THE inaugural Global Radio weekender - a three-day festival of world music organised by the Dundalk UDC Arts Office - played an important part in opening ears and eyes to different cultures.
On Saturday night, DJ Claire Maloney worked some fine voodoo magic with her travelling Juju Club, while on Sunday evening the main attractions were the Russian (and Dublin-based) band, Loyko, and La Lugh, one of Ireland's rising traditional groups.
Loyko's exceptional brand of duelling, squealing fiddles ushered in a musical maelstrom which fought the elements and won - it was just the kind of passionate, swirling music to be heard in a chilly marquee. La Lugh, however, didn't fare as well, battling against factors which were not of their own making - initial sound problems forcing them to interrupt their set, and an increasing chill factor as the wind whipped the marquee's flaps.
When sound and wind evened out, though, the magic of La Lugh made its presence felt. Fronted by Gerry O'Connor and Eithne Ni Uallachain, songs such as The Mummer's March and instrumentals such as The Generation Jigs set them apart from your average traditional band. Eithne's beautifully stark rendition of Turn Of The Road was a particular high point.
More good news: Global Radio plans to broadcast next year, too. You are advised to tune in.
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