Stellar music line-up at Monroe’s Live for the Galway International Arts Festival 2023
With ten exciting evening concerts showcasing artists of world renown and seven afternoon traditional music sessions dedicated to the best of the Irish folk scene, Monroe’s Live has announced a stellar line up as part of the Galway International Arts Festival 2023.
On Monday, July 17, Grammy nominated global singer-songwriter KT Tunstall makes a triumphant return to the stage, with her celebrated brand of introspective folk with propulsive rock. Following her global success with Suddenly I See, Black Horse and Cherry Tree, KT Tunstall has re-emerged with new energy, vigour and enthusiasm in the wake of her latest album trilogy, Kin, Wax and Nut.
Thursday, July 20, heralds the beginning of a series of lunchtime concerts celebrating Irish traditional music and song. The Traditional Music Showcases bring together some of Ireland’s finest musicians, many of whom are joining forces especially for these Festival concerts. On Thursday, July 20, at 1pm accordionist Dermot Byrne and fiddle player Nia Byrne will take to the stage.
On Thursday evening, July 20, at 8pm, 1980’s legends In Tua Nua will unite for their 40th anniversary tour. One of Ireland’s premier live acts during the 1980s, In Tua Nua have played with artists of such calibre as Bob Dylan, U2 and Fleetwood Mac, securing ten hit singles during their illustrious career. Now, founding members Leslie Dowdall, Paul Byrne and Jack Dublin are back to relive their musical legacy.
On Friday, July 21, at 1pm, harpist Laoise Kelly will be joined by Caoilte Ó Cuanaigh on guitar for this afternoon treat while on Saturday, July 22, at 1pm violinist Manus McGuire and Mareika Naito will come together with Garry O’Briain on mandocello and guitar for a toe-tapping experience.
On Sunday, July 23, five of the leading lights of the traditional music scene join forces for a special performance at 8pm. The band consists of Lúnasa founder and fiddler Seán Smyth; multi-instrumentalist Michael McGoldrick on flutes and pipes; Alan Kelly on piano accordion; Jim Higgins on bodhrán, and percussion and guitarist Jim Murray.
Having been at the forefront of the Irish music scene for over 20 years, these five maestros have performed in every corner of the globe with the biggest names including Mark Knopfler, Sharon Shannon and Christy Moore.
On Monday, July 24, Alabama 3 will ignite the stage at 8pm with raucous energy and their genre-defying sound. The renowned UK band will bring their unique fusion of rock, electronic, and outlaw country to Galway. With thought-provoking lyrics that tackle social and political issues, their work resonates with audiences with a riotous kick.
Tuesday, July 25, welcomes the work of the beguiling singer-songwriter Martha Wainwright at 8pm. Acclaimed for the rawness and emotional honesty of her vocals and lyrics, she has a strong music lineage and has stormed the international music scene in her own right, with her searing candour and integrity.
Lunchtime concerts return on Wednesday, July 26, at 1pm with the fast and furious Galvian Way. Together Paul McClure on bodhrán, Maidhc Ó hÉanaigh on flute, Declan Corey on mandolin, Seosamh Ó Fátharta, Ger Clancy and Mick Clancy on fiddle alongside dancer Ailbhe Davoren bring a fresh new sound to traditional classics.
The evening of Wednesday, July 26, at 8pm sees the collaboration of the tender melodies of James Yorkston and Nina Persson, who fronted Swedish pop and rock sensations, The Cardigans in the 1990s. The duo have released their beautiful album, full of insight and empathy, titled ‘The Great White Sea Eagle’.
On Thursday, July 27, at 1pm, The Traditional Music Showcases bring together Lorraine Fletcher on fiddle and Floriane Blanckeon harp, guitar and vocals, while the Monroe’s Live stage provides the perfect setting for an evening with ‘90s trailblazers, Something Happens at 8pm.
With Tom Dunne on vocals, Ray Harman on guitar, Alan Byrne on bass and Eamonn Ryan on drums, it’s set to be a night of nostalgia as they storm through their catalogue of hits with style and flair.
On Friday, July 28, at 1pm, enjoy an afternoon with Brendan Larrissey on fiddle and Donal Clancy on guitar, while at 10pm the raucous cacophony of powerful driving rhythms that is Stomptown Brass takes to the stage with unbridled energy from two drummers, two trombones, two trumpets, one saxophone and one big tuba.
Saturday, July 29, welcomes a lunchtime trad experience with Sally Barker on vocals and Frank Kilkelly on guitar, while the world of Irish, folk and Americana comes to life with acclaimed Irish flautist and singer, Steph Geremia, Scotland’s award-winning guitarist and vocalist, Kris Drever, piano accordion maestro, Alan Kelly and bouzouki powerhouse, Aaron Jones at 7pm.
At 11pm on Saturday, July 29, one of Ireland’s most successful DJs, Jenny Greene brings her electrifying set of house, electro and old school classics to the award-winning venue, bringing the Monroe’s Live line-up for the Galway International Arts Festival 2023 to a crescendo.
For ticket information and more log on to www.monroes.ie
