Isle of Man:Manks Concert is a Sell Out!

A recent Manks concert organised by the Isle of Man branch of the Celtic Congress at the Centenary Centre in Peel proved a sell-out, as people from across the Island joined together to enjoy a cross-generational evening of entertainment.

It was a night of music, song, dance and poetry with well-known Manx speaker, Bob Carswell, acting as compére.

Northern based traditional dance group Ny Fennee kicked off proceedings, followed later by a selection of versatile singers which included Marlene Hendy (past winner of the Traditional Song Class at the Pan Celtic Festival), Ruth Keggin (debut CD now available) and contributions from Manx Gaelic choir Caarjyn Cooidjagh, with music by Tree Cassyn and Scammylt.

Poetry readings with a Manx flavour provided a cross-section of sobriety and humour with contributions from brothers John and Philip Kennaugh, and a rare opportunity to hear an old master at work. At 98 years old Laurence Kermode remains unfazed by the sight of a full house, and without a script in sight was able to hold the audience in the palm of his hand with a command that belies his years.

The second half of the evening was dominated by the Michael Players with their final showing of the popular dialect play The Dumb Cake. It was the last performance, before retirement, of lead actors Ann Corlett and Win Callister, who were presented with a bouquet of flowers at the close of the play.

Spokesperson for the Manx branch of the Celtic Congress, Roy Kennaugh, remarked, “Besides the objective to raise funds, it was a great opportunity to bring together a variety of quality acts for a very enjoyable evening.”

Proceeds of the concert will be used to help finance travel and accommodation costs for musicians and a speaker to represent the Isle of Man at the International Celtic Congress in Cardiff later this year.

www.celticcongress.org

Valerie Caine
© February 2014 (inc photos)