60 gig extravaganza coming to Letterkenny

Some of the best and most unique acts from around the country and beyond are set to perform at the Letterkenny Blues and Roots Festival next week.

It returns for its third year in 2023 on the first weekend of July. The festival, which ran in 2019 and 2022, has announced an exciting lineup of music and events taking place throughout the town.

After the success of the previous festivals, the event is back this year with over 60 gigs happening throughout the bars and venues from Friday, June 30 to Sunday, July 2.

Big names that have already been announced include: Shawn Jones (USA); Mirenda Rosenberg (USA); Buck Taylor (USA); Grainne Duffy (IRL); Crow Black Chicken (IRL); Johnny Gallagher and The Boxty Band (IRL); The Blues Katz (NI); Delta Fuse; Ol’Times; Stone Cold Hobo and many many more.

With an increased international flavour of artists appearing at this year's festival, Letterkenny will again come alive over the July weekend to the sounds of some of the best blues artists around.

Other notable mentions appearing this year will be The Davy K Project; Kick The Bucket Blues Band; Mark Black Blues Band; Chris Taplin Band; Paul Sherry; Joan Talbot and Jazz Gazette; The Met Quartet; High Heeled Converse; Indigo Joe; Red Neck Hillbillies; Jonathan Smeaton and The Wonder Boys to name but a few

On Saturday, July 1 the main street of Letterkenny will be alive with music as the festival kicks off with a unique jazz event hosted by An Grianán Theatre, mcauley/mckeown/mccullagh in association with the Improvised Music Company (IMC) and taking place in the foyer from 12pm.

This will be followed by the Limavady Big Brass Band performing a set in An Grianan Plaza. Other events taking place on Saturday afternoon will be Crow Black Chicken performing live at the Market Square and The Blues Katz Blues Band live at the Kinnegar Brewery.

This year there is also an interesting fringe event taking place during the weekend. The James Fraher Blue Notes Exhibition at the Regional Cultural Centre. This collection of portraits of blues artists is a very special addition to the festival this year.

There are 17 venues taking part all over town and it is expected to be a highlight of the summer calendar of events for the town.