The North Strand Kontra Band was formed on the North side of Dublin in the Winter of 2005. They’re an instrumental band who play a mix of original and traditional material influenced predominantly by the music of Romania and Bulgaria. The band has played to critical acclaim in many of the leading venues and festivals at home and abroad with their live shows being lauded for their high energy levels and explosive musicianship. The line up includes; Clarinet, Saxophone, Trombone, Keys, Banjo, Double Bass and Drums.
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Shakefest, A Celebration of Dance and Culture, was formed at Charleville Castle in 2006 with an eclectic mix of Middle Eastern, Cultural Dance and Artistic Workshops that ended with a multicultural evening of dance performances. 7 years on, Shakefest grows from strength to strength and will be offering much more interactive activities and performances for all ages.
On Saturday, April 14th, a full house was treated to a Multicultural dance recital of excellence at The Culture Box, Temple Bar, Dublin with the official announcement of all workshops and performances for this year’s Shakefest 2012.
Assale Ibrahim, originally from Iraq and of esteemed Oriental and Gypsy dance who was Shakefest’s first International Guest Instructor at Shakefest 2010, performed captivating and inspiring Baladi, Tribal, Gypsy and the Sacred Sufi Whirling dance for the Shakefest audience as well as members of our Irish Oriental and Tribal Dance community like Tullamore’s The Red Embers, Galway Bellydance, Appolonia Tribal Bellydance, Sheeoneh, Nicole Volmering and Aoife Hardiman.
Shakefest’s 2012 International Guest Instructor was announced as Oriental Dancer Joana Saahirah of Cairo, Egypt who will be here to provide an authentic education on Egyptian History and Folklore as well as Oriental Dance instruction in Classical, Saiidi and Alexandria of Mellaya styles accompanied by two dazzling and interpretive Oriental dances.
Joana has delighted Egyptian audiences with her live Orchestral shows in Cairo with some of the best Egyptian musicians and travels worldwide sharing her passion and education. Artistically and technically rich, Joana Saahirah brings back the SOUL to Oriental Dance.
For dance enthusiasts of all ages, we have a special workshop called ‘DANCE LIKE MICHAEL JACKSON’ instructed by Declan Kiely who performs regularly as a tribute to Michael Jackson. Hip Hop, Jazz, Poi and Ribbon dancing, Bachata and Argentinian Tango are also on offer. African dance, Poetry, Open-Mic sessions, Kid’s gigantic Dragonfly and Butterfly hunt, Punch and Judy, Magician, Bouncy Castle, Juggling and Stiltwalking show by Stagecraft Ireland, Drum Circles, Mad Hatter’s Tea Party and Fairy Glen are all on offer for kids and families.
New to Shakefest this year is our LIVE HISTORY section – KHI Medieval Re-enactors will be treating audiences to Combat Simulations of the Crusaders Knight’s Templar as well as providing authentic Medieval tents, a full try-on armoury and archery for all ages. KHI directly reflects the historical ties that bind to Charleville Castle and the symbolism of its personal history. Evening performances highlighted will be our annual Multicultural Hafla, followed by daring Fire Show by The Red Embers and special guests Babylon’s Inferno, and 40’s Swing by The Bugle Babes. To finish the evening in a cultural and energetic crescendo, Shakefest this year hosts The North Strand Kontra Band from Dublin. The North Strand Kontra Band was formed on the North side of Dublin in the Winter of 2005. They are an instrumental band who play a mix of original and traditional material influenced predominantly by the music of Romania and Bulgaria. The band has played to critical acclaim in many of the leading venues and festivals at home and abroad with their live shows being lauded for their high energy levels and explosive musicianship.
Tickets for Shakefest can be purchased on www.shakefest.net or www.brownpapertickets.com and range from €10 general admission, €10 camping, €20 family day pass or only €15 for evening entertainment and gates open at 12pm. All proceeds will be going towards Charleville Castle Restoration Fund – Operation ‘Raise The Roof’ project in which money will be raised towards putting a protective roof on the castle chapel.
Shakefest is supported by the Offaly Local Development Company, the Offaly County Council, The Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, the European Commission, the Offaly Leader and The Offaly Arts Office.
