Smithwick’s Kilkenny Roots Festival 2024

This year's line-up includes names such as Robert Finley, The Zipheads, Jeffrey Martin, John Blek & The Rats, Dan Stuart, White Horse Guitar Club and many more. Audiences wind their way through the medieval streets sampling the huge range of music in the 30 plus venues, hosting over 40 Irish and international acts, with over 90 ticketed and free shows from early afternoon until late into the night.
There’s a mixture of old and new acts on the free pub gig trail and all styles are catered for, from swing to bluegrass, rockabilly to cajun, folk, blues and beyond.

Music in Kilkenny presents the State Choir Latvia – Mãris Sirmais – director

St. Canice's Cathedral

The State Choir Latvia is one of the world’s most important professional choirs. They have a distinctive sound – the glorious sound of the Latvian choral tradition, characterised by warmth, balance and precision. Along with their Artistic Director and Chief Conductor, Māris Sirmais, they will present a rich programme of Latvian/Baltic music alongside that of Irish composers. This includes Arvo Pärt’s The Deer’s Cry, a setting of the well-known ‘St Patrick’s Breastplate’ commissioned by Louth Contemporary Music Society in 2007.

€15 – €20

The White Horse Guitar Club

Watergate Theatre Parliament St, Gardens,, Kilkenny

The White Horse Guitar Club, with 11 men, 11 voices, and 11 guitars, masterfully intertwines roots Americana with an Irish soul. After two sold-out Irish tours in 2023, and accumulating over one million views on YouTube, plus an exclusive invitation from President Michael D. Higgins to perform at Áras an Uachtaráin, the band continues to captivate with their live shows.

Filled with stirring and powerful emotions, the band unveils a treasure trove of songs - reimagined and delivered with pristine authenticity - ensuring each performance is a timeless journey through the heart of their musical narrative.

Step into Watergate Theatre, Parliament Street, Kilkenny on Sat 4 May 2024 and join The White Horse Guitar Club who will play fresh tracks from their upcoming album, along with beloved classics that have solidified their ever-growing fanbase at home and around the globe.

€27

BruceFest

Sullivan's Taproom 15 John Street Lower, KILKENNY, KILKENNY, Ireland

The boss returns to Kilkenny this May and we’re celebrating by hosting a 2 day event here on John Street.

Get into the spirit on Bruce-mas eve with live music from Springsteen tribute band ‘Glory Days’ out in the Beer garden or join us before you head up the hill on Sunday with live music from Resident musician (and big Bruce fan) Big Phil. Inflatable instruments will be on hand. Bandanas Mandatory.

This is a free event & bookings are highly recommended.

Free

The Bridge – Eduardo Martín and Ahmed Dickinson

Watergate Theatre Parliament St, Gardens,, Kilkenny

The Bridge is Cuba’s most internationally acclaimed guitar duo. With their musical empathy, Eduardo Martín and Ahmed Dickinson transform their concerts into a vehicle that connects, incorporates and juxtaposes their different generations; and the spiritual journey that drives their thrilling yet soothing performances.

Like many other Cubans or Caribbean, they enjoy a natural sense of rhythm. The guitar is their favoured instrument, which idiomatically conveys all the melodic and rhythmic intricacies of South- America's cultural diversity.The Bridge is a compilation of the most alluring works for two guitars by Grammy nominee composer Eduardo Martín.

Here, classical styles and rock merge with son montunos; old Yoruba chants, feel-good rumbas, funk- boleros, new age tunes and cinematic pieces sit alongside Cuban tumbaos with slap bass.

€20

Music in Kilkenny presents The Geminiani Ensemble – Alison Bury violin, John Dornenburg viola da gamba, Malcolm Proud harpsichord

The Parade Tower, Kilkenny Castle, The Parade, Gardens, Kilkenny, Ireland The Parade Tower, Kilkenny

Since meeting in the Netherlands during their student days the three members of the Geminiani Ensemble have each had successful international careers performing with some of the world’s leading Early Music ensembles and in recital.

€15 – €20

Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band

UPMC Nowlan Park Kilkenny Pennefatherslot, Kilkenny

The Boss is back! Bruce Springsteen returns to Kilkenny with The E Street Band on Sunday 12th May 2024. UPMC Nowlan Park plays host to The Boss on his 2024 tour of Europe.

Marble City Music Festival 2024

The Marble City Music Festival is the vision of Kilkenny native and world-renowned violinist, Patrick Rafter. After a completely sold-out 2023 Christmas edition, we have a stellar line-up of musicians for our 3 spectacular concerts in Kilkenny city from May 17th - 19th 2024.

For 2024, Patrick will be joined by one of Ireland's most renowned pianists, Michael McHale, Maldovan Pan-Flute player Iulian Pusca, former Celtic Women Soprano Megan Ruby Walsh, award-winning Irish Harpist, Claire O'Donnell, and critically-acclaimed Irish pianist, Billy O'Brien.

UK Pink Floyd Experience

Celebrating 30 years since the iconic ‘PULSE’ tour, this highly authentic show recreates the atmosphere of Floyd live – featuring top-flight musicians, a stunning light show and over two hours of incredible music. Come and share the passion for Pink Floyd’s music, in our true celebration of all things Floyd!

€30

Music in Kilkenny presents The Pelléas Ensemble

The Parade Tower, Kilkenny Castle, The Parade, Gardens, Kilkenny, Ireland The Parade Tower, Kilkenny

The Pelléas Ensemble are proud advocates for the flute, viola and harp trio, and have spent the last twelve years exploring and expanding the repertoire for the ensemble. They create rich, diverse programmes featuring core works alongside their own arrangements and commissions. This programme spans the centuries, presenting a greatly contrasting combination of ancient song, traditional melodies from different countries, and boundary-breaking works from both the romantic and contemporary periods. Through programming of this kind, the Pelléas Ensemble celebrate the many possibilities of this unusual ensemble.

€15 – €20

Simply The Best

Watergate Theatre Parliament St, Gardens,, Kilkenny

Ireland's own International success story, Rebecca O’Connor, is the only artist in the world personally endorsed by Tina herself, and as audiences flock to her shows will testify. Be prepared to stand in your seats as Rebecca delivers her flawless rendition of Tina Turner’s greatest hits including, Nutbush City Limits, Proud Mary, River Deep, Private Dancer, When the Heartache Is Over, Better Be Good To Me, and of course her anthem, Simply the Best.

€30

Music in Kilkenny presents The Evlana Ensemble

The Concert Hall, Thomastown

Delve into a compelling musical journey from Webern's arrangement of Schoenberg's Chamber Symphony composed in 1923 to Sean Doherty's newly commissioned work, "The Song of Iron." Also featuring Jessie Montgomery's lively "Strum", Corigliano's intriguing interpretation of Bob Dylan's poetry and Cassandra Miller's poignant "Perfect Offering" which takes its title from Leonard Cohen in a concert spanning over a century of artistic expression.

€15 – €20

The Legends of American Country

Watergate Theatre Parliament St, Gardens,, Kilkenny

Now seen by over 350,000 fans live and watched by millions on TV Europe’s No.1 multi award-winning show, "The Legends of American Country" returns for another fantastic night of toe tapping Country nostalgia. The 2024 tour will showcase highly acclaimed tributes to Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, Don Williams, Patsy Cline, Charley Pride, Tammy Wynette and Kenny Rogers and new tributes to icons Hank Williams, Alan Jackson, Glen Campbell, Garth Brooks and Jim Reeves with countless other well-known singalong hit songs in this must see musical extravaganza. The show features 3 superb singers in the young Kelan Browne, Tracey McAuley and Antony McBrien who are all accompanied by a superb live band of musicians with that real authentic Tennessee sound coupled with authentic stage set and state of the art production that is guaranteed to transport you all the way hand clapping and toe tapping to Nashville and back in one night . One thing is for sure if it’s Country music you like then this is the only show in town!

€27

Seven Drunken Nights – The Story of The Dubliners

Watergate Theatre Parliament St, Gardens,, Kilkenny

In partnership with Tourism Ireland and in association with legendary Irish pub O’Donoghue’s, Seven Drunken Nights tells the story of a career spanning 50 years and invokes the spirit of Ronnie Drew, Luke Kelly, Barney McKenna, John Sheahan, Ciaran Bourke and Jim McCann. This hugely talented cast of musicians and singers bring the music of this iconic group back to life.

€28.50

80s Icons

Watergate Theatre Parliament St, Gardens,, Kilkenny

80s Icons Show, Ireland’s first live 80s touring theatre show.

80s Icons Show celebrates the music of bands such as Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet, Level 42, Nik Kershaw, Go West, Tears For Fears, Human League, Paul Young, ABC, Ultravox, Phil Collins and many many more… so sit back, strap yourself in for a show that defines a decade.

€28.50

80s Icons

Watergate Theatre Parliament St, Gardens,, Kilkenny

80s Icons Show, Ireland’s first live 80s touring theatre show.

80s Icons Show celebrates the music of bands such as Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet, Level 42, Nik Kershaw, Go West, Tears For Fears, Human League, Paul Young, ABC, Ultravox, Phil Collins and many many more… so sit back, strap yourself in for a show that defines a decade.

€28.50

The Elvis Years

Watergate Theatre Parliament St, Gardens,, Kilkenny

Now in its 20th year, The Elvis Years, led by original West End lead Mario Kombou, embarks on its biggest ever tour of the UK and beyond.

Undoubtedly the UK’s premier Elvis theatre production, this stunning show takes the audience on a fantastic journey through all the years The King ruled the airwaves.

€32.50

Showband Hits and Stories

Watergate Theatre Parliament St, Gardens,, Kilkenny

Ronan Collins, Broadcaster and Singer looks forward to bringing his new show “SHOWBAND HITS and STORIES” to a venue near you. With his knowledge of the Showbands and, Stars and Songs of that golden era, Ronan will sing the hits and tell the stories from an amazing time in Irish life. Together with The Sugarcubes featuring Karen Black, who herself featured in The Nevada, relive the days of the ballrooms with songs and stories and memories of The Showbands!!

€31

Shania & Friends

Watergate Theatre Parliament St, Gardens,, Kilkenny

Join us in this high energy, fast paced, fully live tribute to the Queen of country pop, Shania Twain. With more than 90 million albums sold worldwide, Shania Twain is the top-selling female country artist of all time with hits such as: Man! I Feel Like a Woman, From This Moment, That Don’t Impress Me Much, Who’s Bed Have Your Boots Been Under and many more.

Following the sensational tribute to this Country Pop Icon, our second half takes you on musical journey, celebrating some of the greatest Country stars of the 90s & 00s. We may even throw in some of the old classics including artists such as, Garth Brooks, Faith Hill, The Chicks, Leanne Rimes, Lady A and more!

€26

Soul Street Productions – Made In Tennessee

Watergate Theatre Parliament St, Gardens,, Kilkenny

Country fans are given a taste of Nashville with Soul Street Productions’ sell-out show Made in Tennessee - A Night of Country Music.

With a band made up of some of UK’s finest country musicians, Made in Tennessee takes you through the decades of the nation's fastest growing music genre, from Country’s origin in the Southern States of America to modern day Country heard around the world.Featuring classics from Johnny, June, Dolly and Hank, legends like Garth Brooks and Carrie Underwood and modern country superstars such as Kacey Musgraves and Chris Stapleton. Book your tickets now to experience the best show east of Tennessee!

€26