Folk legend John Spillane to play Tradfest in Kilkenny

Folk legend, John Spillane, and his Band of Wrens, will take the stage at Kyteler’s Inn on Saturday, March 16 at 9.30pm as part of this year’s Tradfest.

John is one of Ireland’s best loved songwriters, his roguish charm and delicate touch will take you on a voyage of emotion through song-from melancholy to wonder.

His music transcends both genre and generation. He writes with pop sensibility, yet draws inspiration from a deep well of heritage and wisdom. His voice has an almost sean-nós quality and his songs, while catchy and witty, are imbued with real depth and meaning.

NOTE: Kilkenny street undergoing works today (Monday)

Works are being carried out on Patrick Street in Kilkenny City

The Music of John Spillane encapsulates Traditional Irish Music in its contemporary form.

“John’s songs are the heart and soul of our Island and they’ll be sung around the world as long as there is song” said renowned singer/songwriter Damien Dempsey.

Owner of Kyteler’s Inn, JD Flynn, said they are looking forward to welcoming John Spillane and his band to their historic venue.

“We are delighted to have been part of Tradfest for many years. John Spillane’s songs, both his original compositions and his versions of ancient songs, as Gaeilge and in English, may well have been sung by many generations of revellers in our medieval tavern. We hope that the ghosts of Dame Alice and Petronella might even be singing along!,” he said.

There is limited ticket availability at www.kilkennytradfest.com

St Patrick’s Day (March 17) is set to be an action-packed day with TradFest hosting events in venues and pubs throughout the city, not to mention of course the St. Patrick’s Day Festivities!

What better to unwind from it all than with a cold drink and some powerful trad courtesy of Buíoch at Biddy Early’s Terrace at 8pm.

Buíoch are a four-piece trad fusion band from County Laois. They write, arrange and compose all of their own melodies and tunes, giving them a traditional yet progressive sound that is unique and energetic. Their name derives from the Irish word for ‘grateful’, and the Tradfest organisers are very grateful to have them perform at this free concert.

This year’s festival promises to be the best yet, with a line-up packed full of both trad legends and young blood.
Tradfest takes place between March 15 and 18 and boasts a fantastic lineup of concerts and workshops.

For more information and to book tickets see www.kilkennytradfest.com