Music fans from all over Ireland and abroad have been gathering in Kilkenny for the Smithwick’s Roots Festival, which opens tonight in venues all around the city.
The Festival kicks off with a very special appearance by Big Star Quintet in the Set Theatre at 7pm on Friday. The booking is a major coup for the event and promises to be a memorable occasion for those lucky enough to get a ticket, as the show has been sold out since before Christmas. Music royalty takes to the stage with a lineup that features Jody Stephens (Big Star), Jon Auer (The Posies), Chris Stamey (The dB’s), Norman Blake (Teenage Fanclub) and Mike Mills (R.E.M.).
There’s a record 25 ticketed shows programmed this year, with the “Sold Out” signs already gone up on eleven of these. The advice from the organisers is to check out the website for ticket availability.
There’s an amazing list of artists from Ireland, United States, Canada, Sweden, Italy and UK, many of them appearing for the first time in Ireland. Among those causing a musical stir are Florry (Philadelphia), Friendship (Philadelphia), Styrofoam Winos (Nashville), Greazy Alice (New Orleans), Horsebath (Canada), Nick Harper (UK) and Sunyears (Sweden). There’s a strong Irish contingent including Dead Goat, Seamus Fogarty, Lawson & The Racket and rising Kilkenny star, Elise, making her festival debut.
“We’ve curated a lineup that honours the pioneers of the genre while giving a platform to a strong list of new names that are pushing the boundaries of what ‘Roots’ music can be” said Festival Director, Gary Kehoe.
“Over the years many of the artists that have made their Irish debut at the festival have gone on to have long and successful careers. We have had memorable appearances from Guy Clark, Ray LaMontagne, Alabama Shakes, Calexico, Sturgill Simpson, Drive By Truckers and many others. I think quite a few on this year’s programme will do the same. We aren’t just putting on concerts, we’re hosting a four day conversation between performers and an audience that truly listens.”
The Smithwick’s Music Trail will host over 60 free gigs throughout the city in a wide range of pubs and hotels, where locals and visitors can discover exciting new bands and some old favourites throughout the day and long into the night.
Full details of the 4 days of music in over 30 venues can be found on the festival website, https://kilkennyroots.com/
