Countdown: Rhythm & Roots

The Barr Brothers

Monday makes it four days to go until Kilkenny Rhythm & Roots 2015…

I’ve never met anyone who, having at some stage attended Kilkenny’s long-running Americana extravaganza, attested to Rhythm & Roots’ reputation as the best little festival in Ireland. Having featured the likes of John Grant, Angel Olsen, Alabama Shakes and Phosphorescent on recent bills, the festival continues to unearth gold from the mud and dust. 2015 marks my first ‘Roots adventure. Here’s the first part in a list of the bands I am most excited to see.

Who?: The Barr Brothers
Where?: Cleere’s Theatre
When?: Saturday (8pm), Sunday (1pm)
Why?: Latest record Sleeping Operator (review here) saw the Montreal foursome go up a couple of folk-rock gears, with the same to be said for their enthralling live shows. Having seen The Barr Brothers a number of times over the years, this will strangely be my first time seeing them in Ireland. Not to be missed.
More?: thebarrbrothers.com

Who?: Ryan Boldt
Where?: Cleere’s Theatre / Ryan’s Bar
When?: Saturday (1pm) / Sunday (7pm)
Why?: The Place I Left Behind by The Deep Dark Woods was only narrowly pipped to #1 spot on the blog’s 2012 album of the year list (recap here) and just a few months later they turned up at the Roots as a late Monday addition. Frontman Ryan Boldt is back two years later in solo guise to play tracks from gentle gem Broadside Ballads.
More?: ryanboldt.bandcamp.com

For more on Kilkenny Rhythm & Roots Festival visit:

– Kilkenny Rhythm & Roots takes place in various Kilkenny venues from 1st-4th May 2015