Latest news with #TheHothouseFlowers
Irish Independent
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Young Kerry musician launches fundraiser to help her collaborate with Grammy winner
Lorraine, who hails from Lyreacrompane, released her first album All That I Can Be back in 2023 before releasing a deluxe edition of the same album earlier this year. Now she hopes to get back into the studio sooner rather than later on her sophomore outing, one that she hopes to collaborate on with none other than multi-Grammy award-winning musician (14 to be exact) by the name of Ron Block, the last of which came back in 2011 when his band Alison Krauss & Union Station won the award for Best Bluegrass Album. 26-year-old Lorraine is – as well as currently touring with The Hothouse Flowers – in the midst of preparing for her Glastonbury debut on June 28 when she will take to the Acoustic Stage, playing alongside amazing acts that she has loved and admired for years such as Nick Lowe, the Hothouse Flowers, Oisin Leech, Billie Marten, Gabrielle Alpin, and The Henry Girls. Collaborating with Ron Block on the new album will not come cheap though with Lorraine hoping that, with financial support from the public, she will be able to afford to fly to Nashville in Tennessee. Lorraine first connected with Ron earlier this year and she said that she is 'incredibly excited' to potentially head to Nashville to 'bring these new songs to life.' Writing on her Kickstarter fundraiser page, Lorraine had this to say: 'Streaming and the digital landscape of the music industry has made it very hard to sustain a career in music, let alone fund an album. That's why I'm asking for your support to help pay for the creation of this record. I'd be so grateful if you could contribute or share this with someone who might be in a position to do so. You can give as much or as little as you like and you can choose from any of the rewards [on the page]. Lorraine has budgeted that the entire trip will cost about €25,000 (the full breakdown of costs can be found on the Kickstarter page) and she has so far raised almost €5,000. There are some risks involved for Lorraine in her fundraiser if she doesn't reach her target goal, she said that she won't receive a single penny. If this fundraiser is successful I will be able to apply for my USA working visa and get to Nashville as soon as possible. I then face the challenge of raising the remaining €5000 through funding applications and gigging. Your help will break the back of the beast and make it possible for me to get started on what will be a really special record,' she said.
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
