7 Things to do this week...
1LUAN PARLE AND CLIVE BARNES: Wicklow-born songwriter Luan Parle will team up by Wexford guitarist Clive Barnes for a gig in the Presentation Centre on August 13. The gig is billed as a glossy blend of contemporary and alternative country with a sprinkling of rock and pop. Luan Parle, who is best known for her hit single ‘Ghost’, will play an intimate acoustic set which will include songs from her catalogue as well as material from her upcoming EP release. Songs will also include her iTunes no 1 selling singles ‘Day Is Done’ and ‘Roll The Dice’. Between them, the two musicians have worked with some big name performers. While Luan has worked with songwriters and producers such as Billy Steinberg (Madonna) and Chris Kimsey (The Rolling Stones), Clive has toured and recorded with artists such as Joe Cocker, Bonnie Raitt and Rodrigo Y Gabriela. The upcoming Enniscorthy gig will provide a rare opportunity to see both performers make some music together. The concert will begin at 8.30 p.m. Tickets cost from €12 to €15.
2FAMILY FUN AT WELLS HOUSE: A family fun weekend of activities takes place in the grounds of Wells House and Gardens in partnership with Wexford Arts Centre, on Saturday and Sunday, August 13 and 14. Gates open from 10 a.m. and events run from 12 midday to 6 p.m. Entry is €8 per car. Activities include: Little Artist workshops; a show with Professor Plunger; the Red Moon Puppet theatre; story telling; face painting; harp music from Kate McKenna; frolics with Buí Bolg; extracts from Shakespeare in the woodlands from Arena Productions; and music by Donna Marie and Corner Boy. For full details visit www.wellshouse.ie or www.wexfordartscentre.ie.
3Dirty Rotten Scoundrels barbecue: St Michael’s Theatre Musical Society, New Ross, host a barbecue on Saturday, August 13, at 5 p.m. at New Ross Rugby Club’s grounds to mark the double launch of both the musical society’s upcoming production, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and the commencement of the new rugby season. All are welcome to a great night of food and drink, music and craic. Tickets cost €5.
4LIOSA MURPHY IN CONCERT. Celtic pop folk singer and whistle player Liosa Murphy will perform at Wexford Arts Centre on August 11 at 8.30pm. Liosa is one of the newest and most exciting female forces in Celtic music today. The energy and beauty in each song or tune she performs is gripping. From haunting ballads to rip roaring sets of jigs and reels Murphy delivers each time. Her music gives Irish folk and traditional music a contemporary edge.
5PROJECT WEST: A night of Irish traditional music, song and dance is in store in the National Opera House as Project West hit the stage for a concert on August 13, not long after their 100 date tour in the USA. After touring with Riverdance, playing as members of David Gray’s band, supporting the Rolling Stones and taking part in various other impressive events worldwide, the seven-strong group will hit Wexford for a one-off gig. The gig comes not long before the launch of their debut album. Doors open at 7.30 p.m.
6KILMORE SPUD FEST: Kilmore village will come to life as the second annual Kilmore Village Spud Fest makes its return from August 12 until August 15. Organised in aid of Wexford Hospice Homecare, Kilmore Quay RNLI and the village’s Christmas lighting fund, the event is billed to be even bigger this year. The weekend will kick off with a parade on Friday at 7.30 p.m. On Saturday, a car boot sale and photo exhibition are on the cards, along with Party in the Pairc – a night of music in the festival marquee from 7 p.m. On Sunday there will be a field day, while on Monday, there will be a party for older generations.
7CASTLEBRIDGE SHOW: The 76th annual show will take place on Sunday, August 14 in Castlebridge Hall, starting at 1.45 pm. Visitors can view an array of produce including home baking, jams, eggs, vegetables and flowers as well as crafts and photography. Pettitts head baker Declan Dempsey will give a baking demonstration. Other attractions include a fancy dress show, pets corner, dog show, tea and cake tent, dog grooming demonstration and bric-a-brac stall along with prizes for the Best Dressed Lady and Gentleman and Glamorous Granny among the attendance. St. Patrick’s Fife and Drum Band will provide music. Admission is €5 for adults and children are free.
Have you an event for our What’s On pages? email the details (with a picture, if possible) to: whatson@peoplenews.ie