"ONE OF the most innovative, original, and downright entertaining events I'd been to in a long time," was how writer Kevin Barry described the INISH: Island Conversations Festival, which returns next month.
The festival, brainchild of singer, songwriter, entrepreneur, and Inishbofin native Peadar King, runs from June 1 to 4, and features literature, music, art, and film by Irish and international talent.
Among the festival highlights will be a reading and in-conversation session between the writers Pat McCabe and Sam Miller; Kevin Barry hosting a readings and conversation with writers Lisa McInerney and Eimear Ryan; actor Barry McGovern and composer/musician Benjamin Dwyer in Strings In The Earth and Air; and there will also be readings from writers Mike McCormack, Vincent Woods, Alan McMonagle, Vahni Capildeo, Martin Dyar, and Ellen Cranitch.
Exhibiting artists include Daniel and Alan Kean, Finbar McHugh, Margaret Nolan, Nutan, Roderick Coover, Scott Rettburg and Tony Carragher, with live art performances from Crash Ensemble and Finbar McHugh.
There will be concerts with contemporary jazz group the Emil Branqvist Trio, Ye Vagabonds, Clang Sayne, John Conneely Inc, and the Jarlath Henderson Band; a session entitled Stories in Song with Maria Doyle Kennedy, Kieran Kennedy, Rebecca Collins, and Rachel Sermanni; and South African composer Trevor Jones in conversation with Vincent Woods.
Film lovers can enjoy a screening of What In The World?, director Peadar King’s Keeping Your Head Above Water In Tuvalu, and Peggy Vail’s Gringo Trails. Early booking for all events is advisable. The full programme is on www.inishfestival.com
