Entertaining Sligo
CAIRDE FESTIVAL – SOMETHING FOR ALL THE FAMILY
This weekend sees the beginning of the popular Cairde summer festival.
From Percussion and song camps at The Model, to Parkfest and the Italian Quarter Street Party, there will be lots of family friendly fun.
Parkfest on Sunday, is a day- long celebration of arts, craft, culture, food, music and even circus. As usual, the Peace Park is the venue. There will also be street theatre, children’s activities and live music from the bandstand.
Food stalls will showcase fresh, home made produce.
Keep Tuesday, July 8th free if you’re a music fan.
An extraordinary evening of music is taking place in The Model.
It features a collaboration between Sligo Baroque Orchestra and Tropicana Musica, with a new composition by Steve Wickham, specially commissioned for Cairde.
Thursday, July 10th, sees a winner at the Dublin Fringe Festival visit The Factory.
Ray Scanell’s play Deep explores Cork’s legendary club, Sir Henry’s.
It tells the story through the personal journey of a Deep House Junkie who, at 35, has lived through the peaks and troughs of the last two decades, and is still intent on raving to the grave.
Cairde Visual, at the Hyde Bridge Gallery, runs until July 19th.
This is the festival’s first open submission art exhibition, boasting work from artists across Ireland.
Full line- up on www. cairdefestival. com
BUMPER JULY SEASON AT THE HAWK’S WELL
Australian circus, a smash hit play and a Martin McDonagh classic are among the highlights this month.
Casus Circus from Australia roll into town on July 6th with their eclectic, energetic show, Knee Deep.
With delightful aerial stunts, acrobatics and loads of fun.
Fishamble bring their feel- good production, Swing to the stage on July 12th.
This winner at the Dublin Fringe Festival is bound to bring you plenty of smiles.
Betty Bang will be there beforehand to give your hair and make- up a 50s feel.
After the play, Joe Fury and the Hayride will keep the party going.
This group was the first Irish band to play at the UK’s Rockabilly Festival.
Beezneez return on July 17th with the Martin McDonagh classic, The Lonesome West.
A black comedy that introduces us to the mad world of brothers Coleman and Valeen as they divulge important matters such as the ownership of poitin, crisps and figurines.
The widely popular Sligo Jazz Festival takes centre- stage from July 22- 26th.
Sligo Jazz Project has built a reputation for unique, world class events combining headline acts with tutors from its acclaimed international summer school.
Several Grammy winning musicians will be arriving in the Northwest for the event, including Alan Broadbent on July 23rd, Christian Scott on July 25th.
Scott, from New Orleans, has been labelled as Jazz’s young style God.
The Bad Plus return on July 22nd following their hugely successful performance in Sligo last year.
Another one to look forward to is the performance of the Sligo Jazz Project summer school, July 26th, under the leadership of pianist Broadbent.
Mikel Murfi brings back his multi- award winning one man play, The Man in the Woman’s Shoes on July 31st.
Much choice and much entertainment in store this month.
BLUE RAINCOAT STAGE ON BAILE’S STRAND
WB Yeats’ On Baile’s Strand will be performed on Cumeen Strand on July 12th.
This follows last year’s successful outdoor theatre event, Yeats’ Purgatory, hosted by Blue Raincoat Theatre Company at the top of Knocknarea mountain.
The esteemed company are back with On Baile’s Strand, described as one of Yeats most accessible and dramatic plays.
King Concobar, aware of Cuchulain’s bravery and his unruly temper, makes Cuchulainn swear an oath of obedience, forcing the unaware Cuchulainn to fight and kill his own son.
The actors include Ciaran McCauley, John Carty, Sandra O’ Malley, Barry Cullen, Bob Kelly and Brian Devaney, with music by Joe Hunt.
Niall Henry directs.
ANDRE RIEU
Fans of this stellar classical musician can enjoy his 10th anniversary concert in GCG Sligo.
His Maastricht concert will be streamed live via satellite on Saturday, July 19th.
Rieu has been playing these traditional summer concerts for ten years in the Vrijthof in Maastricht.
Be prepared for emotions to soar, as the maestro puts on a magnificent spectacle.
The King of Waltz is sure to sweep you away with beautiful music, song and dancing.