The final weekend of the Galway International Arts Festival at Monroe’s Live promises to be an exciting one with Teddy Thompson, Gruff Rhys, George Murphy and The Rising Sons and Tara Howley performing from today, Thursday, July 25, to this Sunday, July 28.
The only son of British folk-rock legends Richard and Linda Thompson, singer-songwriter, Teddy Thompson, takes to the stage tonight at 8pm. Blending British folk, American pop, and country elements, he has collaborated with artists such as Martha and Rufus Wainwright, Allison Moorer, Shelby Lynn, Dori Freeman, and Roseanne Reid.
His album, My Love of Country, is a stunning reinterpretation of classic country songs, originally made famous by George Jones, Patsy Cline, Porter Wagoner, and others. Thompson has also reimagined the great country duets with Jenni Muldaur.
Support on the night is from rising Co Down singer-songwriter Taylor Lally, who has recently released her self-titled collection of music. She has been applauded on the festival circuit, and the multi-talented Lally also took a role in the Brian Kennedy film ‘So What If It Rains’.
One of the great pop eccentrics of his generation, Gruff Rhys, comes to Monroe’s tomorrow, Friday, July 26, at 8pm. He gained fame in the mid '90s as lead singer of the neo-psychedelic warriors Super Furry Animals, and has continued to craft adventurous works as a solo artist.
Rhys will be supported by folk duo DUG, who draw inspiration from both Irish and American traditional music. DUG aims to create a transatlantic blend that reflects the musical heritages of both its members, Lorkin O’Reilly from Dublin and California native Jonny Pickett. DUG is where American old-time meets Irish folk.
George Murphy and The Rising Sons bring together stellar vocals with traditional Irish instrumentation and classic rock n’ roll on Saturday, July 27 at 7:30pm. This eight-piece band comprising banjos, whistles, fiddles, bodhrans and electric guitars fuse trad, folk and rock n’ roll, with the enigmatic George at the helm; one of the most exciting vocalists in Ireland.
George will be supported on the night by folk singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from County Clare, Seán Lyons, who released his five track Juliana EP earlier this year.
Multi award-winning artist and former Riverdance piper from Kilfenora, Tara Howley will perform on Sunday, July 28, at 8pm. Having recently released her new album, Take Two, featuring traditional music and song, this is a unique opportunity to see the internationally famous Co Clare native as she showcases her latest work.
For more information and tickets, see www.monroes.ie
