RAIN OR SHINE, YOU CAN GET LIVELY DOWN IN SLIGO
A MUSIC festival? In this weather? It may sound as enticing as a slap with a cold fish, but for a much more inviting alternative, head thee to the Wild Atlantic Way at the Bank Holiday Weekend, for a hedonistic hooley where no wellingtons are needed.
In its 13th year, Sligo Live is a six-day folk and roots festival where all 60 performances will be at indoor venues throughout the county, keeping muck to a minimum.
This year, headliners at the Knocknarea arena include Imelda May, Gilbert O’Sullivan and Damien Dempsey with Stockton’s Wing.
Imelda May has a new look — and indeed a new outlook on life and music too. They say heartbreak is one of the ways that good music is created and certainly, following her marriage break-up, Imelda has astounded fans and critics alike with the strength of her work. Her latest album Life Love Flesh Blood is arguably one of her finest to date. As the singer herself explains: ‘You go through bad times and good times in this album — falling in love again or the possibility and the guilt of being happy.’
The collaboration between modern folk and soul singer Damien Dempsey and traditional legends Stockton’s Wing is one not to be missed. The double-header will see Dempsey sing songs from his latest album Soulsun, plus much-loved tracks from his back catalogue.
Stockton’s Wing only play a small handful of dates every year and so their Sligo Live appearance will be much sought-after by fans of the band. Expect songs like Beautiful Affair to get an airing — after all, it was voted one of the top 20 most-loved songs ever played on Irish radio. And no doubt Damien and the band will join forces for a few very special tunes.
Sharon Shannon will be making the trip from Galway with her Kevin Burke and the Dartry Ceili band to keep revellers entertained at intimate venues as part of the Hawk’s Well theatre shows.
And Gilbert O’Sullivan is also making a welcome return to the shores of his youth. The singer is celebrating 50 years in music as his first single Disappear was released in 1967. It will be Gilbert’s second visit to Ireland this year and as his shows in February received rave reviews, fans should definitely make the trip to the north west.
For more information on all the festival events, see sligolive.ie.