Details of a very exciting and diverse programme of events will soon be announced when Boyle Arts Festival launch the official programme for their 25th annual Arts Festival, later this month.
The nationally renowned Festival will kick off on Friday July 25th continuing until Sat. Aug. 2nd and the programme is already bursting at the seams with an eclectic mix of visual arts, music, drama, film, craft workshops, storytelling, readings and much more!
The Boyle Arts Festival office, situated beside Marian’s on Bridge Street, will open from this Saturday, July 5th. Why not call in for details and tickets for all the events.
Some of the names to watch out for include acclaimed singer/songwriter, Kieran Goss, who will kick off this year’s musical programme with an appearance in the main salon of King House on Friday July 25th.
Mícheál O’Súilleabháin makes a welcome return to the Boyle stage after eleven years, with a very special concert the Church of Ireland on Thurs. August 1st. Mícheál will be joined on the night, by the Carolan String Quartet and Saxophonist, Kenneth Edge.
Other musical highlights of this year’s Festival will include a performance by renowned musician John Carty, who will be joined in his ‘Joyful Celebration of Irish Music’ by special guests, Donal Lunny and Harry Bradley. For the first time, BAF will present a number of artists specialising in ambient and electronic music….. Watch out for a very rare chance to see Chequerboard (John Lambert) and Withering Zithering (Ed Devane) who will both bring their unique musical atmospherics to King House on July 31st and 26th respectively. There’s also another chance to catch Band of Brass in King House on July 30th. Also watch out for performances from Horslips member Johnny Fean who will be joined by Stephen Travers for an intimate gig in the Railway Bar. There are also performances from We Cut Corners, Jazz specialists The Corner Boys, and Singer/Songwriters Donal O’Connor and Frank Simon
In the Classical genre, BAF are delighted to welcome, soprano Sinead Campbell-Wallace who will be accompanied by pianist Mairead Hurley during a performance in the Church of Ireland on July 28th. Acclaimed pianist, Deirbhle Brennan makes an eagerly anticipated appearance in King House on July 29th. The always popular lunchtime and coffee concert programme includes performances by Róisín Ní Galloglaigh, Elena Alekseva and Satoko Inone.
Spoken word events will include an afternoon with Joseph O’Connor on July 29th. Also, look out for readings by Declan Burke, Tarquin Blake, The Moylurg Writers, while John Clapison and Triona Mullaney-Dignam discuss the King Family. ‘An evening of Poetry & Prose’ takes place on Sun. July 27th and the winner of the recent poetry competition will be announced during this. BAF Curator, Patrick Murphy will also conduct a tour of the visual art exhibition on Friday July 25th.
There’s plenty of drama in this year’s Boyle Arts Festival. The Clock Drama Group will present Brian Friel’s ‘Communication Cord’, on July 26th while Mary McEvoy will present her ‘Fruitcake’ play in Margaret’s Café on July 31st.
There’s always lots for children to do in the BAF Workshops. Watch out for the flyers around town with details of Drama & Theatre Workshops by Drama Works Ireland. There’s a five day Singskool workshop for any 7 to 14 year olds who would like to sing ‘Glee’ style, Art Workshops with Susan Boyle for both 5-7 and 10+ ages, including watercolours, glass and silk painting.
As always, the centrepiece of Boyle Arts Festival is the main visual Exhibition, housed in the beautifully restored King House. Several other exhibitions, including the highly acclaimed Local Artists exhibition, will take place during the Festival and details will be available in the programme.
BAF 2013 will conclude on Sat. Aug. 2nd with a fantastic gig by The Knotty String Band in Daly’s Storehouse.
The Boyle Arts Festival office, situated next door to Marian’s on Bridge Street, will be open every day (excluding Sundays) from Sat. July 5th until Sat. Aug. 2nd
For more information on Boyle Arts Festival 2013 please go to www.boylearts.com www.eventbrite.ie or email info@boylearts.com Telephone 0719663085. Follow us on Facebook.
Boyle Arts Festival is supported by The Arts Council and Fáilte Ireland.
Text by Brendan McGee
