Texas tornado set to hit Kilkenny

 Kilkenny will play host to over 80 Texans in the coming weeks as the Texas Tornado Tour rolls into the city boasting some of the finest Texas country musicians that will take the stage local venues.

 A number of venues in the city will host live music from the visiting musicians including Billy Byrnes, Ryans Bar, Set Theatre and An Poc Fada from August 28 to September 10. The line up consists of well known artists that pack venues throughout the music circuit in Texas including Austin Allsup who made fame when he reached the final stages in The Voice televised to over six million viewers throughout America, Sarah Hobbs who is the 2022 Texas Country Female Artist of the year, country music warrior Billy Don Burns who has had his songs recorded by artists such as Willie Nelson, Cody Jinks and Whitey Morgan and whose claim to fame is knocking Johnny Cash off the Number one spot with his album Desperate Men and many more fantastic artists.

Strict visitor restrictions remain in place at St Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny

The Smithwick’s Experience is also in for a surprise when local band The Presidents take to the stage on September 2 and will be joined by a string of special guests from Texas who will join the local band for a jam session.

Not only will Kilkenny people get the chance to see some incredible Texas musicians, also joining the group is Operation Rock The Troops, a group that aim to support and heal military veterans suffering from TBI/PTS through non drug related solutions through the power of music, song writing and inspiring documentaries. The group will be documenting their experience in Kilkenny and we can expect some incredible footage of the Marble City that will be shared to thousands of viewers right across the United States.

Speaking to The Kilkenny People, organiser Terressa Nordstrom said:

“What started as a fun trip with a few musicians in tow has now turned into one of the most powerful events of the year.  Each year we are able to bless veterans with a trip to the emerald isle.  While there, they team up with one of the many established artists on the tour and talk about their personal struggles with PTSD.  Together they write a song about the experience and perform it during the visit with the powerful JC All Stars Band.  It is an adventure for us, the fans, the musicians, and of course our beloved veterans.”

“We are super excited to come to Kilkenny and spend the entire trip there as opposed to just a few days like previous years. Kilkenny has welcomed us with open arms and we have made many great friends there that make the trip very special. We are looking forward to putting on some incredible shows which will all be free entry as we want as many local people as possible to come join us,” she said.

In previous years, Kilkenny was included for just a few days as part of a tour throughout Ireland, however, this will be the first year where Kilkenny is the base for the entire trip following an invitation from former Mayor Andrew McGuinness.

“I’m delighted the Texas Tornado Tour will be completely based in Kilkenny with over 80 people staying in our hotels, shopping in our shops, eating and drinking in our pubs and restaurants and experiencing all the great things that Kilkenny has to offer. I want to thank Terressa and her team for agreeing to make Kilkenny their base and I hope that we can build on this year and make it an annual event that will get bigger and better each year,” said Cllr Andrew McGuinness.

“I was more than happy to help this group to organise their shows in our local bars and get set up for their trip to Kilkenny and I’m excited to see the incredible musicians that will perform here. The fact that it will be documented and potentially viewed by thousands in the USA is a huge bonus too. Kilkenny will be awash with cowboy hats and great music for the duration of their trip and I hope as many local people as possible come out to catch one of their shows,” concluded Cllr McGuinness.

Keep an eye on the Kilkenny People and Kilkenny Live for further details in the coming days but keep your diaries free for some great free shows including Tuesday August 29 at Billy Byrnes, Wednesday, August 30 at An Poc Fada,  August 31 at Set Theatre, Friday September 1 at Ryans Bar, Saturday September 2 at The Smithwick’s Experience and more to be shared in the coming days.