Weekend of Friday, June 16th – Sunday June 18th
The Galway Folk Festival continues to enthral audiences this weekend with the best of folk, roots, and traditional music, from Ireland and beyond.
This Friday, June 16, a special pop-up event will take place at the historic Charlie Byrne's bookshop at 1pm with the Isle of Wight’s Puzzle Muteson, who blends folk storytelling and his mesmerising tenor vocals with electronic elements. He will be joined by Enniskillen-based duo Laytha, who delve into the themes of relationships and daughterhood, inspired by the raw ruggedness of Ireland.
On Friday evening at 7pm, The Whileaways and Niamh Regan will take to the stage at Monroe’s Live. With experimental, fresh and energetic music that weaves a rich tapestry and comes to life on stage, the Whileaways Noelie McDonnell, Noriana Kennedy and Nicola Joyce have toured the world, gaining sought-after nominations for Best Group and Best Album in the RTÉ Folk Awards, as they continue to scale the heights of the folk scene.
Heartfelt, timeless and lyrically dynamic, Co Galway’s Niamh Regan has graced the stages of the Late Late Show and Other Voices with her delicate melodies and bewitching storytelling. With the intimacy of the Irish lyrical tradition combined with the breadth of American songwriters, her work draws parallels with Stevie Nicks and Joni Mitchell, while maintaining an original sound that elevates the personal to the universal.
This gig will be a feast of folk as they will be joined by Brídín, Dylan Flynn and the Dead Poets, Enda Scahill, Shane Hayes and Laytha.
Following this, Ispíní na hÉireann (which translates to Sausages of Ireland ) will bring their lively, entertaining and sometimes cheeky style to the Galway Folk Festival this Friday at Monroe’s Live at 11pm.
The coming together of Dublin-born musicians Adam J. Holohan on banjo and Tomás Mulligan on guitar ignited the trad-folk and punk flame of this “hardest working band in the land” delivering reimagined covers, classic folk tunes and their own original songs with flair and fun.
Saturday, June 17.
Fresh from releasing her fourth album, singer-songwriter Lisa Lambe will perform an afternoon gig at 2pm at Monroe’s Live on Saturday, June 17. Lisa has a sumptuous voice with a tone that evokes the history of Irish folklore with mesmerising ability.
Steeped in tradition, Lisa is a true songstress, as she is continually inspired by the Irish landscape, ancient tales, stories and rituals. In addition, Mark Geary will bring his paired back, acoustic folk-rock to Monroe’s Live as a special guest with Lisa Lambe for this afternoon show.
On Saturday night, the tribal, near shamanic sounds of Kíla will take to the Monroe’s Live stage at 7pm. Their boisterous style of Irish world music is infused with the eclectic influences of the international. It’s a heady mix of folk instruments, merged with djembe, brass and bass.
Together, they deliver a fiery and passionate performance, merging the energy of Gaelic ancestry with furious jigs and primal beats. Their fast, freewheeling music results in an intense, joyful experience that leaves fans calling for more.
Kíla will be joined by one of Galway’s favourite band, The Raines. Intricate and melodic, The Raines deliver their folk-Americana stylings interlaced with tender and rhythmic strings.
Their collective experience, from Ireland and Finland combine, to ensure this Galway-based trio, comprising of Yvonne Tiernan, Ruth Dillon and Juliana Erkkonen draw on a myriad of influences to create their refreshing sound that leaves audiences spellbound. And they will be joined by Fya Fox, Myles O’Reilly, Padraig Jack and Dave Clancy.
Sunday, June 18.
Known for his distinctive sean-nós-style, Co Galway singer and musician, Seán Keane is a seasoned performer, having built a legacy of his own. He will bring his brand of traditional Irish folk, pop, blues, and country to Monroe’s Live on Sunday, June 18, for an afternoon gig at 2pm.
Seán was a founder member of the group Arcady with Frances Black, and is an award winning artist who is highly respected amongst his peers.
Growing up in a family of singers and musicians, Seán learned the sean nós style of singing from his mother and aunts. His distinctive voice has led to many accolades, and he is an accomplished multi-instrumentalist. His platinum selling solo albums are in constant demand and he tours regularly across Ireland and the US.
On Sunday evening at 7pm, Pa Sheehy will perform at Monroe’s Live with Skinny Living and Brad Heidi. His raw and gritty vocals have taken the Irish music scene by storm since he performed as lead singer of Walking on Cars.
Now, his solo work encompasses a melodic journey through his personal life, unleashing a powerful message through his lyrics.
Once inspired by the world of punk rock, grunge and metal, Pa Sheehy’s guitar driven indie-pop has garnered a legion of fans. His music resonates for a reason.
Not only that, but there will be free events on the highly anticipated Market Stage in association with Cuppa Tea TV all weekend, alongside interviews and special acoustic sets with Culture Vultures Tony Clayton-Lea at McBrides from 4pm-6pm this Saturday and Sunday.
For more information and ticket prices see www.monroes.ie and www.galwayfolkfestival.com
