Now in its 11th year, The Galway Sessions is looking forward to an exciting June. As part of the event’s ongoing partnership with Stirling in Scotland, from June 11 to 17, the organisers are looking forward to welcoming back the Scots to the streets of Galway. Last year saw record crowds with over 15,000 in attendance, half of whom were from overseas.
The programme is as jam-packed as ever this year, especially at the King’s Head where patrons are advised to lose the head. Monday June 11 sees Orlaith Keane, the latest star from the Caherlistrane musical dynasty, sing at 3pm, accompanied by Colm Naughton and Pat Coyne on banjo/mandolin and guitar/backing vocals respectively. The Galway International Retro Orchestra will play on Tuesday June 12 at 3pm.
For something very different, why not see FUM on Wednesday June 13, also at 3pm? This trio deliver striking renditions of Irish trad and American old-time tunes and songs, as well as original pieces. Consisting of Anna Falkenau of Germany, Lena Ullman of Sweden, and Ivan Murray, FUM are like nothing else on the scene.
On the Wednesday night, enjoy Trad at the Head from 9pm.
After all that dancing, you might want something more chilled. On Thursday June 14, enjoy the harp and fiddle playing of Laoise Kelly and Michelle O’Brien from 3pm. As well as lively toe-tapping dance tunes, inspired by the great Tommy Peoples, there are more melancholic and plaintive airs of 17th and 18th century harp music.
The Galway Sessions at the King’s Head finishes with an exciting finale; Sound of Scotland on Friday June 15. Experience the full gamut of Scottish traditional music with fiddle, piano accordion, drums, and pipes. You might even see some Highland dancing.
All events are free admission.
