The launch of the 26th Kilkenny Roots Festival took place at the Smithwick’s Experience venue on Thursday night. The large attendance were given a rundown of the exciting lineup for the event, which takes place from 3rd to 6th May in venues throughout Kilkenny city.
The exciting line-up features performers from the USA/Canada UK, and Ireland. Acts making a return visit to Kilkenny include THE HANDSOME FAMILY, JEFFREY FOUCAULT, MY DARLING CLEMENTINE and JOHN BLEK & THE RATS.
Among the newcomers are ROBERT FINLEY, JOACHIM COODER, SAM OUTLAW, WILLY MASON, JEFFREY MARTIN, HAYSEED DIXIE, BROWN HORSE, THE ZIPHEADS THE ZIPHEADS and THE WHITE HORSE GUITAR CLUB.
The Handsome Family will be making a welcome return to Kilkenny for what promises to be an unforgettable show with the band playing songs from their beguiling new album, Hollow, as well as many old favourites..
The Handsome Family (songwriting and marriage partners Brett and Rennie Sparks) have been defining the dark end of Americana for over 30 years. Brett writes the music and Rennie writes the words. Their work has been covered by many artists including Jeff Tweedy, Andrew Bird and most-recently Phoebe Bridgers. Their song “Far From Any Road” was the opening theme for HBO’s True Detective season one and still receives thousands of Shazams every week from all over the world.
More recently a new song, “The Lost Soul” closed out episode 7 of Guy Ritchie’s The Gentlemen on Netflix.
The “Low ticket” alert sign has already gone up for their show at The Set Theatre on Sunday 5th May.
The festival kicks off with highly rated American singer/songwriter, Jeffrey Martin at Billy Byrnes on Friday 3rd May at 7pm and will continue with over 90 events until the closing show at Kytelers Inn on Monday May 6th with Canadian artist, Sam Outlaw.
Tickets for the individual shows are available through the festival website, https://kilkennyroots.com/.
In addition to the ticketed shows, there will be over 70 gigs on the free Smithwick’s Music Trail in venues throughout Kilkenny city.
White Horse Guitar Club
Join The White Horse Guitar Club who will play fresh tracks from their upcoming album, along with beloved classics that have solidified their ever-growing fanbase at home and around the globe.
Joachim Cooder
“Joachim Cooder: Ry’s son beats his own path to fame…..there’s a reassuringly Cooderesque familiarity to it. Perfect late-night listening accompanied by a tumbler of something strong.” – Mojo
Jeffrey Martin
Thank God We Left The Garden: “It’s Martin’s most mesmerising, brilliant album….. a masterpiece in any time zone.” – Uncut
Sam Outlaw
“Outlaw combines Glen Campbell’s ‘70s crossover-country, James Taylor’s breeze-borne melodicism, and George Strait’s neotraditional ranch-hand aesthetics into a laid-back blend.” – Pop Matters
Cosmic Country Revue
The Cosmic Country Revue is saddling up again for 2024, bringing an evening of transatlantic Psychedelic Country and Ambient Americana. The five piece band features Jeffrey Silverstein, Bobby Lee & Joe Harvey-Whyte – three stalwarts of the current Cosmic Americana scene, performing individually and together.
Hayseed Dixie
Hayseed Dixie plays hard rock and bluegrass music on electrified acoustic bluegrass instruments. They have played over 1,400 live dates in 31 different countries since its inception in 2000. They finally make it to Kilkenny!
“Superlative musicians with a deep love and understanding of the dynamics of both modern rock and ancient hillbilly music” – The Times
Dan Stuart
Dan Stuart aka Marlowe Billings make two appearances at the festival. His show features songs from across his solo and Green on Red catalogue and a brief reading from his third and latest novel.
“Gripping and hugely entertaining.” Americana UK
Willy Mason
“With an indie-inflected sound that echoes the style of Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash, whilst simultaneously drawing from the grit and cynicism of punk, Mason’s songs are an immediately recognisable, yet remarkably distinct fusion of sonic excellence….Mason’s shows are a remarkable display of passion, conviction and artistry.” Hot Press
John Blek & The Rats
John Blek & The Rats return to Kilkenny Roots and The Set Theatre as part of a very limited run of gigs with just two shows planned for Ireland. John will also perform a solo show at Billy Byrnes.
Brown Horse
Rooted in a collaborative approach to songwriting, the six-piece mix guitar-driven 90s alternative rock with the folk and country sounds of the 70s. ‘Reservoir’ is the debut album from Brown Horse.
“stunning debut” 9/10 UNCUT
My Darling Clementine
“Alongside their extensive back catalogue, skilled playing and harmonious vocals, they also include an element of free and easy humour, and that combination makes for the perfect evening’s entertainment.” Lonesome Highway
Jeffrey Foucault
Jeffrey Foucault has become one of the most distinctive voices in American music, refining a sound instantly recognizable for its simplicity and emotional power, an amalgam of blues, country, rock’n’roll, and folk.
“Jeffrey Foucault sings stark, literate songs that are as wide open as the landscape of his native Midwest.” THE NEW YORKER
