Ryan’s Rocktoberfest goes international in Kilkenny

At Ryan’s on Friary Street in Kilkenny the team, are well known for their commitment to showcasing diverse and exceptional musical talent and this October Bank holiday weekend is no different.

On Thursday evening the award-winning Irish American singer/songwriter John Francis O’Mara will perform at the iconic live music venue. Born in Harlem, New York, John spends most of his time on the road, performing, touring frequently in England, Germany, Switzerland, and Ireland, his family’s ancestral home. John played Ryan’s a number of years ago, “Think Johnny Cash meets Jeff Buckley” John Francis takes to the stage at 8pm.

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Later on that evening at 9.30pm Beth Patterson an Irish folk and Celtic musician and singer, based in New Orleans in the US will be performing. Beth combines traditional Irish, Celtic and folk ballads with Cajun and progressive rock influences and her own creative songwriting.

Continuing on with an international theme on Friday night at 10, Drunken Mahone, a French group inspired by the world of the Pogue's, Dropkick Murphy's, Floggin' Mollies and the Clash take to the stage in what promises to be a lively set.

On Saturday evening at 7pm, Barry Whyte makes his Ryan’s solo debut with an acoustic rock set. If you're a regular to Ryan’s bar on a Sunday evening you’ll be no stranger to this man's incredible talent.

Next up on Saturday night at 10pm we have Irish roots rocker, singer songwriter from South Armagh, Ben Reel and his band who are a mix of folk, soul and reggae. Ben and his band are no stranger to Ryan’s. It's been a while since Ben played in Kilkenny so there is great antipication over hearing some tracks from his new album “Come a long way”.

On Sunday at 7pm, guitarist Enda Duffy and front woman Audrey Fay, otherwise known as RUAH, take to the stage. A two-piece folk, rock and blues band hailing from north Dublin, they are experienced writers and musicians whose performances are exciting, upbeat and full of passion! They promise a mixture of covers and originals, you won't be disappointed.

La pièce de résistance, local band,The Uptown Band will help keep the party going onto late on the bank holiday Sunday. With Johann’s captivating vocals backed by a powerhouse ensemble of guitar,keyboard, drums, and brass it’s going to be a night filled with Soul, Blues and Rock n Roll. There’s few better than Johann and Lads to help bring the curtain down on what has all the makings of another memorable Rocktoberfest Holiday weekend.

Sunday night is fancy dress so dress to impress, with prizes for the best costumes. You can follow Ryan’s on Friary Street on Facebook, Instagram and Tik Tok for updates from the home of great live music!