Boyle Arts Festival kicks off in less than two weeks time, opening on Thursday July 21st and running until Sunday July 31st.
By Brendan McGee
Getting things off to a great start in the Live Gigs programme, with a very special appearance in Daly’s Storehouse on Friday July 22nd is Paddy Casey. This is Paddy’s first appearance in Boyle and it is going to be one special night, featuring the best songs from his last four albums. He will be supported by 20 year old singer/songwriter, Brendan Cleary and the gig starts at 10pm. The Boyle Songwriters Collective has always entertained their audiences with their eclectic range and they will play in Clarke’s bar on July 21st. Come along and share the joy! Admission is free.
Maria Doyle Kennedy will make a very welcome return to Boyle for an intimate concert in Daly’s Storehouse on July 23rd. She will be joined by her husband and collaborative partner, Kieran Kennedy. Maria has spent more than two decades performing, including appearances at Glastonbury, Oxygen and the Cambridge Folk Festival. She honed her craft as a vocalist with The Black Velvet Band before performing in the movie The Commitments. She also joined Aretha Franklin, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald and Nina Simone on the album, ‘The Lady Sings the Blues’. This is an event not to be missed!
Why not stay on afterwards and join DJs from Turn it On, spinning the best of 1980s mixes on vinyl.
On July 24th, Paul Emmett and the Urban Cowboys will start off your Sunday with some musical treats and great cover versions with an afternoon gig in Daly’s Bar, at 2:30pm.
Composer, music director, record producer and pianist Phil Coulter needs no introduction whatsoever. It’s now over 30 years since the public were seduced by Phil’s suite of ‘Tranquility’ albums and audiences can expect an evening of timeless classics during a very special performance with his full band, in St. Joseph’s Church on July 24th at 8pm.
Afterwards, David Byrne will play a free gig in An Craoibhín at 10pm, where you can expect the very best in acoustic cover versions, to get your feet tapping.
The Honey Bees play lovely old tin pan alley jazz tunes by the likes of Irving Berlin, Cole Porter and Hoagy Carmicheal. The trio, consisting of Piano (Mark Murphy), Violin (Clio Quinlan) and Vocals (Margo Barrow), will be sure to have you singing along during their performance in Clarke’s Bar on July 25th.
Sharon Shannon and Friends will play in the Church of Ireland on July 26th. Sharon, the button accordion player from Co. Clare, has recorded and toured with a who’s who of the Irish and Global Music Industry, including Bono, Sinead O’Connor, Jackson Browne, John Prine, Steve Earle, The RTE Concert Orchestra, The Chieftains, The Waterboys, Willie Nelson, Nigel Kennedy, Alison Krauss and Shane MacGowan.
Local singer/Songwriter Frank Simon will be joined by some special guests, when he performs at an intimate gig in the Tawnytaskin Centre on July 27th at 10pm.
Three local music teachers, Lizi Hannon, Lynda Moyse and Ceara Conlon will make a welcome return to the stage with a lunchtime performance in the Church of Ireland on July 28th. This is the second time they have performed at Boyle Arts Festival. Accompanying themselves on piano and guitar, they will once again delight their audience with a repertoire showcasing popular songs from all genres.
Another highlight of BAF 2016 will see Kieran Goss return to the Boyle stage, this time accompanied by Frances Black. The pair are two of Ireland’s best loved performers and they will reunite for an enchanting evening of music, featuring some of their best loved songs, in the Church of Ireland on July 29th. Afterwards join Adam Daly with his guitar and loop pedal, for a mix of old and new rock/pop classics in the Patrick’s Well.
With shimmering harmonies and delicate musicianship The Henry Girls interweave their traditional roots with contemporary elements, which has earned them both commercial success and spectacular critical acclaim on both sides of the Atlantic. This is their second performance in Boyle, following a sell-out performance at BAF 2015. The Donegal sisters will perform in King House at 8pm on July 30th. Afterwards, join Colin Beggan for an evening of the finest in Bluegrass music during a free gig in the Patrick’s Well at 10pm.
Don’t miss the Summer Sunday Swing & Supper event at Ardcarne on Sunday July 31st, which will round off BAF 2016. Book your table now and enjoy a 3 course meal in the beautiful surroundings of the Cafe at the Ardcarne Garden Centre, accompanied by the swinging sounds of Old Market Street. Early booking is essential. Bring your own wine! Starting at 7:30pm.
Bookings for all events can also be made at the Festival office, next door to Marian’s, Bridge St. Boyle. The office is open every day from 11am to 6pm (excluding Sundays) from now until Saturday July 31st. Online booking is also available at www.eventbrite.ie
For more information and our full programme go to www.boylearts.com Call 071 9663085 or Email [email protected] or find us on Facebook.
Boyle Arts Festival acknowledges the support of the Arts Council, The Local Diaspora Engagement Fund, Local businesses and Foras Eireann.