Latest news with #NewRossGuitarFestival
Irish Independent
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
New Ross Guitar Festival hits a high note across Wexford
With a balanced programme embracing not just classical guitar but also rock, blues, country, and Americana, it was a vibrant celebration of music, community, and connection. The festivities began on Thursday night with US bluesman Eric Bibb playing to a full house at St. Michael's Theatre. His heartfelt, soul-stirring blues – accompanied by Gunnar Lindstrom on guitar, Greger Andersson on harmonica, and Ulrika Bibb's stunning vocals – set a high bar and a deeply emotional tone for the days ahead. Friday evening offered something completely different in the form of a transcendent classical performance in the serene surrounds of St. Mary's Church. The ever-gracious Irish guitarist, Pat Coldrick, stepped in for Vera Danilina, who was unfortunately unable to attend due to unforeseen circumstances. Pat's performance held the room in rapt attention, a gentle masterclass in musical storytelling. That theme of mastery continued into Saturday morning, when classical virtuoso John Feeley led an inspiring and intimate masterclass, guiding young musicians through the works of Bach and Brouwer with quiet authority and encouragement. But the magic wasn't confined to the concert halls and this year's festival saw New Ross come alive in various outdoor settings. Saturday afternoon saw local Wexford band, Kiss My Grass, fill Brennan's Lane with joyful country, bluegrass, and Americana. Their toe-tapping tunes and playful spirit had locals and visitors alike dancing, laughing, and soaking up the sunshine between sets. By Saturday night, the town was buzzing and the energy centred the sold-out show from Hothouse Flowers. Liam Ó Maonlaí's magnetic presence and lyrical piano playing wove beautifully through a rich tapestry of Irish trad, rock, and soul. Joined by Fiachna Ó Braonáin on guitar, Peter O'Toole on bouzouki and bass, Dave Clarke on drums, and Martin Brunsden on double bass, the band delivered a performance that left the crowd spellbound, as an audience member described the experience as "an emotional and unforgettable evening". "Fiachna and the lads are just an incredibly gifted group of musicians... an absolute privilege,' they added. Fiachna, in turn, reflected on his deep connection to the instrument that started it all, describing his love of the guitar as something that 'set my world on fire". On Sunday, the weekend's formal events came to a graceful close with a solo concert by John Feeley. Performing original compositions and beloved classical works, he offered a tender, nuanced set that left listeners moved and uplifted. But the festival had one more surprise in store and for the first time ever, the New Ross Guitar Festival partnered with Duncannon Village to host Busking on the Beach where the event comprised of local and international musicians performing right on the sand. With the sea as their backdrop, and the weather kindly cooperating, Duncannon came alive with song, spirit, and seaside celebration. As the weekend wrapped up, it became clear that this was no ordinary festival. It was a heartfelt celebration of what music makes possible, not just world-class artistry, but also grassroots joy, spontaneous moments, and deep connection. Artistic director of the festival, David Creevy, said: 'The artists gave memorable performances, with a wide range of talent from international stars to local musicians busking for the first time. We look forward to doing it all again next year.' Niall Ó Muílleoir of the Duncannon Village Renewal Group echoed that sentiment: 'This was a perfect partnership because of the quality of the musicians. The event raised the spirit of the community - locals and visitors alike. It was a great success, and we even managed to duck the rain!' It's been confirmed that preparations are already under way to include more magic, music, and meaningful connection when the festival returns next summer.
Irish Independent
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
‘Busking on the Beach' to add new dimension to popular Wexford music festival
On Sunday, July 20, sound waves of live music will be heard from the strand as the festival expands in its celebration of music from around the world. Talented guitarists from across Ireland and beyond, including musicians from Savannah, Georgia, will descend upon Duncannon Strand, bringing a wide range of genres to this unique setting beneath the historic Duncannon Fort. The beach will come alive at 2.30 p.m. with guitar music spanning classical, blues, bluegrass, traditional, pop, rock, and country, performed at three designated locations: Roche's Green, the Bass Rock, and near the beach apartments. Adding to the lively atmosphere, the Duncannon Beach Market will offer handcrafted gifts, and visitors can enjoy the hospitality of the local pubs, cafes, and shop. Cathaoirleach Cllr. Bridín Murphy, Chair of the New Ross Guitar Festival, shared her support for the beach to be used as one of the festival locations. She said: 'I'm delighted with this new initiative for the guitar festival, continuing our policy of featuring performances around the towns and villages of the New Ross District.' Meanhwhile, Niall O'Muilleoir of echoed the sentiments of the Cathaoirleach and stated that the organisation is 'excited to be hosting the first-ever fringe event of the New Ross Guitar Festival with busking on our golden beach next to historic Duncannon Fort.' 'It's the perfect setting for the enjoyment of our community and visitors alike,' he added. The collaboration and new location highlights Duncannon as a perfect setting for the New Ross Guitar Festival's first-ever busking event. Just a scenic 25-minute drive from New Ross, this charming village offers breath-taking views of the Waterford Estuary and a tranquil mile-long beach. The historic backdrop of Duncannon Fort, dating back to the 16th century, adds a rich cultural atmosphere to the occasion, making it an ideal spot for this lively celebration of music and community. As the festival extends its spirit to Duncannon, hopes are high for fine weather to complement this lively outdoor event. The backdrop of the Waterford Estuary, with its wide sands, grassy dunes, and the imposing silhouette of Duncannon Fort, promises a stunning setting for this celebration of music and community. The initiative, supported and sponsored by Wexford County Council, is still open to guitarists who are interested in joining the rota. They are invited to contact Festival Artistic Director, David Creevy at Admission is free, and all are welcome. For more information about the full festival program and ticketing details, visit
Irish Independent
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
International stars and local legends to unite across multiple stages during New Ross Guitar Festival
The festival is set to ignite the town from Thursday, July 17 to Sunday, July 20, with an array of musical performances that span genres from blues to classical to Irish rock music, while plans are also under way to expand the event to locations across Duncannon beach. This year's festival promises an unforgettable experience in the vibrant community of New Ross, with the support and sponsorship of Wexford County Council and taking centre stage are the Irish legends, The Hothouse Flowers. Fronted by the charismatic Liam Ó Maonlaí and Fiachna Ó Braonáin, the band is renowned for its unpredictable energy and raw musical power. Reminiscent of their days on Dublin's late-night dancefloors, The Hothouse Flowers blend a grand repertoire with spontaneous improvisation, promising to evoke deep emotional nostalgia and keep the audience rocking in the aisles. The New Ross Guitar Festival, which began in 2022, has quickly established itself as an exciting platform where Irish and international guitarists of the highest calibre come together to celebrate a wide array of guitar genres. With a vision to inspire a new generation to experience the benefits of playing a dynamic instrument, the festival continually develops its diverse line-up. Artistic Director, David Creevy, reflected on the three-year journey and said: "We are delighted with how the festival is evolving, with fresh programming and events that continue to celebrate diverse guitar styles while also offering more accessible experiences for all. The success of past festivals has only strengthened our committee's bond as we work together with the community to curate an experience that I believe is truly special, something I am incredibly proud of and grateful for." Also lined up for the event and equally as captivating as the Hothouse Flowers, is Grammy-nominated American blues pioneer Eric Bibb, whose signature fingerpicking and expressive vocals have earned him global recognition. With both folk and blues influences, Bibb's dynamic style defies simple categorization, inviting concert-goers on a journey of heartfelt storytelling as he reflects on both world events and personal experiences. Among the other featured performers is the internationally acclaimed Vera Danilina. Celebrated for her captivating stage presence, virtuosic talent and stunning tone, Vera has dazzled audiences at prestigious venues across Europe, Asia, and America. Her diverse repertoire showcases both her technical brilliance and profound musical sensitivity. In addition, an exclusive masterclass with Vera will provide four aspiring guitarists the unique chance to learn from her insights into technical and artistic challenges which is a rare opportunity for budding musicians. The Festival also welcomes back John Feeley who has been described by the Washington Post as "Ireland's leading classical guitarist." Feeley has captivated audiences worldwide with performances at renowned venues such as the Sydney Opera House, L'Arena in Verona, and New York's Carnegie Hall. Performing in the more intimate setting of Killesk Church in Duncannon, Feeley will showcase the mastery that has earned him international acclaim. The haunting acoustics of the venue will beautifully capture his exquisite tone, promising an unforgettable evening. Local sounds come to the forefront with Kiss my Grass, a vibrant bluegrass and Americana band from Wexford. Their toe-tapping, foot-stomping performance in the new outdoor venue at Brennan's Lane in New Ross promises a refreshing twist on favourite tunes, making it the perfect free event for friends and families. Meanwhile, other destinations of the festival's concerts will be held in some of the area's most iconic venues, with performances in New Ross taking place at St. Michael's Theatre and St. Mary's Church. ADVERTISEMENT Not to be missed is the first-ever Busking on the Beach event at Wexford's kilometre-long Duncannon Beach, right under the shadow of its 16th-century fort, staged in collaboration with This free event, held on Sunday, July 20, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., will showcase musicians across genres, from classical and blues to bluegrass, trad, pop, rock, and country. Performances will be at three dedicated areas: Roche's Green, the Bass Rock, and near the beach apartments. Adding to the vibrant atmosphere, the Duncannon Beach Market will feature a host of handcrafted gifts, while visitors to the village can also enjoy the inviting ambience of two pubs, two cafes, and a local shop. Adding to the Director's comments, local Councillor Brídín Murphy, Chair of the Festival, welcomed the festival's expansion: 'We're delighted to have such a strong line up for the guitar festival this year and very pleased to announce two additional free public events in the form of an open air concert featuring Kiss my Grass in the new public performing space at Brennans Lane, and the eagerly anticipated Busking on the Beach on Duncannon Strand which we are staging in collaboration with
