Music lovers from all over Ireland are set to descend on Ballyvaughan this weekend for the second ever Common Threads festival.
The event, which is the brainchild of North Clare’s own Daithí O Dronaí and Peter Kelly, is a two-day trail of music and cultural discovery set in the backdrop of the North Clare Burren.
With over a decade of experience in Ireland’s music and arts scene, they aim to break the mold on what a traditional music festival looks like and explore the common links and threads between a vibrant local community, key cultural spaces and an important natural landscape, while embellishing all of these common threads with art, live music and discovery.
The event combines a musical bus tour around the Burren with a number of set-piece musical events.
Tickets for the bus tour sold out immediately, and due to overwhelming demand, the organisers have launched individual show tickets which are now on sale.
“Common Threads is now in its second year, and we have a good handle on what makes it so special. We have incredible artists, inspiring locations and strong support from the local community,” Daithí told The Clare Champion.
“The event is truly one of a kind. We transport the audience by bus to several beautiful locations around the Burren, such as the Aillwee Cave, The Burren College of Art, O’Donohue’s in Fanore, and a secret location in the village of Ballyvaughan.
“Over the weekend, some of the best artists in the country perform, from legendary folk artist John Francis Flynn to electronic acts like Royal Yellow and HousePlants.
“The support from the community in Ballyvaughan has been incredible. Hylands Hotel provides accommodation for the artists, and with all other short-term accommodations fully booked by attendees, the village has a lovely atmosphere during the event.
“This year, we’re enhancing the experience with local food and craft suppliers, and even a sauna for Saturday morning before we set off. It’s a great way to extend the season for local business owners, and Common Threads attendees get to experience the area at a really special time.”
While the bus tour, which includes access to five venues and more than 12 artists, is sold out, tickets can still be bought for individual festival events.
Next Friday, October 11, there will be performances by Daniel Luke, Ailbhe Reddy and Mynameisjohn at a secret location in Ballyvaughan.
On Saturday, October 12, O’Donohue’s Pub in Fanore will be the venue for a triple header from Negro Impacto, Royal Yellow and HousePlants.
Indeed Houseplants is one of Daithí’s own musical vehicles and features the Ballyvaughan producer and Bell X1 frontman, Paul Noonan.
“Houseplants has always been about reaching out and connecting, there’s an honesty and rawness to the lyrics, production, and visuals. I think that’s what both the band and the audience really connect to, and you see it in full force when we get to play to an audience, there’s nothing like it,” said Daithí.
For more about the individual show visit www.commonthreads.com.
Andrew Hamilton is a journalist, investigative reporter and blogger who has been working in the media in Ireland for the past 20 years. His areas of special interest include the environment, mental health and politics.