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Riverdance star at MERL

Posted: Tue, 28 Apr 2009

Folk music fans are in for a real treat when Reading–born musician Luke Daniels joins top folk musicians and former University of Reading students Hilary James and Simon Mayor, for an evening of fantastic song and sounds at the Museum of English Rural Life Tuesday 28 April.

The Museum (MERL), which is owned and managed by the University of Reading, launched this exciting new series of folk concerts, set within the evocative context of the Museum gallery, in March. In the first concert internationally renowned singer Hilary, and Simon, one of the world's foremost mandolinists, took audiences on a wonderful musical journey around Britain.

In 'Trading Traditions' Hilary, Simon and special guest Luke will follow the path British folk music has taken from home shores over to the melting pot of the USA, where British traditions mixed with those of mainland Europe and Africa.

The audience is in for a virtuoso-packed evening of Irish reels, Scottish ballads, English airs, American blues and ragtime and even a stepdance from the Appalachian Mountains!

Learn to play the tin whistle in 15 minutes

Luke will be running a free workshop before the concert on the 28th April - 'How to play the tin whistle in 15 minutes!' Anyone from the age of seven is welcome to come along and make music, as well as learn how to play simple folk tunes by ear on a pennywhistle. Participants will be helped and encouraged to make up their own tunes and contribute to what Luke sees as an ever evolving folk music tradition. Booking is essential as places are limited.

Bekky Moran, Learning Manager at MERL says, "We are delighted to be able to benefit from Luke's experience in music education. He has worked for the Folkworks National Summer School, the Newcastle University folk music degree course and in 2003 he set up the first folk music academy in the South East dedicated to young traditional musicians with funding from the National Foundation for Youth Music."

The special guest at the last in the current series on May 12th will be Tim Healey, freelance writer and popular broadcaster, who will tell the story of 'The Green Man'.

Luke Daniels is one of a new breed of young composers from a folk music background. Born in Emmer Green, he won the coveted BBC Young Tradition Award in 1992 at just 17 years old. Soon afterwards he was invited to join the Riverdance show and has since travelled the world enchanting audiences with his fiery Irish acordeon virtuosity. He's also a fine singer, guitarist, whistle and bodhran (Irish drum) player who has featured many times on the BBC. His recent tours have taken him from the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden to the Great Wall of China!"

For tickets (£12 & £10 (concessions)) and to book a place on the pennywhistle workshop, visit www.reading.ac.uk/merl, email merlevents@reading.ac.uk or call 0118 378 8660.