Stellar Weekend Gig Guide for GIAF at Monroes Live

The final weekend of the Galway International Arts Festival line-up at Monroe’s Live promises to be an exciting one with Teddy Thompson, Gruff Rhys, George Murphy and The Rising Sons and Tara Howley performing from Thursday, July 25th to Sunday, July 28th. 

The only son of British folk-rock legends Richard and Linda Thompson, singer-songwriter, Teddy Thompson, takes to the stage on Thursday, July 25th at 8pm. Blending British folk, American pop, and country elements, he has collaborated with artists such as Martha and Rufus Wainwright, Allison Moorer, Shelby Lynn, Dori Freeman, and Roseanne Reid. 

His album, My Love of Country, is a stunning reinterpretation of classic country songs, originally made famous by George Jones, Patsy Cline, Porter Wagoner, and many others, and he has also reimagined the great country duets with Jenni Muldaur.

Support on the night is from rising Co. Down singer-songwriter Taylor Lally, who has recently released her self-titled collection of music. She has been highly received on the festival and gigging circuit and the multi-talented Lally also took a role in the Brian Kennedy film, ‘So What If It Rains’.

Teddy Thompson Pictured.

One of the great pop eccentrics of his generation, Gruff Rhys, comes to Monroe’s Live on Friday, July 26th at 8pm. He gained fame in the mid '90s as lead singer for the neo-psychedelic warriors Super Furry Animals and has continued to craft adventurous works as a solo artist.

With a career spanning over three decades, his mix of rock, electronic, and psychedelic genres have come together in his latest album, Sadness Sets Me Free. Written around keeping hope in bleak times, he continues to celebrate otherness, a way of reaching out to the oddballs and characters who create imperfect connections.

Rhys will be supported by folk duo DUG, who draw inspiration from both Irish and American traditional music. DUG aims to create a transatlantic blend that reflects the musical heritages of both its members, Lorkin O’Reilly from Dublin and California native Jonny Pickett. This is where American old-time meets Irish folk, as they tread the line between those two worlds. 

DUG duo Lorkin O’Reilly and Jonny Pickett.

George Murphy and The Rising Sons bring together stellar vocals with traditional Irish instrumentation and classic rock n’ roll on Saturday, July 27th at 7:30pm. This eight piece band comprising of banjos, whistles, fiddles, bodhrans and electric guitars fuse trad, folk and rock n’ roll, with the enigmatic George at the helm, who is hailed as one of the most exciting vocal finds in Ireland.

George will be supported on the night by folk singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from County Clare, Seán Lyons, who released his five track Juliana EP earlier this year. 

George Murphy

Multi award-winning artist and former Riverdance piper from Kilfenora, Co. Clare, Tara Howley will perform on Sunday, July 28th at 8pm. Having recently released her new album, Take Two, featuring traditional music and song, this is a unique opportunity to see the Kilfenora native as she showcases her latest work. Tara gained international acclaim for her role as the lead uilleann piper and whistle player with Riverdance.

Classically trained, she began her career gigging in Doolin at the age of fifteen. Inspired by Co. Clare uilleann piper Blackie O’Connell, she has mastered the instrument and earned recognition for her talent. With numerous all-Ireland titles, she has performed across Europe, Asia, America, and Canada.

For more information and to purchase tickets log on to www.monroes.ie .