Musicians from Ireland and the USA will be bringing unique sounds to West Clare this month, for the latest in a series of Cosy Concerts at Banner Books.
Folk duo, Ru O’Shea and Sarah Szucs, will be performing at Banner Books in Kilrush this coming Friday, July 12.
Ru is an Offaly-born, Dublin-based folk musician, who works primarily in arts and healthcare.
Meanwhile, Sarah is a Waterford-born, Tipperary-based singer-songwriter with an extensive repertoire of original songs.
Both performers are regulars at festivals like Birr Vintage Week and Electric Picnic, and they are very much looking forward to bringing a summer of music to County Clare.
Serpentine meanwhile, is a seven-voice women’s choir based in Bulbancha in New Orleans and which is dedicated to healing personal and systemic trauma and re-building human connection with the earth.
Their songs are stories of resilience, joy, softness and transformation. The choir believes that songs change the shape of culture, and call forth change and justice.
They are touring in Ireland throughout the month, and they will perform at Kilrush on Thursday, July 18.
The Cosy Concert series is a new venture, set up earlier this year by the voluntary arts organisation, Silverwood Events.
Led by Kilrush resident Lily de Sylva, they are a programme of affordable events for local people and aim to give a fair deal for performers.
Ticket prices are flexible, to keep the events open to as many people as possible.
The standard ticket price is a guideline, but there are also donation options so people can pay what they can afford.
Costs are kept to a minimum, and all profits go straight to the musicians.
“Our local pubs have always been great to support musicians but not everyone is comfortable in the pub, and not every type of music works in that environment,” said Ms de Sylva about the Cost Concerts.
“So, we are delighted that other local businesses are stepping up to provide an alternative.
“Banner Books have been very supportive, and the shop is the perfect setting for immersing yourself in the music.”
Visit Silverwood Events on social media for details of upcoming events and tickets.
Located in Ennistymon and Kilrush, Banner Books sell new and second-hand books as well as cards and gifts.
Both premises also host a growing series of events including concerts, book launches, readings and other arts events. For more information visit bannerbooks.ie.
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.