Swank

Vancouver-based Swank perform a genetically modified, all hoedown, alliance of punk and country styles.  It’s a mixture of guilt, guitars, gospel and guts executed with an almighty, footstompin’ excitement. (Canada)

Robbie Fulks

Robbie Fulks is one of the more heralded talents in the alternative country movement, displaying an offbeat, often dark sense of humour. He moves effortlessly between the twang of his early work and a crunchier roots-rock hybrid, though he’s returned to his roots with his latest opus Georgia Hard. A riveting live performer, you’ve just […]

Alejandro Escovedo & His Band

Finally, we’re proud to present in Kilkenny No Depression magazine’s Artist of the Nineties.  Starting off as ground zero punk rock dude with the Nuns, cowpunk progenitor in Rank and File, guitar-rawker in the True Believers and Buick MacKane; he’s the genuine Real Deal. He is also a consummate storyteller who is held in the highest esteem […]

William Elliott Whitmore

Neo-blues crooner William Elliott Whitmore breathes fire and brimstone tales with a voice full of emotional depth that sounds decades older than he is. Hailing from a horse farm along the banks of the mighty Mississippi River, armed with no more than a banjo or an acoustic guitar, Whitmore belts out originals that Mirror the depth of the […]

The Sharon Shannon Collective

Widely regarded as one of the most gifted Irish musicians of her generation, she’s part of the “new wave” of traditional musicians; Sharon Shannon has done more for the humble button accordion than perhaps anyone in the entire history of Irish music.  Featuring Mundy, Dessie O’ Halloran, Jon Kenny and Richie Buckley.

Gina Villalobos Band

Gina Villalobos Band has opened for artists as diverse as Frank Black, The Breeders, Mary Lou Lord and Laura Veirs. This LA singer-songwriter’s 2005 album has been described by BBC Radio’s Bob Harris as a “contender for album of the year”. She will be touring her latest album “miles away” as she plays in Kilkenny. (US)

Corb Lund and the Hurtin’ Albertans

They’re a blazing roots-rock outfit, serving up an acoustic brand of traditional country music with wit and humour. Lund blends together a Western rodeo upbringing with a decade on the indie rock scene with his previous group, the Smalls. (Canada)

Grayson Capps & His Band

Grayson has a voice that could only have come from the New Orleansstreets he calls his “Cannery Row”. He’s a preacher, a poet, a singer, a guitarist and a supreme chronicler of the American landscape. (US)

Hackensaw Boys

Picture it, you’re in Kilkenny and here’s the Hackensaw Boys crammed onto a tiny stage, clustered in tight knots around three microphones, giving the show the feel of an old-time radio hour.  They’ve opened shows for bands of the calibre of the Flaming Lips. You could call it bluegrass with a hint of the Ramones about […]

Elliott Brood

Elliott Brood call their music Death Country – dark, gritty folk music built around vocals and lyrics evoke images of love, loss and loss. Fans of the Handsome Family or Johnny Dowd need look no further, with the band’s soul-thumping songs, visceral Kentucky-hardcore acoustic guitar and sombre, achingly confessional vocal harmonies. (Canada)