Our 1st Sound of Wood Concert with The Chieftains

The Chieftains join musicians in support for Just Music project

Over 600 people came out on Wednesday night 24th November in freezing cold weather conditions to lend their support to the launch of the Just Music project with The Chieftains and special guests performing at the Sound of Wood Concert, in the Tullamore Court Hotel.

Concert goers were treated to a world class show with music, song and dance to highlight the important issue of responsible timber sourcing which has a direct impact on communities in Africa.

Guest speakers on the night included Tom Roche, founder of Just Forests, Tom Arnold, Chief Executive of Concern and Scott Poynton from The Forest Trust.

“Musicians, musical instrument-makers, music makers and sellers of musical instruments are in a unique position to help stop destructive forest exploitation around the world. We are delighted to announce a new partnership with Just Forests in our efforts to ensure future sustainability of the world’s precious tonewoods”, according to Mr. Scott Poynton, Executive Director of TFT at The Sound of Wood Concert in Tullamore on Wednesday night.

“For millions of people in Africa, but particularly women, life is very difficult as they search for woodfuel on a daily basis just to meet basic energy needs. Concern are proud of the partnership we have had with Just Forests over the past 20 years and we look forward to continuing our partnership into the future as we tackle the ever-increasing problems associated with declining woodfuel availability”, stated Mr. Tom Arnold, Chief Executive, Concern Worldwide, who was one of the guest speakers at the concert.

Just Forests founder/coordinator Mr. Tom Roche, outlined his organisations approach to the global forest resource challenge by telling the 600 strong audience of the estimated 200 wood species used for musical instrument making 80 are on the brink of extinction.

“The purpose of the Just Music initiative is to encourage musicians to reflect this present day tragedy in music and help redress the problems associated with global deforestation through responsible timber sourcing,” stated Mr. Roche.

The show included a set from Eamhain Mhacha, followed by six time grammy winners The Chieftains who were supported by Ottowa Valley Dancers Jon and Nathan Pilatzke, New York-based champion Irish dancer Cara Butler, eight string guitarist Redmond O’Toole, harpist Triona Marshall and guest singer Yvonne Mc Mahon-Tiernan. The finale included a rousing encore when the performers where joined with the St. Colmcille’s Pipe Band.

Tom Roche also thanked the overwhelming support of the local community including the St. Colmcille’s Pipe Band, traditional group Eamhain Mhacha, the Brady Family, the Hughes Family, the local authorities, Des Doyle, Cormac Lally, Freda Kinnarney, Bridie Walsh, Dotser Ltd, staff of Tullamore Court Hotel. National support included The Irish Times, Hotpress, Rodney Rice and the international press agents the great support of all concert goers for their patronage.

“We were delighted to play to such a wonderful and appreciative audience and also support such a just cause which affects us all, particularly musicians,” commented Paddy Moloney of The Chieftains.

Further Information:
The Forest Trust: Given the rapid pace of deforestation today, the future of the forests that support mature tonewood tree species, – mahogany, old growth spruce, ebony and rosewood – is in critical risk and it is highly conceivable that they may soon no longer exist. The Tonewood Conservation Project is an initiative of The Forest Trust (TFT) to conserve threatened forests and protect the future supply of the valuable wood species needed for making guitars and other musical instruments. TFT is a global non-profit organisation that helps companies and communities deliver Responsible Products. We act on the ground in forests, farms and factories to help create products that respect the environment and improve people’s lives.