FRIDAY NIGHT IN THE FESTIVAL MARQUEE
8.15pm Colm Skwirbat is carrying on the tradition of the old blues masters of the Mississippi Delta by playing the blues on his homemade cigar-box guitars. He puts his own twist on old blues classics, while still capturing the raw feel and authenticity of the ‘20s and ‘30s bottleneck blues on his 1-string and 4-string guitars. These unusual instruments were built by his father out of materials such as a cigar-box, a dog bowl and a broomstick.
9.00pm Lemoncello songstress Laura Quirke performs solo on a handful of songs.
9.30pm Early on in her career, Lisa O'Neill she was welcomed into the folk and traditional scene in pubs and venues around the Dublin where her singular voice, witty lyrics and observations on modern Irish life set her apart. Her live performance are beguiling affairs full of banter and old-style folk intimacy. The Cavan songstress has been defiantly uncompromising, refusing to tame her wild, ragged voice. It doesn’t get more authentic than Lisa O’Neill, who seems genetically incapable of falsehood, fiction or affectation
Followed by Julian Lloyd on the decks.
FRIDAY NIGHT IN THE VILLAGE
10pm O'Shea's Bar - Colm Sqwirbat carrying on the tradition of the old blues masters of the Mississippi Delta by playing the blues on his homemade cigar-box guitars. He puts his own twist on old blues classics, while still capturing the raw feel and authenticity of the ‘20s and ‘30s bottleneck blues on his 1-string and 4-string guitars. These unusual instruments were built by his father out of materials such as a cigar-box, a dog bowl and a broomstick.
SATURDAY DAY TIME
12pm to 3.30pm Festival Marquee: From County Clare, the exquisite talents of Quentin Cowper (guitar and vocals), Barnes Goulding (guitar and vocals), Séverine Picot (viola, vocals) and Ursula Scott (singer)
5pm Garden Marquee: Poetry and Lyrics - When does one become the other? Musician and lyricist I Have A Tribe meets author and poet Lemn Sissay, and they improve together on stage.
SATURDAY NIGHT IN THE FESTIVAL MARQUEE
9.20pm - Humorist and writer Barry Murphy introduces three special guests:
Actor and poet Martha West reads some of her recent work;
Appallingly bad mystery novelist Saul Tillock (Paul Tylak) arrives to promote his new book;
Bundesbank economist Dr Günther Grun brings us up to date with European matters.
10.15pm David Kitt performs a guitar-based electronic set
SATURDAY NIGHT IN THE VILLAGE
6pm O'Shea's Bar - guitarist Eric Butler - one of the county's most versatile musicians - steeped in folks, blues, trad, jazz - might take you anywhere. Escape form the festival for an early evening pint and meet this genius.
10pm Joyce Pub - a seisún, from musicians who are speaking at the festival, and a few whose stomping ground this is. Lean in and enjoy something very special.
Both these pubs are simply magnificent, two of the best in Ireland. Make sure you visit.
SUNDAY DAY TIME
11am Chapel - Sunday Assembly: ease you way into Sunday in the company of musicians Laura Quirke (vocals and guitar) with Alannah Thornburgh(harp), alongside poet Martha West, writer Simon Farnaby, musician I Have A Tribe, and actor Mikel Murfi. High recommended by the programmers of the festival!
12.30pm Stephouse Hotel - Ed Vulliamy (When Words Fail) talks music, war and peace,with Hothouse Flower guitarist and broadcaster Fiachna Ó Braonáin. With music from Hendrix, Shostakovich, Patti Smith, B.B. King and others.
1.30pm Festival Bar Marquee
Lemoncello musician Laura Quirke (vocals and guitar) joins Alannah Thornburgh (Irish harp) for soothing sounds.
3.30 Storyteller Kevin Barry (Night Boat to Tangier) discusses creativity, freshness, energy, influence and collaboration, with musician David Kitt. Readings and music.
