Festival time in Wexford
Two fab festivals coming your way this weekend: New Ross Guitar Festival and Gorey Market House Festival. On Sunday Casey’s Bar, Wexford hosts an All-American Bash which features a great line-up of acts brought in for the occasion from the USA. Mind you, it’s not all about music this weekend. I met a man this morning who has made his own plans for Sunday and the only music he will be listening to is Amhrán a bhFiann. He will spend the afternoon at Marty B’s in Killurin, watching the match on a big screen, glugging creamy pints and dining al fresco from the pop-up food village.

Fleadh Cheoil, Aug 4-11
The countdown clock on the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann website is knocking off the seconds and minutes by the new time. Gach lá a théann thart, bíonn sí i bhfad níos chóngarach. The Fleadh website has posted details of the non-competition events happening. Looks impressive.

Comhaltas Sessions
Comhaltas branches all over the country run an annual series of Summer trad music sessions. More than anything, these sessions show the depth of talent there is in every community. Plenty to choose from around county Wexford.

The Playboy of the Western World
Gorey Little Theatre has setttled on Synge's play as it's Summer drama. A comedy in 3 Acts, it will be performed in August each Tuesday and Thursday. Directed by Stephen Acton.

Amnesty Wexford
'What they could use around here is a good war. What else can you expect with peace running wild all over the place? You know what the trouble with peace is? No organization.' Bertold Brecht - Mother Courage

Agus Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann ag teacht, it's good to see South East Radio getting in the spirit le clár dátheangach cheoil traidisiúnta, a bilingual trad music show, entitled ‘The Heather Blazing’. The presenter is Senan Lillis from Cooraclare, a man with a great knowledge of traditional music and song, a long paid-up member of the County Wexford Traditional Singers. The show goes out Sundays (7pm to 8.30pm). Pity the station does not make the programme available in its online archives.

Conradh na Gaeilge Guaire meets up 10.30am Wednesdays and Saturdays in Ashdown Park Hotel, Gorey. Agus maidir le C na G i mbaile Loch Garman, they meet Wednesdays at 11am in Harpur Eleven on Peter's Street (with another group meeting 12 noon directly after at nearby Red Books) agus beidh an ciorcal comhrá gach Céadaoin 8-9.30pm i High Meadows Community Hub, Clonard, Loch Garman Y35 CXC6. Cruinníonn grúpa eile i sráidbhaile Droichead an Chaisleáin (Café an Mhuilinn) 10.30 ar maidin dé hAoine. Bíonn slua eile cruinnithe le chéile i gCill Téile / Kiltealy - The Thatch, 8pm an Aoine dheireadh de gach mí. Bíonn ciorcal comhrá i Leabharlann Ros Mhic Thriúin on the first and third Wednesday of every month at 2pm.

Art
Creative Hub off North Main Street, Wexford houses some of our top artists and craftspeople. Includes The Makers House (full of fab Wexford arts and crafts). Enjoy it while you can as its days are numbered.
The Artbank Gallery, Bunclody is a wild and wonderful place leaking colour at every corner. Weekends the gallery exhibits outside around the Church of the Most Holy Trinity.
Green Acres Gallery, Trimmers Lane, Wexford.
Wexford Arts Centre, Cornmarket, Wexford.
Big Barn Art & Antiques, Mayglass (Eircode Y35 VH05). BBA&A is well worth a visit in its own right with its beautiful grounds, sculpture and antiques. Open every Saturday & Sunday 12-5pm and midweek by appointment.
Pigyard Gallery, Wexford.
Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy
Rosslare Gallery, Rosslare. 
The Gaslamp Gallery, Gorey has a good selection of local, national and international artists.
Cockleshell Art Room Duncannon open Sundays 11am-5pm.
Wexford Co Co HQ. Have a look at the Wexford County Council art collection online

Other Arts/Culture Listings
Keep an eye on the following sites for happenings at Wexford's top tourist destinations and events at the county's main venues.
www.wexfordartscentre.ie
www.nationaloperahouse.ie
www.visitwexford.ie
Lantern Presents
www.wexlive.com
LoveGorey.ie
Gorey Events Guide
Slaney News
Wexford's Storytelling Houses

Always something happening at Wexford's libraries. Gorey Library events

Event Listings
Residencies/regular week-to-week gigs:
Jaspers Restaurant, Monck St, Wexford - occasional piano & soprano duos, themed nights.
T. Morris, Monck St, Wexford has live acoustic music every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday (9.30pm), and a weekly Sunday Session (6pm). Mondays as well in Summer.
Maggie May's Pub, also on Monck St, has live music weekends, including an early folk/trad session Sundays.
Bugler Doyle's, South Main St, Wexford - music midweek and weekends.
The Sky & The Ground, South Main St, Wexford - trad session Wednesdays; monthly Song Room session with Basciville and guests Sundays (6.30pm); occasional visiting acts.
The John Barry, The Quays, Wexford - weekend acoustic music.
Casey's of Wexford, Wygram, Wexford has live music pretty much every night of the week (early and late) including trad/folk on Thursdays (8pm) and both early and late weekend gigs. Occasional visits by musicians from the USA.
Paddy Blues, Gorey - live music weekends
Katie Daly's Bar & Restaurant, Gorey has 'Live Friday' gigs and acoustic music on Mondays. 
French's Pub, Gorey - good for a session.
Stamp’s Bar, Ennscorthy has trad sessions on Friday evenings.
The John Barry, Paul Quay, Wexford – ballads/trad from 8.30pm Tuesdays and Thursdays, acoustic music Saturday and Sunday nights.
Colfer's, Carrig on Bannow. Live music every weekend.
Camross Hall - dancing the first Friday of every month.
Carrig on Bannow Community Hall - social dancing Friday nights.
The Porterhouse, Castlebridge - live music weekends
Jordan's Pub, Ballindaggin - live music weekends
Quigleys of Kilmore - live music weekends
Coast Hotel, Rosslare Strand - live music Mondays (trad/folk) and Thursdays-Sundays
The CoalBunker Bar, Ballykelly (Rosslare Road) – live music Fridays
Most of the hotels have live music in their lounges at weekends.  

Latest listings:
July 18-21 New Ross Guitar Festival, New Ross.
July 19-21 Gorey Market House Festival, Gorey.
July 19 (7.30pm) Outspoken spoken word evening (with special guest Phil Lynch), Red Books, Peter's Square, Wexford
July 19 (9pm) Kate Dineen in concert with Tríona Horan supporting, Frank's Place, North Main St, Wexford. Adm €10.
July 20-28 Art in the Open, Wexford's plein air festival, Wexford town and other areas in the southeast.
July 20 (1pm) John Gleeson, guitarist and dobro player, St Michael's Theatre, New Ross. Part of New Ross Guitar Festival. Free admission.
July 20, 21 (daily 3pm) Summer Panto @ Summer Sessions, Library Park, New Ross
July 20 (8pm) Bone Machine plays the music of Tom Waits, Wexford Arts Centre, Wexford.
Jul 21 (from 2pm) All-day All-American Bash, Casey's Bar, Wygram, Wexford. With Tanya Huang, Jeff and Casey Howell, Juno Smile, Buck 40. Broadcasting live on radio in Florida.
July 21 (12 noon) Big Sunday Session, Sinnott's Bar, Distillery Road, Wexford. 
July 21 (1pm) Pat Coldrick, classical guitarist and composer, All Saints Church, Killesk, Co Wexford. Tickets €15. Part of New Ross Guitar Festival.
July 21 (7.30pm) Declan Sinnott & Evelyn Kallansee, St Michael's Theatre, New Ross. Part of New Ross Guitar Festival.
July 22 (8pm) Comhaltas Seisiún with Danescastle Music Group / Bannow CCÉ, Coast Hotel, Rosslare. Mondays through July.
July 22 (8pm) Comhaltas Seisiún with Gorey Ballygarrett CCÉ, Loch Garman Arms Hotel, Gorey. Mondays thru July, ending Aug 5. 
July 23 (7-8pm) Ulysses80 Discussion Group, Wexford town library, Mallin St, Wexford. Follow Ulysses80 online each day over 80 days this summer from 1st June to 19th August 2024. Discussions happen Tuesday evenings, fortnightly up to August 13.
July 23 (9pm) Comhaltas Seisiún with Ferns CCÉ, Upton Court Hotel, Kilmuckridge, Co Wexford. Tuesdays through July.
July 24 (1pm) Hannah Devereux (soprano) with pianist Rebecca Warren, St Iberius Church, Wexford. Hannah has been awarded the 2024 Betty O'Brien bursary presented annually by Music for Wexford in support of the development of talented young musicians from County Wexford.
July 24 (9pm) Weekly comedy night at Crown Live, The Quays, Wexford. Pulling rabbits from hats and MC-ing will be Barry O'Neill. Special guests + open mic opportunities. €5 on the door.
July 25-28 Phil Murphy Weekend, Carrig on Bannow. Check out some of the big-hitters taking part. Kevin Burke is only one of the best trad fiddlers ever having played with The Bothy Band, the late Mícheál Ó Domhnaill, Patrick Street and many other class outfits. Paddy Keenan: 'Founding member of the legendary Bothy Band, and one of the greatest living exponents of the uilleann pipes today.' 'Acclaimed singer-songwriter Teddy Thompson, renowned for his rich, honey toned voice.' The brilliant Eleanor Shanley-fronted group, Garadice which will also be performing at The Fleadh. The list goes on.
July 25 (7pm) The Last Lightkeeper by Gerald Butler (book launch), Wexford Town Library, Wexford. Gerald was one of Ireland's last lightkeepers. Until they were fully automated in the 1990s, he spent over 21 years tending to many lighthouses around the coast of Ireland. This talk is sure to be well attended so book ahead.
July 25 (8pm) Gaza - movie screening, Wexford Arts Centre, Wexford. Charity screening for Gaza, all profits will be donated to the Amjaad Charity who are working on the ground in Gaza providing assistant and aid to thousands of families.
July 26-28 RíRá - festival of children's arts, Wexford. Includes loads of exciting family friendly stuff. Includes SHHH…! By Compania A Tope (Argentina) in which Lilah and Pirucho are two characters who communicate with their bodies through acrobatics and pantomime. Also featuring Doulab's circus and dance performances.
July 26 (7.30-10pm) North Wexford Traditional Singing Circle presents ‘Ár dTeanga i Loch Garman - Amhráin, Scéalta agus Filíocht i nGaeilge', a family evening of songs, stories and poetry in Irish, The Old School House, Hollyfort, Co. Wexford.
July 26 Doc MacLean, Casey's Bar, Wygram, Wexford. Famed story telling, delta blues artist. Listen!
July 27 Next In Line @ Summer Sessions, Library Park, New Ross
July 28 Castlebridge Show, Castlebridge, Co Wexford
July 28 (12 noon) Big Sunday Session, Sinnott's Bar, Distillery Road, Wexford. 
July 29 (8pm) Comhaltas Seisiún with Danescastle Music Group / Bannow CCÉ, Coast Hotel, Rosslare. Mondays through July.
July 29 (8pm) Comhaltas Seisiún with Gorey Ballygarrett CCÉ, Loch Garman Arms Hotel, Gorey. Mondays thru July, ending Aug 5. 
July 30 (7-8.30pm) The Chapter & Verse Collective Series, Wexford Town Library, Wexford. Evening of music, poetry and verbal high jinx.
July 30 (8.30pm) North Wexford Traditional Singing Circle, French's Pub, Main St, Gorey. Guest Francis Devine.
July 30 (9pm) Comhaltas Seisiún with Ferns CCÉ, Upton Court Hotel, Kilmuckridge, Co Wexford. Tuesdays through July. 
July 31 (9pm) Weekly comedy night at Crown Live, The Quays, Wexford. Pulling rabbits from hats and MC-ing will be Barry O'Neill. Special guests + open mic opportunities. €5 on the door.
Aug 1-11 Breakwater Festival, The Marquee, Ferrybank, Wexford. Includes Dec Pierce and Block Rockin Beats on Aug 3 plus two shows (Aug 1 & 2) by The Wolfe Tones. Green Road performs Friday, Aug 9 and The Whistlin’ Donkeys on Aug 10.
Aug 2 Mark Redmond and the Chris Colloton Trio, Johnstown Castle, Wexford. Jazz at Johnstown presents a Fleadh special pairing uilleann piper Redmond with the much loved Wexford jazz trio led by guitarist Chris Culloton.
Aug 3, 4 (daily from 3pm) Outrage Music Festival, Presentation Arts Centre. Hey, Wexford with your Fleadh Cheoil, take this and smoke it! Outrage Entertainment presents sixteen bands over two days, celebrating the rising stars of the county's thriving punk, metal and rock scene.
Aug 3, 4 Leo Carthy Weekend, Our Lady's Island, Co Wexford. Always a lively and fun community-based weekend with a strong focus on the traditional.
Aug 3 Damien Dempsey with full band, Crown Live, The Quays, Wexford. Tickets from universe.com.
Aug 3 The Kilkennys @ Summer Sessions, Library Park, New Ross
Aug 4-11 Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2024, Loch Garman/Wexford. This is huge for Wexford. The numbers visiting the town on the 2nd of the two weekends will be off the scale. There will be the week-long Scoil Éigse, gigs, sessions, launches, pop-ups, tours, talks and, of course, competitions. The Fleadh gig rig on the quays will have music daily from midday til very late. Traditionally, the last act on the last night is the winning céilí band. (Pic shows young musicians from Craobh Seán Treacy CCÉ, Artane)
Aug 4 (11pm) Highstool Prophets, Crown Bar carpark, The Quays, Wexford. Free. Start of The Crown’s Fleadh programme.
Aug 5 (6pm) The Merchant Princes of Wexford - talk by Declan Reck, Red Books, Peter's Square, Wexford. Free,
Aug 5 (8pm) Comhaltas Seisiún with Gorey Ballygarrett CCÉ, Loch Garman Arms Hotel, Gorey. 
Aug 6-11 The Purple & Gold Writers' Collective at The Fleadh, National Opera House, Wexford. Seoladh ag 4pm le Paddy Berry. Morning and afternoon sessions with some of Wexford's top poets, each session closing with an open mic.
Aug 6 (5pm) Book launch / Seoladh leabhar: Nóra Byrne Kavanagh's 'Mo Cheol', Wexford Town Library, Mallin St, Wexford.
Aug 6 (3pm) Lá Cheoil le Music Generation, Wexford Credit Union Festival Dome, Clonard, Wexford. Groups performing (all Music Generation): Reel-Nua Intermediate Trad Ensemble, Carlow; Reel Óg Junior Trad Ensemble, Carlow; Waterford Intermediate Ensemble; Tradoodle, Cavan; Yellow Bellows, Wexford; Waterford Harp Ensemble.
Aug 6 (7pm) Martin Hayes and friends, Rowe St Church, Wexford. Tickets €30 from Eventbrite.
Aug 6 (7pm) Bardic Awards Dinner with live performances by awardees, Ferrycarrig Hotel, Ferrycarrig, Wexford. Annual Fleadh event honouring musicians and singers who are considered to have made an exceptional and unique contribution to Irish Traditional Music with performances by each of the recipients: Sarah Jane Woods (Flute/Dublin); Bríd Harper (Fiddle/Donegal); Vincent Crowley (Singer/Cork); Mark Redmond (Uilleann Piper/ Wexford); Deirdre Collis (Button Accordion-Whistle- Flute/Sligo). Tickets €40.
Aug 6 (7pm) Ceiliúradh Oibre Music Generation (MG), Wexford Credit Union Dome, Clonard, Wexford. Featuring Nasc: a collaboration between Oriel Centre Dundalk Gaol, Nós Nua Youth Folk Orchestra and various county MGs. Tickets €15.
Aug 7 Who Am I Now presented by Tranquillity and featuring the band Tulua, Jerome Hynes Theatre, National Opera House, Wexford. The group explores storytelling through the international language of dance and live music to create a vibrant and thought-provoking performance. Tulua are Wexford's top trad quartet. Tickets €10/5. A Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann event.
Aug 7 (8pm) Seisiún Cheoil le Inis Córtaigh CCÉ, Mernagh's Pub, Oylegate / Bearna na hAille, Loch Garman.
Aug 8-11 Co Wexford Traditional Singers at The Fleadh, National Opera House, Wexford. Noon to midnight each day with earlier 10am start Saturday. Closing session Monday, Aug 12 (2-7pm) in Mary's Bar, John's Gate Street.
Aug 8 (7pm) Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann International Showcase Concert, National Opera House, Wexford. Featuring performers from branches all over the planet. FREE (but must be pre-booked).
Aug 8 Garadice, Jerome Hynes Theatre, National Opera House, Wexford. Fine trad band from the northwest of the country fronted by singer Eleanor Shanley. She is joined by Padraig McGovern on pipes, Dave Sheridan on flute and accordion and John McCartinon guitar. A Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann event. Tickets €20 + fee.
Aug 8 (8pm) So Say So, spoken word event, Wexford Arts Centre, Cornmarket, Wexford. Poet Stephen James Smith introduces a special Fleadh edition of So Say So. The format: first half is given over to special guests, the second half the stage is thrown open to the floor and mad word-play ensues. Guests: Rónán Ó Snodaigh, Diarmuid 'Gizzy' Lyng agus Siobhán de Paor. Tickets €12 + fee. Which is to say, you won't get more bang for your buck at the Fleadh than this.
Aug 8 (8pm) Seoid (Sligo trad band), St Iberius Church, Wexford. The band: Kerrie Herrity - Banjo/Fiddle/Mandolin; Kenny Donagher - Box / Melodeon; John Dwyer - Flute/Whistle/Keys; Fiachra Guihen - Guitar/Harp/Flute. A Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann event. Tickets €20 + fee.
Aug 8 Cherish The Ladies, Festival Dome, Wexford. Led by the boisterously affable Joanie Madden (in pic), The Ladies are indeed cherished as one of Ireland's top international trad acts. A Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann event. Tickets €35 + fees.
Aug 8 (8pm) Meitheal Concert, Concert Hall, Presentation School, Wexford. Featuring some of Ireland's top young trad musicians. Tickets €20/25 and €55 family.
Aug 8-10 Seachtain na Gaeilge at The Fleadh, Selskar Sq, Wexford. Afternoon and early evenings multi act shows.
Aug 8-11 Gap Arts Festival, Ballythomas, Co Wexford
Aug 9 (7pm) Ímar, Clayton Whites Hotel, Wexford. BBC Radio 2 Folk Award Winners, all the way from Glasgow. The band: Adam Brown (bodhrán), Adam Rhodes (bouzouki), Mohsen Amini (concertina), Ryan Murphy (uilleann pipes) and Tomás Callister (fiddle). Ímar make joyously powerful ceol den scoth. Éist! Tickets €20 + fee.
Aug 9 (8pm) National Folk Orchestra, National Opera House, Wexford. Tickets €20/15 and €55 family. A Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann event.
Aug 9 (8pm) Flanagan Brothers Award Concert featuring award recipient Seamus Egan, St Iberius Church, North Main St, Wexford. Joining Seamus are Eamon McElhom (Solas) on guitar, Seán Og Graham (Beoga) on button accordion and Trevor Hutchinson (Lunasa) on bass. Tickets €15 + fee.
Aug 9 (8pm) Monster Ceílí featuring Taobh na Mara and Pipers Cross Ceílí Bands, Festival Dome, Clonard, Wexford. Tickets €20 + fee.
Aug 9 (9pm) Maurice Lennon Trio, Jerome Hynes Theatre, National Opera House, Wexford. Fiddler Maurice, a founding member of Stockton's Wing is joined by Chris Dawson on bouzouki, flutes, and other instruments, and Ciara Brennan on vocals, fiddle, nyckelharpa and mandolin. A Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann event. Tickets €20 + fee.
Aug 10 (8pm) The Rowsome Quartet, St Iberius Church, North Main St, Wexford. The quartet: Nollaig Mac Cártaigh, Mick O'Brien, Mark Redmond, Kevin Rowsome. Tickets €20 + fee.
Aug 10 (9pm) Frankie Gavin and De Dannan, Presentation School, Wexford. With Catherine McHugh on piano; Kaitlin Cullen-Verhauz – cello and vocals; Diarmuid Ó Meachair – melodeon and accordion; Ian Kinsella - guitar. A Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann event. Tickets €30 + fee.
Aug 10 Southeast Brass Bands @ Summer Sessions, Library Park, New Ross
Aug 10 (8pm) John Spillane, Wexford Arts Centre, Wexford. Ireland's much loved troubadour who sings of the beauty he sees in the every day. A Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann event. Tickets €26 + fee.
Aug 10 (9pm) RTÉ Concert Orchestra, under conductor David Brophy with Zoë Conway (fiddle), John McIntyre (guitar), Julie Fowlis (vocals) and Éamon Doorley (bouzouki, fiddle, vocals), National Opera House, Wexford. Tickets €40 + fee.
Aug 10 Fleadh Pipers' Concert, St Iberius Church, Wexford. A Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann event.
Aug 10 (8pm) Séamus MacMathúna Memorial Concert, Festival Dome, Clonard, Wexford. Class line up includes: Bríd Harper, Louise Mulcahy, Aoife Granville, Tom Doorley, Conal Ó Grada, Connie O'Connell, Eamon Cotter, Eoin Kenny, Denis Liddy, Clann Mhic Mhathúna, The Fennell dancers, Oisín Mac Diarmada, Daire Bracken, Paudie O'Connor, Clann Uí Laoire, Máire Ní Cheilleachair, Danny Maidhcí Ó Suilleabháin, the Tunney family, Rita Gallagher, Clann Mhic Gabhann, Mícheál agus MacDara Ó Raghallaigh, Emma agus Sarah-Jane Woods, Clare Walsh, Marcas Ó Murchú, Frank Kelly, Michelle O'Sullivan, Roisín Chambers, Aoife Ní Chaoimh , Kim Fleming, Micheál Ó hAlmháin agus MC Senan Lillis. A Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann event. Tickets €25 + fee.
Aug 11 (6.30pm) Senior Céilí Band Competition, Festival Dome, Clonard, Wexford. A Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann event. Tickets €25 + fee.
Fleadh ends!
Aug 14 (7.30pm) Daniel O’Donnell in Concert, National Opera House, Wexford.
Aug 17 The 4 Of Us @ Summer Sessions, Library Park, New Ross
Aug 15-24 Wexford Drama Group presents Tom, Dick and Harry, National Opera House, Wexford. The story concerns London businessman, Tom, and his highly strung wife, Linda, as they wait for a visit from the local adoption agent, the ice cool Mrs Potter. The well planned event is interrupted by the arrival of Toms idiotic brothers, well-meaning lager lout Dick and the amazingly dim witted Harry. Director: Linda Hynes. Tickets €20 + fees.
Aug 17 Christy Moore, National Opera House, Wexford.
Aug 22 (8pm) Pat Shortt & Mike Hanrahan "Songs of Ireland", Wexford Arts Centre, Wexford. 'The show will feature the two musicians taking an eclectic musical tour through the nation’s most beloved songs, putting their own twist on each of these prolific songs which have survived through the decades.'
Aug 23 (7.30pm) Lifting The Gate: poet Ben MacCaoilte and harpist Erin Lalor, Johnstown Castle, Wexford. A bilingual journey, nó turas dátheangach, through time, memory, and nostalgia using poetry, story and music. Singer songwriter Patrick Stefan will also perform with fiddle player Jayne Pomplas.
Aug 24, 25 Fuddlefest, Fuddletown, Co Wexford Y35AC97. The county's top boutique festival.
Aug 24, 25 Irish Great War Society exhibition and display, Johnstown Castle, Wexford. A living history group dedicated to the remembrance and education of those who fought and died in the Great War. Free to members.
Aug 24 Tulua @ Summer Sessions, Library Park, New Ross
Aug 29-31 Kennedy Summer School, New Ross.
Sept 6, 7 Pop-up Movies at Johnstown Castle, Wexford. Mamma Mia on Friday Sept 6th and Dirty Dancing on Saturday Sept 7th.
Sept (dates tbc) Blackstairs Blues Festival, Enniscorthy.
Sept 20 Culture Night. Deadline for submissions has passed. Queries to wexfordculturenight@gmail.com.
Sept 25-29 New Ross Piano Festival, New Ross.
Sept 27-29 Write by the Sea Festival, Kilmore Quay, Co Wexford.
Sept 27 (8pm) Pirosmani Quartet, St Iberius Church, Wexford. Featuring Mairead Hickey, violin; William Hagen, violin; Natanael Ferreira, viola; Aleksey Shadrin, cello. Prog includes music by Mozart and Dvorak. A Music for Wexford concert.
Sept 28 (1pm) Lunchtime harp recital with Tríona Marshall & Cruitirí Loch Garman, St Iberius Church, Wexford. The day also has a harp session and a harp workshop. A Music for Wexford event.
Oct 1 (8pm) G4 - 20th Anniversary Tour, Gorey Little Theatre, Gorey.
Oct 4 Annette Cleary, Réamonn Keary & Barry McGovern, Green Acres Gallery, Wexford. They perform Enoch Arden, a poem by A.L. Tennyson which was the inspiration for a melodrama for piano and narrator by Richard Strauss. A Music for Wexford concert.
Oct 16 (8pm) Some Guys Have All The Luck - the Rod Stewart Story, Gorey Little Theatre, Gorey.
October (dates tbc) Wexford Spiegeltent Festival, Wexford town.
Oct 18 - Nov 2 Wexford Festival Opera, Wexford town.
Oct 28-31 Wexford Light Opera Society presents Hits from the Musicals, National Opera House, Wexford.
Nov 2 (8pm) Ronan Collins: 'Showbands Hits and Stories', Gorey Little Theatre, Gorey.

Listen while you browse: Paul Burch & WPA Ballclub
www.paulburch.com

Download (free if you like!): One Night on Earth: Music from the Strings of Mali by Derek Gripper
Musician Derek Gripper's acclaimed new album One Night on Earth: Music from the Strings of Mali is available for download. Pay what you want.

Wexford Walking Tours
Wexford Walking Tours run informative and entertaining historical tours of Wexford Town all year round. Meet at the Tourist Office on The Quays any day (except Sunday) at 11am; also daily tour (3pm) of Selskar Abbey meeting at An Tobar, Westgate. Tel 053 9175171 / 086 3526133 / 086 1079497. www.wexfordwalkingtours.net

Trax Music Store ... Now Online
Trax Music Store (St Aidan's, Wexford town) now have a virtual shop window via their website www.trax.ie or www.traxmusicstore.com.

Storytelling in Co Wexford
For info on storytelling venues/events in County Wexford see www.storiesfromthehearth.ie.


Beautiful zychadelic pop from Wales? Listen to Jonny now!
Listen to Jonny at www.turnstilemusic.net then download their free ep.

Listen to Villagers now!
Listen to Choice Music nominated Villagers at www.wearevillagers.com. If you like what you hear but the cd. (Note if you like this music you will love Wexford Ian Doyle's much anticipated cd - should be on the shelves in March.)

Listen to James V. McMorrow now!
Listen to Choice Music Prize nominated James V. McMorrow's latest opus at www.jamesvmcmorrow.com then go buy the album. This is beautiful music.

One for lovers of old classical music records
vinylfatigue.blogspot.com

freealbums.blogsome
freealbums.blogsome.com

Read books online for free!
http://chestofbooks.com

Visit www.avidgroup.co.uk for budget price jazz cds
Want to build your jazz/lounge music collection? And do it on a tight budget? Check out www.avidgroup.co.uk

Discovering Drama
Drama classes for kids age 5 and up. See www.discoveringdrama.com. Tel 087 6858457.

Wexford Hillwalkers
New members welcome. See www.wexfordhillwalkingclub.com

Visit pitchfork.com for latest music reviews
Visit http://pitchfork.com for great music reviews.

The Ballet Academy, Wexford
The Ballet Academy, Westpoint Business Park, Clonard, Wexford. Under the charming and very experienced Dara Pierce students are assured of top class tuition and guidance. Weekly classes for ages 3-18 years. Tel 087 9871793. http://theballetacademy.ie

Irish Music Blog - www.nialler9.com
www.nialler9.com

http://folkmusicsmb.blogspot.com
One for World music completists: http://folkmusicsmb.blogspot.com

The Story of Roky Erickson
Read about an album getting rave reviews in America and read the sad story of the guy behind it, Roky Erickson. Then go visit one of the sites streaming the hypnotic track Goodbye Sweet Dreams.
Roky Erickson Website

Get on the South Wexford Craft Trail
Want to see a different side to Wexford, one of quite industriousness? Get your hands on a guide to the South Wexford Craft Trail. This is a collaborative project involving ten nationally-known crafts men and women living locally – some native to the area, others drawn to this unique and inspiring region from elsewhere in Ireland. Sponsored by Wexford County Enterprise Board and the Crafts Council of Ireland this attractive Trail Guide takes the traveller through the rich and pastoral South Wexford countryside, with the sea shore never far away, on a tour of small-scale studios where visitors are warmly welcomed by their owners. The South Wexford Craft Trail was conceived with the aim of creating an opportunity to ‘meet the makers’ behind these successful enterprises, those who have made South Wexford the hotbed of creativity it is today. Further info: Patricia Howard Cowley. Email pathowcow@gmail.com

SXSW - Intro/Promo pack with hundreds of tracks
www.sxswtorrent.com/.

Good English website dealing in Americana
www.americana-uk.com

NY Times "Annual Year in Ideas"
NY Times "Annual Year in Ideas"
The NY Times Magazine looks back on the past year from its favored perch: ideas. They have searched out "noteworthy notions of 2009 — the twigs and sticks and shiny paper scraps of human ingenuity ... the most clever, important, silly and just plain weird innovations ... from all corners of the thinking world".

Listen to connected.ie's online radio.
www.connected.ie online radio

Treasure trove of old African music (RSS - streaming)
www.voanews.com/english/africa

Blog with some tasty African tracks from the vaults.
http://awesometapesfromafrica.blogspot.com

Bluegrass Sessions in Dublin
For anyone heading to Dublin for a weekend there is regular old time American country and bluegrass provided by Bill Whelan and friends at The Cobblestone, Smithfield Square every Saturday from 4:30 to 7:00pm. Also the 2RN String band perform on Wednesday nights at 9:30pm in J. McNeill’s Bar, Capel Street, Dublin.

saggyrecordcabinet.blogspot - another one for lovers of old time American country and bluegrass
saggyrecordcabinet.blogspot

Rural TV on Sky 279
Checkout Sky channel - 279 for ‘Rural TV’ - broadcasting for 24 hours a day, is an American station with a mixture of programmes on farming, cowboy culture, tractor racing and - here’s the interesting bit - Country Music. ‘Bluegrass & Backwoods’ is a daily show about Kentucky- horses, making dulcimers and Bluegrass music. ‘Country Gathering Reunion’ features around 20 old Country singers sitting around talking about the 'Good Old Days Of Country' whilst ‘Gospel Gathering’ is pure Gospel Bluegrass with many excellent groups. Porter Wagoner & Wilburn Bros TV shows from the 1960's and early 70's are repeated throughout the week. ‘Pop Goes Country’ features Ralph Emery and an array of 1970s country. There’s also the Marty Stuart Show with Earl Scruggs, Rhonda Vincent, Leroy Troy and Nashville Mafia Jug Band with Eddie Stubbs as MC.

Wexford Libraries - loads going on!
Check out the Wexford Libraries website to see what is happening at your local library. They have a busy schedule in place: Wexford Libraries Website

Listen online to some classy flat-pickin'
Flatpicking Guitar Online

grapewrath.blogspot.com - great for folk/bluegrass/old time
grapewrath.blogspot.com

croz.fm - one for music completists
croz.fm

Rainy day online activities for kids with weansworld.org
Here's a nice little website which should keep the children occupied in their idle moments. There are games, jigsaws, pictures to colour in, and stories including a good five part cartoon adventure about Cúchulainn. http://www.weansworld.org/

See Wexford in 2min 55secs with music by the Submersibles
Definitely something in the water in Wexford these days. See how it's affected Andi McGarry and his compadres: Speedy Ramble through Wexford landscape with music by the Submersibles

Neil Young Live in Concert 1968
It's 1968 and Neil Young is about to release his self-titled debut solo album. Here he is in front of a full house (to his surprise!) playing some of the songs that would go on to make him a household favorite. Even though that was40 years ago the recording has only now been made available. Hear it here in its entirety. North Carolina Public Radio"

The latest happenings on the Irish music scene ... Hotpress
Skip James sings Worried Blues (YouTube)
Classic video recording of Skip James singing Worried Blues.

Kristin Hersh, LIVE - free downloads
If you like Kristin Hersh visit this site where, with the blessing of the former Throwing Muses woman herself, you can download, in various formats, live tracks. If you like what you hear, you are welcome to make a donation at the kristinhersh.com tip jar.

check out www.bluehighwaystv.com
www.bluehighwaystv.com is an excellent source of music and information. It's the only TV network available today that holds a deep connection and commitment to bluegrass and roots music. From bluegrass and folk to gospel and blues, BlueHighways TV states it has always remained true to all facets of this great musical genre. Their programming showcases the artists and venues that have helped to fuel the passion of roots music fans throughout the world

Listen! Music while you work - Josh Ritter
The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter - full album streaming

Listen! Music while you work - IMC
Improvised Music Company's online music player (12 tracks). Style: World, jazz, alternative.

Wonderful slide show from The New York Times
Check out this lovely slide show from The New Tork Times with the title Faces Of Africa.

SOUTH EAST LIVE ... KILKENNY, WATERFORD, TIPP, CARLOW, WICKLOW
All the action is not necessarily going down in Wexford. See what's happening in the neighbouring counties.
Munster Express Weekly Ents Page for Waterford
Munster Express Arts Guide
Waterford Today Guide
Watergate Theatre, Kilkenny
Whazon Guide to Kilkenny
Carlow's Eigse Festival
Tinahely Arts Centre
Mermaid Arts Centre
New Music Club, Clonmel

1965 Fincastle Bluegrass Festival Video
Extract from the 1965 Fincastle Bluegrass Festival featuring some beautiful old time playing and singing. Approx 9 mins long.

See old-time music film footage on the web
Check out folkstreams.net where you can watch short extracts from the various Alan Lomax (and others) documentaries and films that include footage of old time musicians etc.

Fantastic Bluegrass Documentary with Music
What a find! If you have broadband check out www.madisoncountyproject.org and go for one of the videos under Video Builds on the right. 25 minute video of (mainly) singing traditions in Madison County, North Carolina, with input from
Sheila Kay Adams and various other singers plus interviews with (and film clips from) John Cohen [of the original New Lost City Ramblers - Tom Paley who plays Wexford Hooves 'n' Grooves Festival was also a member].
Thanks to Richard Hawkins of Bluegrass Ireland for bringing this to our attention.


Alan Lomax Archive Launched on the Web
The Alan Lomax Archive is pleased to announce the culmination of its seven-year effort to preserve and disseminate the work of one of the 20th century’s foremost folklorists and musicologists, Alan Lomax. Lomax recorded and nurtured the careers of Lead Belly, Woody Guthrie, Muddy Waters, and other legends; his recordings of many more obscure artists have been featured in works such as O Brother Where Art Thou?. Alan Lomax believed in a principle he called “cultural equity,” the need for all cultures to be equally represented in the media and in the classroom. Through years of comparative research on folk song style, he drew a convincing parallel between natural and cultural ecology which underscores the importance of preserving our intangible oral heritage. Alan Lomax believed it was imperative to return traditions to their home sources and artists, a strategy he called “cultural feedback.” In that spirit, on April 22, 2005 The Alan Lomax Database will go online; also, over the next ten months, the Association for Cultural Equity, which administers the Alan Lomax Archive, will send digital copies of audio and video recordings and photographs by Alan Lomax to a number of libraries and archives in the U.S., the Caribbean, and Europe so that they will be available locally to people in or from the regions in which they were originally made. The Alan Lomax Database, www.lomaxarchive.com, is a multimedia catalogue of the audio and video recordings and photographs made by Alan Lomax from 1946–1994, as well as of recordings made by few of his colleagues. It will also ultimately include some of the older collections of audio recordings made by Lomax on behalf of the Library of Congress, which have been transferred and remastered using cutting-edge technology. Developed and built by personnel and consultants of the Alan Lomax Archive, the Database features 25 collections and thousands of recordings, which have been preserved, digitized, and cataloged over the past several years with funds from the Rock, Concordia, Rockefeller, Richmond, and Grammy foundations, the Save America’s Treasures Program, and the National Endowment for the Arts, among others. The Alan Lomax Collection on Rounder Records is a multi-series, 100+ CD collection of folk music and narrative drawn from Alan Lomax’s international field recordings. For more information go to www.rounder.com/series/lomax_alan/

Great American Festivals - Great Holiday Idea!
'Music Heritage Trails in America's Southern Highlands' organises holidays based around top American festivals. Co-ordinated by American and Worldwide Travel of Tunbridge Wells as well as organising a package to MerleFest in April, there are various very attractive offers being put together which will take in a string of other festivals such as the Ralph Stanley Memorial Bluegrass Festival at Smith Ridge, Virginia in May; Wayne C. Henderson's Music Festival (Grayson Highlands State Park, Virginia) in June; Asheville's Mountain Dance & Folk Music Festival, and Doc Watson Music Festival (both in North Carolina) in July; Carter Family Memorial Festival and Galax Old Time Fiddler's Convention (both Virginia) in August; Music In The Mountains Festival, in North Carolina in September; and Blue Ridge Folklife Festival (Virginia) in October. Each itinerary has been planned to present as much of the rich character and musical heritage of the region to visitors, so there are daily trips to important places such as The Carter Fold and A.P. Carter Museum as well as chances to attend local hoe-downs and opportunities to meet sparkling personalities such as banjo picker extraordinaire, Raymond Fairchild at his Maggie Valley Opry. Beautifully illustrated brochures have been produced giving full details of the various packages and can be obtained by e-mail: info@awwt.co.uk or by phoning to 01892 511894.

Join the Music Maker Association!
The Music Maker Association supports independent songwriters, performers and record labels with a number of initiatives from internet and magazine publicity to live performances through showcases, festivals and CD distribution? Their website has a selection of members CDs with audio tracks, a Directory of Performers, Clubs, and Businesses, an on-line store and Web Radio. Log onto www.tradmusic.net visit some of their associated sites and consider becoming a member so that they can help to promote your music. Also under the Music Maker banner is The Independents CD Catalogue – so if you have produced a CD and have no distributor then this could be the answer for you. The printed catalogue is mailed to CD buyers and record stores together with a compilation disc and followed up by personal calls. The catalogue is also on line and achieves sales world wide. To view the catalogue click on the ‘On-Line Store’ logo on www.tradmusic.net As a member of the MMA you can have a page profile on the web free of charge, or they can register your own address and design a website with audio linked to the Music Maker Web which gets thousands of visitors every month telephone 0207 424-0027 or visit www.magnet-publishing.co.uk

Links...Links...Links...Links...Links...
Links to a selection of recommended sites
Here's a few from that list:
Wexford Races
Whitford House Hotel
Padraig Grant
Michael Londra
Pierce Turner
Bui Bolg
North Wexford Tourism
Gorey Little Theatre
Wexford Language School
Bunclody
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