As part of this year’s Galway International Arts Festival, Monroe’s Live will host a line-up from folk icons to indie legends, and new collectives to confessional pop, across a series of summer performances.
Opening the programme on Monday, July 14, is Session Americana, joined by Eleanor Buckland. With nine records and a residency in Cambridge, Massachusetts, their vibrant, rootsy sound brings together American country, jazz, and rock in an unmistakably joyful style.
On Tuesday, July 15, Skinny Living take to the stage. Their long-awaited debut album Day By Day reached number one on the UK Independent Albums Chart, and their songs reflect stories of resilience and aspiration.
On Wednesday, July 16, London's indie favourites The Magic Numbers will perform. Comprising two pairs of siblings: Romeo and Michele Stodart, and Sean and Angela Gannon, this four-piece was nominated for the Mercury Prize. Their debut album featured top ten hit singles such as 'Forever Lost', 'Love Me Like You', and 'Love Is a Game'.
The following evening, Thursday, July 17, BIIRD make their Galway debut. This new trad supergroup of eleven women-instrumentalists, singers and lilters brings a fresh, collective energy to Irish music.
Friday, July 18 at 8pm is a chance to see Biig Piig at the Dominick Street venue. With a bilingual voice and a sound that merges hip hop, R&B, and dance, she brings her acclaimed album 11:11 to life. The oldest of four, singer Jess was born in Ireland but spent her formative years in Spain and London.
Irish indie act The Frank and Walters will perform a special acoustic set on Saturday, July 19 at 8pm, revisiting beloved tracks like 'After All' and 'Fashion Crisis Hits New York' from a career that has spanned more than three decades.
On Sunday, July 20 at 8pm, NOTIFY bring together trad with jazz, post-rock, and cinematic influences, featuring six of Irish musicians: Pádraig Rynne on concertina, Tara Breen on fiddle, Davie Ryan on drums and percussion, Adam Taylor on bass, Rory McCarthy on piano and Fender Rhodes, and Hugh Dillon on guitars.
Join Maverick Sabre on Thursday, July 24 at 8pm. His new album, Burn The Right Things Down, reflects on time, loss, and creative urgency.
A Lazarus Soul take to the stage on Friday, July 25 at 8pm. Fronted by Brian Brannigan, the Dublin band draws on personal storytelling, shaped by experience, and grounded in social commentary.
Closing the programme on Sunday, July 27 at 8pm is Richard Thompson, founding member of Fairport Convention. Named in Rolling Stone’s Top 100 guitarists of all time, Thompson’s pioneering contribution to British folk rock continues to inspire audiences around the world.
Tickets from www.monroes.ie
