Ulster Hounds Launch St Pat's Week

Just days before this year's St Patrick's Day celebrations, the Belfast Waterfront Hall is to host a one-off 'Music Unites' concert.

Featuring the drumbeats of the Hounds of Ulster, the music of Venue-I and the dancing skills of the Doherty School of Irish Dancing, the Waterfront Studio will resonate on Fri 12th March to the sights and sounds of NI's best performers.

"Featuring the acclaimed Hounds of Ulster and Venue-I music groups, kick-start your St Patrick's celebrations with this shared appreciation of Northern Ireland's unique music," said spokesman Ray Casserly this week.

"Be it marches or jigs, bass drum or bodhrán, this concert promises to astound and entertain all audiences," he said.

As a representation of musical potential and development, progress and change, The Hounds of Ulster demonstrate how music from Northern Ireland is open to diversity, whilst maintaining the unique qualities that are inherent in the various styles.

These musicians show how anybody from any background can listen to, perform, and enjoy Northern Ireland's music without fear of political or divisive connotations.

"Their melody and harmony section and the percussion-line aims to raise the standard amongst flute bands in Northern Ireland, to encourage participants to enjoy the music for its aesthetic and inclusive qualities, and eradicate the potential for political and antagonistic features to develop within the framework of musical performance," he explained.

The Doherty School of Irish Dancing has been teaching world class dance students for over nine years and also has the highest number of qualifiers to this year's world championship and holds the record for the most ever World and All Ireland champions in any one year.

Meanwhile, Venue-I is an up and coming traditional band based in Belfast and is five talented musicians who came together in June of 2007 with a shared passion for traditional Irish music. See: www.houndsofulster.com/

(BMcC/GK)