THE 10TH Spirit of Voice Festival which celebrates the human voice through folk singing, sean-nós, spoken word, poetry, and rap, takes place in The Townhouse Bar on Friday December 20 at 8pm.
The headliner is Castlebar composer, singer, musician, and author John Hoban who plays fiddle, accordian, mandolin, mando-cello, and harmonica.
“I’m interested in developing music that bridges the worlds of improvisation, experimentation, and the rigidity of tradition,” he has said. “The tension of combining very personal and original lyrics/music with various influences rooted in native and local traditions, and also my own lived experience, gives the music a new yet old sound.”
He has released a number of albums and brings music to various communities, having worked extensively with the elderly, people with disabilities, rural communities, and refugees.
Also playing is Connemara singer and artist Ceara Conway, accompanied by her brother Liam on guitar, performing Portuguese fado and sean-nós; performance poet and storyteller Patrick Carton; Dublin rapper Tommy D; and DJs Hazo, Nero, and Cantina Bop.
On Saturday 21, in conjunction with The Cellar Bar, there will be a solstice charity fundraising party featuring a selection of DJs.
