Clare fiddler Martin Hayes performs a solo gig in Johnston’s Hall, Kinvara, on Friday April 27 at 8.30pm.
This will be Hayes’ first concert in Kinvara and  is hosted by Kinvara Area Music Collective. Tickets are €15/12.50 on sale at Connolly’s Bar and The Healing Harvest shop in Kinvara. Booking can be arranged by contacting 087 - 2405987.

The Leitrim Fleadh Cheoil is taking place in Drumshanbo this weekend, from April 26-29. There will be a singers night in Monica's Pub Thursday with Fionnalla Maxwell, and a session on Friday night following the Fleadh launch in Lough Allen Hotel.

The competitions take place Saturday and Sunday, with sessions taking place throughout the village all weekend. There is a traditional mass in St PAtrick's church Sunday morning, followed by a session in Henry's Haven. An open air busking competition takes place Sunday evening.

Irish fiddler Tommy Peoples has been elected to Aosdana, the Irish association of artists created in 1981. Other new members are artist Frances Hegarty and author Patrick McCabe, which brings the membership of the association to 273.

Born in Co. Donegal, Tommy Peoples is regarded as one of the finest traditional fiddle-players of his generation. He played with The Bothy Band between 1975-1976; also in 1976, he recorded an album with Matt Molly and Paul Brady, and then in 1982 a solo album with Daithi Sproule (guitar), "The Iron Man". His daughter, Siobhan, is also an accomplished fiddle player.

Pipe Up, an Irish Traditional Music Resource DVD-ROM, is produced by Na Píobairí Uilleann, the association of uilleann pipers, and aims to bridge the knowledge gap about Irish traditional instruments using the latest computer technology.

Information in the Pipe Up resource is organised to meet the needs of  primary and secondary level school students or indeed anyone wishing to learn more about Irish traditional music. Pipe Up also explains the various types of tunes and allows practical application via an innovative interactive tutor for the tin whistle. A selection of simple exercises, and beginner, intermediate and advanced tunes are included, and the user can play along via an attractive and easy-to-use animated interface. The Pipe Up interactive tutor allows the tune to be played faster or slower as required and also allows staff notation or simple ABCs to be displayed.  A host of tune books and workbooks are also included and the resource can be used in either Irish or English. Pipe Up can be used on a PC or Mac or on a Whiteboard, and represents a unique use of the latest interactive animation technology for transmission of Ireland’s traditional music heritage.