Bantry’s Culture Night trail and its concert sets in St. Brendan’s Church are inspired by three iconic festivals – the West Cork Chamber Music Festival, the West Cork Literary Festival, and Masters of Tradition – all organised each year by West Cork Music.
The trail takes in a reading by novelist Anya Bergman at Bantry Library, community music-making at the Bridge Street Community Café, and performances from the young musicians at Curious Keys Music School as well as chats as gaeilge, filling the town with creative energy.
The night will end with two concert sets by the Olympia Quartet & Dáithi Shanahan that showcase classical and traditional music influences and celebrate the spirit of West Cork Music’s iconic summer festivals.
Come along to sample the festivals and enjoy the creativity of people from across our community on Culture Night!
Coordinator: West Cork Music
Time: 8pm-10:00pm
Join us for a concert in St Brendan’s Church where we will showcase the artistic traditions Bantry celebrates across the three festivals West Cork Music hosts over six weeks each summer – the West Cork Chamber Music Festival, the West Cork Literary Festival, and Masters of Tradition.
Featuring:
Coordinator: West Cork Music
Book online:click here
Venue: St Brendan’s Church | Time: 8pm-8:45pm | Wheelchair accessible
Tune in to some of Ireland’s most talented young musicians as the Olympia Quartet from MTU perform some of their favourite pieces of classical music for violin and cello.
Whether performing well-known chamber music works or exploring new compositions, the Olympia Quartet strive to make meaningful connections with their audience through music and showcasing their joy of playing together.
Coordinator: West Cork Music
Book online: https://westcorkmusic.ie/culture-night
Venue: St. Brendan’s Church | Time: 9pm-9:45pm | Wheelchair accessible
A talented songwriter and musician from the hills of West Cork, Dáithí Shanahan draws from Irish traditional as well as contemporary influences to paint irreverent pictures of his home hills, seas and boreens. His unique brand of alternative folk isn’t to be missed on Culture Night!
“One of the Irish alternative folk community’s most enigmatic yet arresting voices.” – Hot Press
Location: Wolfe Tone Square, Bantry, P75 H593
Wheelchair accessible: No
Coordinators: West Cork Literary Festival (West Cork Music) in association with Bantry Library
Venue: Bantry Library | Time 5-6pm
Join historical novelist Anya Bergman in Bantry Library to hear her read from and discuss her captivating novel, The Tarot Reader of Versailles, which is set against the backdrop of revolutions in France and Ireland in 1798. Anya, who is based on the West Cork/Kerry border, also writes popular historical fiction as Noelle Harrison. She will share insights into her intriguing writing process and explore the different challenges involved in writing commercial and literary fiction.
Location: Bantry Library: Bridge St, Town Lots, Bantry, Co. Cork, P75 K402
Wheelchair accessible: Yes
Coordinator: Curious Keys Music School
Venue: Curious Keys Music School | Time: 5pm-6pm
This Culture Night join Curious Keys for 5 Mini performances by our wonderful students at 5pm to celebrate 5 years of Curious Keys!
🎁 Treats and a music themed lucky dip for kids!
💛 Everyone welcome – family, friends, neighbours, visitors!
Location: Curious Keys Music School, 10 Town Lots, P75 NF84
Wheelchair accessible: No
– CANCELLED
Coordinators: Bantry’s Irish Conversation Group and Ma Murphy’s
Venue: Ma Murphy’s Pub | Time: 5:15-6pm
Join us for a Pop-Up Gaeltacht to practise whatever level of Irish you have. You’re sure to gain a few extra words and confidence and pick up the natural rhythms of everyday conversation as Gaeilge. The event will feature cómhrá agus craic, and scúps if you’re keen to keep talking!
Location: Ma Murphy’s Pub, New Street, Bantry, P75 DP82
Wheelchair accessible: No
Co-ordinators | West Cork Development Partnership, Caz Jeffreys, and the Bridge
Street Community Café
Venue: Bridge Street Community Café | Time: 7-9pm
Be part of an Open-Door Community Music Session with Caz Jeffreys and friends. Bring along an instrument and your voice to join in, or simply come along to enjoy listening!
And don’t forget to book tickets for the concert in St Brendan’s Church!
Join Bantry’s Core Creative for an evening of music, dance and visual arts. The Bella Coola, now disbanded, promise a blend of funk, neo-soul and jazz for their reunion concert, the evening’s finale, in the Secret Garden at Corecreative. Their never-released music video, featuring original choreography by Rebekka of Per.form dance studio, will see its debut screening on the night, with the video stills exhibition on display during the day in the studio.
The evening’s activities kick off with a swing dance workshop in Per.form at 4pm. At 6pm, Corecreative will host members of The Diving Bell, an original music trio, for a harmony workshop, followed by the video screening for ‘Who What Where’ and concludes with live performances by both bands.
Locations: Corecreative & Per.form Dance Studio
The African Queens is a South African all-female acapella ensemble formed in Cork, Ireland. The group consists of three members, Gloria Nomalanga Zulu a Singer, Actress and Choreographer, Neo Gilson who is a singer, poet and storyteller, and Phindile Moloi who is a singer . The African Queens’ music style is diverse and steeped in traditional South African music, afro-soul, jazz and gospel. The African Queens presents music that celebrates their rich South African heritage and encourages societal unity.
The event takes place in the newly renovated Marino Church. Tickets are free, but due to limited capacity, booking is advance. Event from 7-8pm, doors open at 6.30pm.
Book The African Queens Event here
Location: Marino Church
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
For all enquiries, contact Siobhán at siobhan@westcorkmusic.ie | 086 303 0991
Please note, there may be minor changes to the programme. Do check back!
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