ONE of the biggest events in the Irish music calendar in Scotland takes place again this weekend with the 20th Jimmy McHugh Memorial Concert.
The eagerly anticipated event will take place in Woodside Halls, Glenfarg Street on Saturday January 12 and will see the McHugh family joined by those from the Irish community in Scotland and beyond as some of Ireland’s top musicians pay tribute to an iconic figure in Irish music.
Born in Omagh in 1930, Jimmy emigrated to Glasgow in 1946 and became active in the thriving Irish cultural scene in the city, involving himself both in Gaelic games and Irish music.
He became best known for his musical exploits, forming the Four Provinces Ceili Band and building links with traditional Scottish musicians as he shared his own musical talents as well as his celebrated personal musical collection.
His wife Ann was also instrumental in Irish dance in the city and became a renowned and much loved figure in her own right though those efforts. Speaking of this year’s concert the organisers outlined the importance of commemorating Jimmy as well as the feast of musical talent which will gather in his name for the concert.
“The concert has become synonymous with the finest of Irish music, song and dance, growing from a small beginning, as an informal gathering of friends, to the rich celebrations of his anniversary today, a world-renowned weekend of Irish music with artistes arriving from all over Britain, Ireland and America,” they said.
“After 20 years, it is truly remarkable to reflect on all the excellent musicians who have graced the concert stage and weekend sessions, from the internationally-renowned to the local players, the young and the old, all great friends who played music with Jimmy and who share his great love of Irish and Scottish traditional music.”
Jimmy’s reputation in Irish music has meant that in the 20 concerts since his death some of the most popular and vibrant performers in traditional music have made the journey across the Irish Sea to participate in his memory, and 2019 will be no different—with musicians from every corner of Ireland coming to Glasgow.
“Once again, we have gathered together a wonderful group of musicians and singers for you to enjoy at this year’s concert,” organisers said. “We have Seamus Brogan, a terrific singer from Wexford with many excellent songs, Deirdre Collis from Sligo playing accordion, who Jimmy brought to Glasgow in the 1970s and 80s, the Pure Drop presenter and tremendous fiddle player Martin McGinley from Donegal, Mary McNamara, an incredible concertina player from Clare, Mary McMahon, the magnificent piano player from Galway, and last but not least Desi Wilkinson from Antrim, a superb flautist and singer.
“We hope you enjoy this 20th anniversary concert and the weekend of music, as we come together in friendship, to celebrate his life and his music.”
Tickets are available from the the Tron Theatre Box Office on 0141 552 4267 or by phoning 0141 569 3557 or 07855 292062. Alternatively, you can email benny-mchugh@jimmymchugh.co.uk to find out more and order tickets.
