There is a host of entertaining events taking place next weekend as part of Ballinasloe culture night.
On Friday September 18 an art exhibition entitled Drawing Together will take place at the Lily Kelly Art Studio, Ballinasloe Enterprise Centre. Children, teens, and adults who have taken classes at the studio over the year will display their works in a celebration of artistic creativity. An art and ceramic demonstration, hosted by Artlinks Collective, will take place at the same time in the Town Hall foyer.
From 7-9pm on September 19 a nostalgic feast of song, story hosted by St Brigid’s Heritage Group, will take attendees back 100 years to the music and dance of the people on the eve of national independence. Also featured will be Club Damhsa an Sean nós, Béal Átha na Sluaighe, members of Blossom Harp Ensemble, and local musicians including Liam Loughrey, Johnny Johnston, and Alan Colahan, and introducing singer Ciara Lawless.
There will also be exhibition of news and photographs from the local papers of 1915. What was life in Ballinasloe like on the eve on the Easter Rising? Travel back in time for all the news from the local papers and from personal archives of the time.
From 9-11pm on September 19 in the Town Hall Theatre, newly formed trad band Gatehouse will provide the entertainment with a line-up of experienced and up-and-coming artists. Their songs are based in the north Connaught traditions along with sprinklings of other influences. The band also draws on the music of composers such as O’Carolan and Josie McDermott. Members of Gatehouse are John McEvoy (fiddle/viola ), Jacinta McEvoy (guitar/concertina/backing vocals ), Rachel Garvey (vocals ), and John Wynne on flute.
Gatehouse will be joined on the night by musical guests Noel Sweeney, Donna McCann (concertina/vocals ), and Mairtin O Muiri (guitar/vocals ). For enquiries contact John Wynne on (087 ) 2239095 or email [email protected].
