HUCKLEBUCK TIME - A CELEBRATION OF THE GENERATION THAT DANCED THEIR WAY INTO HISTORY

Thursday 15 March - Sunday 10 June 2007

A striking new exhibition, which concentrates on the showbands scene in the 1960s and 1970s, has opened at the National Museum of Ireland - Country Life, Turlough Park, Castlebar, Co. Mayo.  Running in association with the TF Royal Hotel and Theatre, Castlebar, HUCKLEBUCK TIME - A CELEBRATION OF THE GENERATION THAT DANCED THEIR WAY INTO HISTORY  is open to the public until 10 June 2007

It features hundreds of contemporary photographs of the showband stars and many pieces of memorabilia. Items on display include Tom Dunphy's bass guitar, Jim Conlon's Royal Showband jacket and the saxophone used by the leader of the band, Michael Coppinger, in the now-famous 1965 recording of their smash hit, 'The Hucklebuck'.

"This exhibition is a must-see for all those who enjoyed the excitement of the showband era. The dance halls encapsulated much of the social and economic change of the 1960s and 1970s in Ireland. The glitter-ball added a touch of sparkle and glamour to young peoples' lives and it was in these Ballrooms of Romance that many people made their match!" Clodagh Doyle, Curator, Irish Folklife Division, National Museum of Ireland.

This exhibition of social and music history is the work of Waterford Museum of Treasures where it was on display during the summer of 2006. Waterford Treasures has kindly agreed to loan it to the National Museum of Ireland - Country Life.

Admission to the exhibition is free.
Opening times: Tues- Saturday: 10am - 5pm. Sunday: 2-5pm. Closed Monday

EDUCATION PROGRAMME
The Education and Outreach Department will run a number of events to coincide with the exhibition. All events are free but booking is required.

Wednesday 11th April: 2.30-4.00pm
Reminiscence Workshop. Showband Era
Join James Reddiough in recalling the ballrooms and the show bands that were at their height from1958 to 1969 as witnessed by the dancers and proprietors. Adult     

Saturday 14th April: 2.30-4.30pm
Talk & Film. 'The One Nighters' (1963) in Association with the Irish Film Archive
RT�'s Ronan Collins introduces 'The One Nighters' with a light, informal history of the showbands.  Peter Collinson's short documentary record of life on the road, features the legendary Royal Showband.  All ages  
  
        
Sunday 22nd April: 2.30-3.30pm
Talk. Dancehall Dazzle - Fashion & Style in the 1960s
Join Stacey Gallagher, Grafton Academy of Fashion & Dress Design, for an illustrated talk and workshop about 1960s style and glamour. Afterwards visit the exhibition Hucklebuck Time.  All Ages