Kilkenny Roots Festival 2012 line-up...

Since 1998 the Kilkenny Roots Festival has been attracting some of the finest names in the Americana canon to the Marble City; acts like Calexico, Ryan Adams, Josh Ritter, Drive By Truckers, Guy Clark, Richmond Fontaine and Ray LA Montagne have all graced the bill in the past. From midday till midnight audiences wind their way through the medieval streets sampling the huge range of music over 30 of the cities venues entertained by acts from USA, Canada, Ireland and the UK, with over 80 ticketed and free shows. Ticket prices have remained at the same level for the last 6 years and we have increased the number of free shows to over 60.

2012 Kilkenny Roots Festival, held between May 4th and May 7th is set to be the best one yet with a stellar cast of bands and musicians from all walks of the Americana spectrum.

The Alabama Shakes are arguably one of the world’s hottest bands right now and are set to release their hugely anticipated debut album on Rough Trade this month.
“Bringing together the ghosts of James Brown and Carl Perkins into an unabashed celebration that shows music rooted in the past need not just be a dry archeological exploration…“ The Guardian

Kitty, Daisy and Lewis are everyone’s favourite rockabilly darlings. Their wonderful blend of old-time roots and modern day hip charm has been endearing them to massive audiences all over the world.
“The trio will blaze a trail to your heart and set your dancing feet on fire” Dazed & Confused

Dan Baird, head-honcho of Americana trailblazers The Georgia Satellites and all round legend on the scene, brings his amazing Homemade Sin band over to Ireland. If a roof remains intact on any venue he is playing we will be surprised as this is one hell of a rock ‘n’ roll hurricane heading our way.
“A long time since people made albums as fun, as strong and as satisfying as this one.” Billboard

Danny and The Champions Of The World, headed by the effervescent Danny George Wilson (Grand Drive) have had universal acclaim for their latest album, Hearts And Arrows, a Springsteen-esque masterpiece of delicious hooks and wonderful musicianship.
“Thunderously exciting...in a word, Dan-tastic.” Word Magazine.

Richard Buckner has been one of America’s greatest songwriters for years, his deft touch and deeply personal reflections on life and love are non bettered experienced than on the extraordinary new album, Our Blood.
“An album that grows more emotionally astonishing with each play, and, at 36 minutes, one that’s entirely too brief.” Austin Chronicle

Willy Vlautin & Dan Eccles (Richmond Fontaine) Hailed ‘Kings Of Americana’ Richmond Fontaine have been producing albums of hard-hitting yet deeply moving Americana for years now, all of which have received glowing praise and have become classics in their own right, Here Willy and Dan perform stripped down versions of songs taken from their amazing catalogue.
“Willy’s songwriting continues to hit the spot and Dan’s guitar playing keeps getting better and better.” Bob Harris, BBC.

Hiss Golden Messenger, AKA MC Taylor echoes the work of Bill Callaghan and Will Oldham in it’s an ability to dance between genres and styles whilst wearing different masks and identities. One part folklore troubadour, one part playful adventurist.
“Country-soul greatness.” 4 Stars, Uncut.

Charlie Parr is the real deal. A troubadour in every sense, his heartfelt minimalist back porch country blues carry not only true heartfelt conviction but a deep sense of pervading that echoes both Robert Johnson and John Fahey.
“Parr has been releasing enthralling albums with a minimum of fuss for the past decade.” 4 Stars Uncut.

Missourian rising star Israel Nash Gripka has been making huge waves on the roots scene this past year after his excellent Barn Doors and Concrete Floors album garnered universal praise. A volatile mix of old-school Fogerty and countryesque Stones, Gripka has a voice that moves mountains and songs that render themselves unforgettable from first listen.
“A swaggering country rock album that recalls The Rolling Stones’ greatest flirtations with the South’s soul and blues.’ Q Magazine, 4 stars.

Rod Picott is one of the scenes real treasures, a wonderful, poignant and heartfelt lyricist his songs have been sung by many including Slaid Cleaves. Country music with heart and soul from a performer oozing endless charm and warmth.
“The songs are both beautiful and disturbing, and are the work of an artist who deserves to be heard. I hope he sells a million copies.” Mary Gauthier.

Kilkenny Roots Festival 2012 Website

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