ESPRESSO T.V.

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@ the Ennis Trad Festival

      1 X 52'

Ennis in County Clare, is regarded as the "Nashville" of Irish traditional music and this scenic market town celebrates it's musical heritage with a unique music festival each year.

Very many talented Irish and International session musicians, arrive in the town to perform in over 20 venues, bars, pubs, hotels and even the local church. The festival, is seen to be for an 'informed audience', the good amateur, semi professional and professional musician, and the serious listener, but what's in store is a party and a unique celebration.

The documentary provides access to an international audience to the relatively unknown pursuit of the Irish Music Festival. The film attempts to explain the relevance of the Music Festival, to explain what Irish music sessions are about to both familiar and unfamiliar audiences. Importantly, the film attempts to understand the experience for musicians who are sleep deprived, fuelled by copious quantities of alcohol in order to sustain marathon sessions performing great music. The film also provides an opportunity to meet a multitude of eccentric characters who follow the Irish music festival circuit around Ireland and abroad.

Essentially organised by musicians for musicians, the festival provides a forum for the leaders in their field to come together, exchange experiences and ideas and share their music with their contemporaries. It is a connection, a communion between musicians. Many of those who attend and play are at the forefront of Irish traditional music today, carrying this mantle or the Irish Music Tradition on into the future.

The documentary features the music, both formal concerts and informal sessions, and incorporate interviews with some of the major players and more interesting festival goers.