1st Annual ‘An Fiach Dubh’ Fingal Songwriter’s Weekend, July 18-19 2008.

In Association with Fingal Arts & Songschool

Venue: The Séamus Ennis Cultural Centre, Naul, Co. Dublin

Featuring Songwriting Workshops and Performances by Mick Hanly, Gary Ferguson and Iain Archer.

Friday 18th July 2008

Legendary Irish Singer-Songwriter Mick Hanly will host a Song-writing Workshop at 3.00pm with award winning U.S. Bluegrass Song-writer Gary Ferguson.

Mick Hanly’s ‘Past the Point of Rescue’ became one of the most played and the most-requested songs across the U.S. when it was covered by Hal Ketchum on his debut album also entitled ‘Past The Point of Rescue’. The song sent both the single and the album to the top of the U.S. charts in 1991.

Gary Ferguson has had two #2 songs on the ‘Bluegrass Unlimited Top 30′ and 3 of his songs were in BU’s Top 200 Songs of the 1990’s. His song ‘Last Day at Gettysburg’ was not only a big hit for Larry Sparks, but has also become somewhat of a ‘Bluegrass Classic’ and can be heard around campfires at Bluegrass festivals.

Mick and Gary will take to the stage later that evening with Lap Steel player, Colin Henry. for a special performance at 8.30pm at The Séamus Ennis Cultural Centre.

Saturday 19th July 2008

Iain Archer hosts a Song-writing Workshop at 3.00pm.

From Northern Ireland, and now living and working out of London, Iain Archer is a songwriter, musician, artist and producer. He received an Ivor Novello Award in 2005 for his work on Snow Patrol’s breakthrough album ’Final Straw’ including co-writing the top 5 single ’Run’. Iain also appears on the album ’Eyes Open’ and has played acoustic guitar with Snow Patrol throughout their Arena and festival appearances of 2007. Iain has made four solo albums to date and has toured as a singer-songwriter, supporting the likes of John Martyn, Nils Lofgren, Athlete, David Gray to name a few.

Iain will take to the stage later that evening for a special performance at 8.30pm at The Séamus Ennis Cultural Centre.

Both Workshops will include an ‘in-the-round’ listening session during which attendees will be invited to perform their songs and hear constructive feedback, encouragement and advice from these experienced and successful songwriters.

All Song-writers welcome.

Admission to each Workshop is priced at €10.00 and those who wish to also attend the evening Performances can do so for an inclusive price of €20.00 for both the Workshop and the Performance.

Food will be  available all day from The Cottage Café at The Séamus Ennis Cultural Centre.