Exciting October Nights Festival coming to north Mayo town
As October signals the end of 'harvest' and fading light, why not get out and enjoy two great nights of music at the new and free October Nights music festival at Ballina Arts Centre on October 20 and 22.
Never comfortable with the blasphemous 'predictable' accusation, the festival features a diverse line-up that includes critically acclaimed Spiddal-based singer Brigid Mae Power, Seamus Fogarty, Alannah Thornburgh and more.
The two-night event promises a unique mix of folk songs, queer pop, hyperpunk and hard rock.
Thursday (October 20) features the acclaimed country-folk singer Brigid Mae Power. The Guardian described her voice as an ‘instrument that raises the everyday to a near-mystical realm’. Brigid has strong Mayo roots and has previously played Other Voices, All Together Now and Green Man Festival, among others.
Swinford native and harpist Alannah Thornburgh – a two-time RTÉ Folk Award nominee – deftly weaves between ancient airs and tunes from the Irish, American Appalachian and jazz traditions.
It's the hotly tipped Achill guitarist Graham Sweeney (just ask Luka Bloom or Declan O'Rourke) who opens proceedings on the night, meanwhile,
Saturday (October 22) again summons some of the best talent with Mayo DNA for an uncompromising night. The festival is celebrating diversity, ambition, do-it-yourself attitude and those brave enough to address real and present social issues.
Queer pop band Babylamb – featuring members from Foxford and Castlebar – have the likes of Hot Press gushing with praise.
Domino Records and Swinford’s London-based alt-folk hero Seamus Fogarty arrives to sing songs about nuns and table-tennis.
London-based Westport native Uppbeat (Finn Costelloe) brings the heavy rap and hardcore sounds of hyperpunk to Ballina for a rare Mayo performance. His 2021 track ‘Exhale’ has already surpassed one million streams on Spotify.
It comes down to Ballina's own hard rockers The Masterplan to bang some heads for the opening set on the final night.
Music. Two nights. October. Simple. That’s October Nights Festival. Mark your calendar!
For more information or booking details, see www.ballinaartscentre.com or telephone (096) 73593.
October Nights is curated by Ronan Quinn in partnership with Ballina Arts Centre. The Local Live Performance Programming Scheme is funded by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media and administered by Mayo County Council.