Mark your diary: This year Westport Arts Festival will be running for a full fortnight, from Monday, October 1 to Sunday, October 14, 2012, and we’re planning two action-packed weekends full of events.
We’re working on our programme right now, and, as ever, it will be an exciting, quirky and diverse line-up of things for you to see and do.
As Westport’s most-diverse festival, it’s not all about music. There’ll be the usual mix theatre, literature, dance, visual arts and comedy and more.
But, with all the excitement in Westport this weekend, we thought a sneak preview might be in order …
Download Video with Vixy.net | Convert to MP3
Julie Feeney
Appearing with a pared-back ensemble, the dramatic and stylish singer, composer, orchestrator, and producer Julie Feeney, winner of the Choice Music Prize for ‘Irish Album of the Year’ takes an avant-garde approach to her sound. While rooted in classical music, she straddles both the pop and theatrical worlds.
Having recently performed ten nights off-Broadway to rave reviews, she will be delivering an intimate performance in Holy Trinity Church on Saturday, October 13, ahead of her Irish tour.
“Ms. Feeney’s songs don’t shout. They tease, ponder, reminisce, philosophize and invent parables, and she sings them in a plush, changeable mezzo-soprano that usually holds a kindly twinkle.” The New York Times, April 2012
Download Video with Vixy.net | Convert to MP3
Le Galaxie
Described by some as one of the best Irish bands of their generation, breakthrough four-piece dance band Le Galaxie are taking this summer’s festivals by storm with their quasi-elecronic and seriously energetic live shows. We’re delighted to include them in our own programme.
Want to know what all the fuss is about? Without getting wet at an outdoor festival? They’ll be in Westport on Saturday, October 6.
“They own the stage and their loud beat and chunky-synth laden electronic music is pumped with guts … Seriously fun and fun in its seriousness.” The Irish Times
Download Video with Vixy.net | Convert to MP3
Catherine Leonard and Hugh Tinney
Individually acclaimed and highly successful classical musicians, Leonard and Tinney have been performing as a duo since 2000. Their eclectic repertoire spans the body of chamber music, ranging from solo sonatas to larger chamber works. They’ll play the atmospheric Holy Trinity Church on Sunday, October 7.
Poetry Competition
This year we’re excited to be running a poetry competition open to adults, teens and younger children with cash prizes as well as kudos on offer. Award-winning poet, novelist and playwright Dermot Healy is confirmed to judge the entries. Dubbed by Seamus Heaney as the heir to Patrick Kavanagh, Healy will also read his own work on Friday, October 5. More info and entry forms here.
Theatre
Velvet Revolution is an exciting new play from Truman Town Theatre written by Mayoman Mick Donnellan. At times dark, others hilarious, and often touching, and using only two actors and a minimal set, the play is a feast of tension, humour, suspense and ultimately a delightful illustration of the bizarre Irish psyche. This is a hotly anticipated show and is not to be missed.
Velvet Revolution will be performed on October 9 and 10.
So, 14 days in October, with something to appeal to everyone. Sure you’d be mad to miss it.
To be the first to know what we’re planning like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or sign up to our newsletter.
We’d love to hear from you if you’ve got any ideas or would like to help out. Email us here.
UPDATE: Unfortunately, Marc O’Reilly who was originally scheduled to appear at the festival has had to pull out due to unforeseen circumstances. Our apologies.
UPDATE 2: Truman Town Theatre were originally scheduled to perform Sunday Morning Coming Down. This has now been changed to Velvet Revolution.
Copyright © 2009 - 2012 Westport Arts Festival
Really enjoyed last year and went to all the gigs. One night laoise Kelly was in the Shebeen while earlier the same night a young local girl was singing in Matt Molloys. The gig in Matts was late starting and on the same night there was the first interval for the week?. I had to leave at the interval to make the gig in the Shebeen where I advised the people on the door of the overun. As a result of this there was a low turn out at Laoise Kelly. I think it would be a good idea to only run one musical event per night. Perhaps people drinking will prefer to stay in town than pay for a taxi.
Keep up the good work.
Vincent
Thanks Vincent, and apologies. We noted this issue last year and we’re actively working on ways to make sure that this kind of thing doesn’t happen again. Stay tuned!