipes – uilleann pipes.

“Doimnic Mac Giolla Bhríde is a rare treasure, a young man with a great respect for songs in Irish, a native speaker of Irish, and a fine singer himself.” –Irish Gazette–

Some of his songs tell of cheerful rovers while other are on subjects like missing Ireland, uncooperative bartenders, and stories of love found, lost, and found again.

Doimnic will open the festival’s main event.

Cascade performs a whirlwind of energetic and lyrical acoustic music focusing on new and traditional Irish tunes and songs. They also possess a repertoire of tunes from Scotland, Shetland and Brittany and are known for performing music with an open-minded attitude and unique arrangements, accompanied with the extraordinary sound-scope of traditional instruments.

Mervi Heinonen (flute, whistle, vocals); Jyrki Huhta (guitar, vocals); Mikko Sadinmäki (uilleann pipes, bodhrán); Anna Luusua (fiddle)

Brogues: thick leather shoes for walking. A brogue: English spoken with a strong (Irish) accent.

The Brogues are one of the pioneers of Irish pub singing in Oulu. The band was most active in the 1990s, but in later years their appearances have been few and far between and confined to private events. The band is remembered for its feisty performances of unusual renditions of Irish ditties that will definitely surprise the audience.

The lads have decided to shake off the moth balls and reunite to perform at the 4th Irish Festival of Oulu.

The Brogues are a group of versatile musicians with backgrounds in folk, rock and pop music alike. Apart from pint glasses, the lads are used to holding electric as well as acoustic instruments. A night with The Brogues is a rare treat indeed.

Markus Lampela (vocals, uilleann pipes, tin whistles, harmonica); Tommi Salmela (vocals, mandolin, bass guitar); Pasi Mäkikyrö (guitar, vocals); Jomppe Itkonen (djembe, drums); Kari Kuivamäki (piano, vocals)

Join Cascade and The Brogues for an enjoyable evening of Celtic and Irish music.

The Yläsiirtola Ramblers are a long-standing folk band hailing from the Yläsiirtola district of Oulu. The band’s repertoire consists of their own unique arrangements of traditional music as well as original compositions. Irish folk music and the North American traditions of Old-time, Bluegrass, French Canadian and Cajun are strongly represented in their music. Welcome to a relaxed evening of good music and fun with the Ramblers.

Ville Karinen (fiddle, mandolin, guitar); Mira Karinen (2-row button accordion, vocals); Rinna Koivuniemi (tin whistle, vocals);Tuomas Lähteenmäki (bodhrán); Tero Karinen (guitar, vocals)

Welcome to the Culture Centre Valve Atrium for an introduction performance to traditional Irish music – bring the whole family! Musicians will perform various traditional Irish tunes, and also explain the origin of the tunes, their history, and where they learned them. The group will also sing various ballads and describe the instruments they play.

Organized especially for young people and daytime fun seekers, the Family Fair welcomes families and people of all ages to nearby Kuusisaari Island to enjoy an outdoor event combining cultural events, music, sports and animal displays. Come see the enormous Irish Wolfhounds, an ancient breed said to have been brought to Ireland by the Celts around 1500 BC. Irish Terriers will be showing their skills on an agility course. Connemara ponies, a strong and gentle breed originating from the Connemara region in the west of Ireland, will be on display and will give pony rides for children. Stop by the storytelling corner for folk and fairy tales from Ireland with Galwayman Oliver Hussey. William O’Gorman from Tipperary will show us the art of ancient Gaelic games such as Hurling, the fastest field game in the world, plus Corkman Liam Kenny is coordinating additional Irish themed activities. Fitzgerald/Cassidy/Suvanto, a new trio of seasoned musicians, will perform traditional Irish music for everyone to enjoy.

Join us for an action packed day at the festival Family Fair. Special thanks to Ouluvet, the Family Fair’s main sponsor.

*Refreshments (coffee, tea, juice, pastries, sausages, etc.) are on sale!

Time: 11:00-14:00
Date: Saturday, 3.10.
Location: Kuusisaari Island, 5 minutes walk from centre (see map) Price: 2 € individuals / 5 € for families
More Information: info@irkku.fi

Cooperation with:
Irish Wolfhound owners of Oulu Region
Irish Terrier Society of Finland, Oulu www.irlanninterrieri.fi
Finnish Connemara Pony Society www.connemara.fi
Kuusisaari
Ouluvet

Traditional Irish sessions are a vital part of traditional Irish music and are the heartbeat of the Irish Festival of Oulu. It is in the sessions that musicians exchange music and new ideas; it’s what keeps Irish music alive. The purpose of the session is for the musicians to play, share and discuss the music. It is at the heart of the tradition of Irish music. A session is not necessarily a scheduled event, and musicians do not play for profit.

Music sessions are on every day during the festival, Thursday through Sunday, and all musicians are welcome to join in the tradition of the Irish music session. There may even be spontaneous sessions on the street, so look out.

Festival session schedule:

Thursday, October 1st at 20:00, St. Michael’s Irish Pub
Friday, October 2nd at 17:30, St. Michael’s Irish Pub
Saturday, October 3rd at 16:00, Oluthuone Leskinen Pub
Saturday, October 3rd at 18:00, Petrelli Pub

All sessions are free entry. Limited seating, so arrive early.
Enjoy the tradition!

Join us at Petrelli Pub for one last session with all the musicians to officially close the festival with loads of craic agus ceol (Irish for "fun and music"). Past closing sessions have been known to last many hours with as many as 26 musicians playing in unison as no one wants to leave. Songs will be sung and all of your favorite jigs, reels, hornpipes, and polkas will be played as well as dancers who will show what they have learned over the weekend.

The festival is thrilled to be screening Dambé - The Mali Project, an award winning documentary film following an extraordinary musical journey into Mali, the heart of Africa. World renowned Irish musicians Liam O’Maonlaí (The Hothouse Flowers) and Paddy Keenan (The Bothy Band, 2007 Irish Festival of Oulu) embark on a musical adventure travelling over 3,000 miles where they meet and collaborate with everyone from legendary musicians (Afel Bocoum, Toumani Diabaté) to Nomadic Herders, culminating in a unique performance at the world’s most remote musical festival; The ‘Festival au Desert’.

"The similarities between African and Celtic music have often been noted but the collaborations in The Mali Project illustrate those mystical connections better than any academic treatise could manage". Donald Clarke - IRISH TIMES

The film follows the musicians’ journey as they explore Mali through music. We learn that music is an essential form of communication and education for a country where illiteracy is rife. It is vital that social problems gain awareness through the music. Liam and Paddy’s journey weaves along the river Niger, stopping in villages and river towns such as Mopti and Djenné. The style is observational and experiential; Liam and Paddy develop a deep respect for each other’s music and delight in absorbing the culture and musical riches of Mali. They bring the harp, bodhrán, whistles and uillean pipes to Mali.

We welcome Producer Vanessa Gildea and Dearbhla Glynn, who directed and filmed Dambé, for a question and answer session with the audience following the screening.

Dambé - The Mali Project A Feature Music Documentary
Directed by Dearbhla Glynn
Produced by Vanessa Gildea
Language: English/French
Subtitles: English
Duration: 93 minutes

Awards:

2ND PLACE in the Audience Award
Jameson Dublin International Film Festival

2008 Best Feature Documentary
Irish Film & Television Awards (IFTA) - Nominee 2009

2ND PLACE in the Audience Award
European Film Festival 2009

This documentary looks at the escape of Frederick Douglass, the 19th-century's 'Martin Luther King', from slavery and his subsequent refuge in Ireland at the peak of the Great Famine. The documentary not only focuses on the powerful effect Ireland had on Douglass but also the tumultuous role of the Irish in America after his return to this country. Taking on issues of racism still facing the United States today, the film sheds light on the turbulent relationship between African Americans and Irish Americans and the resulting race riot that rocked New York City with its magnitude and ferocity during the time of the Civil War. There is an added significance with the recent historic election of President Barack Obama, since Douglass paved the way more than 130 years earlier as the country's first African-American on a Vice-Presidential ticket.

"Brilliantly made with a funky soundtrack...gripping, intelligent, original and thought provoking"
–History Ireland magazine–

Friends since they were small boys, Adam and Paul – and we never learn which is which – have withered into two hapless, desperate Dublin junkies, tied together by habit and necessity. Stylistically, 'Adam & Paul' is a cold, contemporary take on classic, physical comedy. Thematically, it is a minimal fairytale about two baffled, vulnerable children in the grip of forces too powerful for them to handle; vulnerable, lost, sometimes pathetically optimistic, but always profoundly damaged. ‘Adam & Paul’ is not a film without hope; it is a tender, unsentimental and very funny testament to the persistence of the human spirit in even the most damaged and marginal of people.

'Adam & Paul' has won the Best Director Award, as well as being nominated in 8 categories for the 2004 Irish Film & Television Awards

Building on the success of last year’s appearances by Pulitzer prize-winner Paul Muldoon and Gerald Dawe, we are this year delighted to present our Oulu audience with a brace of Irish scholars sure to charm, inspire and challenge you.

Edna Longley
"For over 150 years … Ireland has been the scene of a Kulturkampf: that is, a culture war, in which the two sides have been chiefly defined by religious denomination".

Edna Longley is a Professor Emerita in the School of English, Queen's University Belfast and is well-known as a leading critic of Irish culture, society and poetry. She has published a wide range of criticism, as well as editing the best-selling Bloodaxe Book of 20th Century Poetry (2000), and Edward Thomas: The Annotated Collected Poems (Bloodaxe, 2008).

Professor Longley’s interests include Nature poetry and ecological criticism, and she will be talking today about ‘The West of Ireland in Modern Irish Poetry’. In some poems, western landscapes become a location where the Irish political violence of the last century is explored in relation to the natural world and utopian ideas of a better society.

The programme will also feature reflections on contemporary Irish poetry by Professor Anthony Johnson (Oulu), Professor Gerald Porter (Vaasa) and Dr John Braidwood (Oulu).

"I freeze frame moments, like a painter … I am walking backwards into the future."

The Festival is delighted to welcome leading Irish poet Michael Longley, a poet whose world is Ulster filtered through the West of Ireland and through imagery drawn from Italy, Japan and Ancient Greece; a world filled with badgers, herons, graves, flowers, Homer, and ceasefires. As a poet from Northern Ireland, he believes he has an obligation to respond to its tragic recent history of Ulster, taking snapshots of the harmony of life we expect from mundane acts, and disrupting them. Longley’s awards include the T.S. Eliot Prize and the Queen’s Gold Medal for Poetry, and he is current holder of the Ireland Chair of Poetry. His Collected Poems (Jonathan Cape) appeared in 2006.

The event, featuring music by top local Irish band The Soap Pig, is sure to build on the success of the 2007 festival poetry event, with the continuing cooperation of Oulu University and the Irish Embassy in Finland.

The Linen Workers

Christ's teeth ascended with him into heaven:
Through a cavity in one of his molars
The wind whistles: he is fastened for ever
By his exposed canines to a wintry sky.

I am blinded by the blaze of that smile
And by the memory of my father's false teeth
Brimming in their tumbler: they wore bubbles
And, outside of his body, a deadly grin.

When they massacred the ten linen workers
There fell on the road beside them spectacles,
Wallets, small change, and a set of dentures:
Blood, food particles, the bread, the wine.

Before I can bury my father once again
I must polish the spectacles, balance them
Upon his nose, fill his pockets with money
And into his dead mouth slip the set of teeth.