The city of Dubai is to be the host to the inaugural “Dubai Irish Festival” which is the brainchild of Irish company Empire Entertainments in association with Tourism Ireland, Dubai Duty Free and MCI Dubai bringing the top names in the Irish music industry and exciting events celebrating Irish culture in Dubai. The event is scheduled to take place in various locations across the city between January 21st and 27th 2008.
Top Irish acts such as Frankie Gavin & his band Hibernian Rhapsody, who have played with everyone from Stephane Grappelli to the Rolling Stones, distinguished Irish composer and performer and founder of the World Music Centre in Ireland Professor Mícheál O’ Súilleabháin, and following his sell out shows in America with the Irish Tenors, world famous Irish tenor Anthony Kearns. Also scheduled to appear is leading contemporary Irish singer Duke Special with special guests. There will be a series of concerts in the Dubai Irish Village and also appearing are dynamic Irish duo Seamus Begley & Jim Murray.
The line up of events includes a Gala concert “Ireland in Dubai” at the Dubai Community Theatre & Arts Centre, which will feature some of Ireland's greatest performers accompanied by the UAE Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Philipp Maier, an “Irish Golf Day” at The Montgomerie Club with host, Irish Gaelic Athletic Association sports star and talented golfer, DJ Carey and an “Irish Racing Day” as part of the Dubai International Racing Carnival, hosted by legendary Irish Jockey Johnny Murtagh.
Speaking about the event, Festival Director Eric Cunningham was delighted with the array of Irish talent in the line up. “In association with the Tourism Ireland and MCI Dubai, we are delighted to bring our wonderful Irish culture to Dubai. We see Dubai as a city at the cutting edge of international tourism and a fantastic destination to visit and enjoy. We bring to you the best of our nation’s culture and hopefully the community of Dubai will have the opportunity to learn about our Irish music, song and dance traditions through a series of concerts and exciting Irish events for all to enjoy” he said.
Other events include an “Irish Céilí” (Traditional Irish Dance) in the Arabian Desert, hosted by legendary Irish set dancers Pádraig & Róisín McEneany, an Irish Music Session to launch the “Dubai Irish Festival” on Jumeirah beach and an “Irish Comedy Night” at the Rainbow Room at the Aviation Club in the presence of one of Ireland’s finest comedians, Barry Murphy, known for his performances on Father Ted. Barry will be supported by another very popular Irish comedian Bernard O’Shea. Also attending is eternal Irish favorite Jason Fallon who will entertain the crowds with his wonderful array of songs and Irish wit.
