BEGINNING on Wednesday August 17, the 13th Annual Terryglass Arts Festival promises top names in Irish music and comedy as well as emerging artists and award-winning foodies.
The comedian Aindrias de Staic performs the opening gig of the festival in the Pop Up Playhouse in Terryglass Square at 9pm on the 17th. Described in the media as ‘a captivating yarn-spinner’, his one man show ‘Around the World on 80 Quid’ is a cross between contemporary Irish storytelling, variations of world music and of course, lashings of laughs.
Thursday 18 is the night for emerging artists as young local bands The Beard of Zeus, Raffiki, and Auto Pilot take to the stage of the Pop Up Playhouse. Loosely based on Oxygen, this Nite-ro-gen event will be mc’d by Today fm’s Bob Conway.
For those more interested in the culinary arts, attend to The Derg Inn on Thursday August 18 evening for ‘The Art of Food and Wine’. Hosted by artisan food promoter and consultant Peter Ward, the event begins at 6pm, offering tastings of cheese with wines to illustrate his suggested pairings.
Back to music. Friday August 19 sees Tommy Fleming perform in concert at Terryglass Church in what has to be the headline act to the festival this year.
The Drawing Room Opera Company presents ‘Highly Strung’, which we are told is “a captivating mix of high drama, comedy and operatic vocals”. Singer/ comedienne Liz Ryan will go straight to the hearts and laps of the audience with thought provoking questions such as “Are you married?” and “Do you have vife?!”
Violinist Istvan Barnacz restores balance with thrilling virtuoso violin showpieces such as Monte-Czardas. ‘Highly Strung’ takes place at Quay on Saturday 20 night and in Terryglass Square on Sunday 21 afternoon. Tickets are on sale online at www.terryglassartsfestival.ie and from The Derg Shop, Terryglass.
