The Cobblestone Sessions produced by The Complex takes place each evening from 12th – 17th March on St. Patrick's Festival TV.
The Cobblestone and The Complex have had a strong relationship since they became neighbours on Smithfield Square in 2009. Even before that, Complex founder Vanessa Fielding had rehearsed plays in the upstairs room, and brewed new ones in the room downstairs when The Cobblestone was an early house, with the generous support for all things artistic from its proprietor Tom Mulligan. As a return gesture in these times of closure, it was only right that The Complex offered its new home and its extended skills in Arran Street East, to facilitate the streaming of some of the magic that makes this pub a national treasure. The series is kindly commissioned by St Patrick's Festival.
Tune in to SPTV here to view the sessions with some of Ireland’s finest traditional musicians and dancers, streamed into the homes of the nation, connecting with Irish audiences at home and around the world.
Doireann Ní Ghlacáin from TG4 will present this wide selection of tunes accompanied by some singing and Irish dancing. Kevin Rowsome, who comes from six generations of Uilleann piping and pipe-making plays Uilleann Pipes with Lorraine Hickey on Fiddle. The McBride Family (Simon on Concert Flute, Aran on Uilleann Pipes, Cian on Fiddle) will remind us of their regular sessions in The Cobblestone Pub.
There will be sets from renowned Uilleann Pipe maker Donnacha Dwyer, singer Micheál Quinn, fiddle player Michelle O’Brien who has won numerous All-Ireland titles, and Seán O’Broin on Concert Flute.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a Cobblestone Session without the Mulligan Family; Tom’s nephew Sárán Mulligan on Concertina will play with Muirine Nic Róibín. Jacqui Martin who has been playing music from a young age and has taught and performed at many festivals over the years, plays fiddle with Claire Martin on Concert Flute and Larry Egan on Button Accordion. Tom’s daughters Síomha and Méabh Mulligan will play fiddle to a set of dancing from Mary Beth Taylor, a sean-nós and Irish dancing teacher for over 20 years.
Join us from your home for some incredible musicianship, uplifting tunes in a nearly-real pub atmosphere. Dim the lights and pour yourself a pint!
Schedule Ep. 1 Simon McBride (Concert flute), Aran McBride (Uilleann pipes), Cian McBride (Fiddle) (Fri)