June Fest is back again this year with a series of great events in Newbridge (and surrounding areas) over the course of June.
Last year was brilliant and there is loads of brilliant stuff going on again. Below is just a quick snapshot of some highlights including some events I’m involved with personally.
As I said, there are tons of events over the course of the month, and you can take a look at the full calendar of events @ JuneFest.ie.
Andy Irvine and Donal Lunny
Sunday, June 2, 8PM @ Newbridge Town Hall
Two giants of the Irish trad scene, Andy Irvine and Donal Lunny, will be grace the stage for a historic show in Newbridge Town Hall.
The legendary pairing will unite for an evening of great music, a mixture of traditional songs, and originals. Neither musician are strangers to Newbridge – it being Lunny’s hometown and Irvine having played many a memorable show here – but this will be a reunion with added history, as it’s their first time playing in Newbridge Town Hall since the days of Planxty.
Between them, Irvine and Lunny have been at the helm of legendary bands like Planxty, Sweeney’s Men, The Bothy Band, Mozaik, LAPD and recently Usher’s Island. Their unique style of accompaniment is an ongoing influence in the wider world of Irish music.
This promises to be a memorable night from two of the Irish trad scene’s living legends. One not to be missed.
Tickets are €20 and available here.
Crackling Vinyl
Sunday, June 02, 10PM @ Flanagan’s Bar
The Crackling DJs – as in myself, Broken Home & Friends – will bring our much loved all vinyl night to Flanagan’s Bar on June 2, spinning an exquisite selection of new & classic tunes; indie, pop, soul, hip-hop, garage & more.
Entry is free and the show starts @ 10PM.
Cristiana La Sadelhackere: The Story Of A Sex Worker In Medieval Kildare
Saturday, June 8, 5PM @ Market Kitchen
Fin Dwyer of Irish History Podcast will look at the story of Naas woman Cristiana la Sadelhackere. Cristiana’s story, forgotten for centuries, is a fascinating insight into medieval Ireland and the lives of sex workers in the 14th century. It reveals how these women survived on the margins of what was often a violent and brutal world.
Fin Dwyer is a historian, author and creator of the Irish History Podcast, Ireland’s most popular history podcast. While his current focus is the Great Famine he has published two books on the late medieval period which will be available on the day. Find out more at irishhistorypodcast.ie.
Entry is free and the the talk begins @ 5PM.
“What you maybe meant to keep” – Irish Political Ephemera Exhibition
Next door to Con Cummins Pub, Main Street Newbridge.
Wednesday 12th June to Saturday 15th June (12:00 – 16:00)
The exhibition will be officially opened by Fiona O’Loughlin TD at 4PM on June 12th. Alan Kinsella of Irish Election Literature fame will give a talk about his collection of material from Irish referenda and election campaigns down through the years.
Entry is Free and there is more info here.
Anderson // Badhands
Thursday, June 20th, 19:00 @ Market Kitchen
BarryGruff and Broken Home are proud to present Dublin musician & songwriter Anderson with support from Badhands for a special, intimate acoustic show.
Anderson’s meticulously crafted songs manage a perfect balance from peppy and positive, to the melancholic. His is a folksy sound with irresistible classic ‘60s/’70s pop tropes and melodies, draped in Anderson’s intuitive song-writing and storytelling abilities.
Two gems for the price of one – this is perfect setting to experience two of Ireland’s finest musicians up close.
Tickets are €10 and available here.