Boyle Arts Festival kicks off in just a few days’ time, opening on Thursday July 23rd and running until Saturday August 1st.
Getting things off to a great start in the Live Gigs programme, with a very special appearance in the Church of Ireland on Friday July 24th are Frankie Gavin and De Dannan. The concert will start at 8 pm.
One of the highlights of this year’s Festival will undoubtedly be a performance by up and coming ‘Indietronica’ band, Columbia Mills. The band, from Bray, Co. Wicklow, have just released their second EP, ‘Perfect Day’ and their set will include a hedonistic mix of musical textures, reverb saturated guitars, glorious beats and beautiful tragic sounds during a very special concert in Daly’s Storehouse on Saturday July 25th. The gig starts at 10 pm.
On Sunday July 26th The Cornerboys, a six-piece band with a shared passion for American music will surprise you with everything from Honky Tonk to Blues Stomp. Featuring songs from the 1930’s to now, this promises to be an eclectic and lively session of music in Daly’s Bar at 2 pm.
The Jazz Ladds are a five-piece band with Trombone, Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet, Harmonica, Lead Guitars, Bass, Rhythm Guitar, Drums and vocals. They make a welcome return to Boyle with a gig in Clarke’s bar on Tuesday July 28th at 10 pm.
Wednesday, July 29th is really music night with three super gigs lined up. With shimmering harmonies and delicate musicianship The Henry Girls interweave their traditional roots with contemporary elements, earning them both commercial success and spectacular critical acclaim on both sides of the Atlantic. The Donegal sisters will perform in King House at 8 pm.
At 10 pm, you can choose between two of the finest musicians in the area. David Byrne will play a free gig in An Craoibhín, where you can expect the very best in acoustic cover versions, to get your feet tapping. Also at 10 pm, The Tawnytaskin Centre is the venue for an intimate solo performance by local singer/songwriter, Donal O’Connor, who will perform songs from his own eclectic catalogue.
On Thursday July 30th, Teenage Kicks will give an opportunity to celebrate and enjoy emerging young musical talent in our midst. So please come along and show your support in Daly’s Storehouse from 7.30 pm.
Don’t miss the Cultural Fusion Evening at Ardcarne on Friday July 31st at 8 pm. Book your table now and enjoy a three-course meal in the beautiful surroundings of the Cafe at the Ardcarne Garden Centre, accompanied by the sounds of Spain with music from Ocho Punto G, one of the best Latin Bands from Barcelona. Early booking is essential. Bring your own wine!
If it’s comedy you’re after, comedian and author, David O’Doherty, (the Kevin McCloud of the tiny keyboard), is a recipient of the Edinburgh Comedy Award and a regular on UK television shows such as QI, Have I Got News For You, 8 Out of 10 Cats and Would I Lie to You. The show starts at 8 pm.
This year’s film programme features a unique short film compiled by photographer and film maker Darren Purcell. ‘Boyle – Above & Beyond’ is a short film exploring Boyle in a way never done before, with sweeping vistas and spectacular aerial viewpoints. See it in the King house Auditorium at 4 pm on Saturday August 1st.
For children, there’s also a chance to see ‘Paddington’ on Friday July 31st at 3 pm.
BAF 2015 winds up with a gig by the Knotty Pine String Band in Daly’s Storehouse on Saturday August 1st. The band have a strong country roots influence with songs from the likes of John Prine, Kris Kristofferson, Steve Goodman and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and they also like to take popular songs and give them a Bluegrass twist! A gig not to be missed!
