Introducing Summer Live – free open-air gig
THE first Summer Live – Claremorris open-air gig will take place in The Square, Claremorris, on Saturday, July 21. The initiative is promoted by Claremorris Town Hall, and features Cork-based singer/songwriter John Spillane and Knockmore native Seamus Ruttledge.
The event is aimed at families, with the emphasis on music, entertainment and food, in a relaxed, open-air environment.
Mayo County Council has recently paved an area to the rear of The Square, and this is the location for the gig.
"It would be stretching it to call it a mini Electric Picnic, but we hope that the atmosphere will be the same," says John Corless, manager of Claremorris Town Hall, who are promoting the gig.
"The council has done a marvellous job on that area of the Square, and we decided to run a free gig to promote use of the area and for people to enjoy themselves in the centre of the town.
"Town centres everywhere are under pressure, and Claremorris has a fantastic centre and that area in particular has restaurants, coffee shops, florists, beauticians, insurance companies, drapery shops, pubs and electronics shops. It is a vibrant mixed commercial and residential area and has a lovely civic space, recently paved. It is an ideal location for a family fun event."
The gig, entitled Summer Live – Claremorris, is the first of its kind in the town and will feature John Spillane, with support from Seamus Ruttledge. There will street entertainers too – something for everyone.
Admission is free and the music starts at 9 p.m.
John Spillane is a musician, songwriter, performer, recording artist, storyteller, poet, dreamer – a canvas filled with colour and brilliance. His music transports the listener; his live performance captivates the audience.
In a world filled with strife and upheaval, a time-out with John Spillane is enough to ease the load a bit on anyone lucky enough to bask in his light. The man and his music are pure magic.
Two-time Meteor award winner, John is one of the most accomplished songwriters in Ireland today. Among those who have covered his songs are Christy Moore, Karan Casey, Pauline Scanlon, Cathy Ryan, Sharon Shannon, Sean Keane, George Murphy, to name a few. He performs to audiences large and small everywhere.
Mayo native Seamus Ruttledge has established a reputation as one of the most respected contemporary songwriters currently at work.
Ruttledge’s repertoire is unflinching as it rails against the human frailties of blame, self-interest, hedonism, and corporate consumption in songs like 'War', 'You Didn’t Either', and 'Edge Of The World'.
But there is redemption and hope too, not least in songs like 'I Feel Blessed', 'Orphan Child', 'Better Man', and 'Say It Easy'.
Ruttledge is a regular performer at some of Galway’s finest venues including the Roisin Dubh, The Crane, and Campbells Tavern.
He also has become a regular at the major festivals including Electric Picnic, the Cuirt Literary Festival, Westport Arts Festival, and Clifden Arts Festival.