Andy Irvine

Andy Irvine has been hailed as “a tradition in himself.” Musician, singer and songwriter, Andy has maintained both personal integrity and highly individual performing skills throughout his 40-year career. From Sweeney’s Men in the mid sixties to the enormous success of Planxty with Christy Moore in the 70s. Andy has been a world music pioneer and icon for traditional music and musicians. Andy left the band in 1968, and made his fi rst trip ‘way out yonder’, traveling by ‘the sunburnt thumb’ in Bulgaria, Romania and Yugoslavia, earning his living as a street musician and absorbing the musical traditions of the Balkans. Returning to Ireland, Irvine united with Christy Moore, Donal Lunny and Liam O’Flynn to form Planxty, fanning the fl ames of Irish Traditional Music well into the next generation. Planxty took a break in 1976 and Irvine worked and recorded with Paul Brady, making the classic album “Andy Irvine & Paul Brady”. After a brief time with De Dannan, he rejoined the reunited Planxty from 1979 until its breakup in 1983.

Andy continues to tour extensively, both solo, with Patrick Street and Mozaik, throughout Europe, Australia and America with occasional visits to more distant places like Brazil and Japan and Limavady, yes this doesn’t sound correct but it is. Andy has agreed to perform a one off concert for the festival on the Friday night at the Limavady Bowling Club/Rec Club.Limited tickets are on sale and we as a committee promise you an amazing artist singing amazing songs in a wonderful intimate venue who have never held the like of this before.
 
 
More Power To Your Elbow
The Key Members Gerry Cunnigham & Pat Casy Along With Guest Artists

This is the first time members of the infamous More Power To Your Elbow have appeared in Limavady. Its taken the festival committee over three to get them and as the tv saying goes, ladies and gentlemen “ WE GOT M”. These members of the band will lift the roof in the closing event held within the Corner Bar. Their reputation throughout Europe is immense and they follow our gig the next night by teaming up with the Chieftans in the Armagh City Hotel. These guys offi cially welcomed the All Ireland Champions Tyrone home to Northern Ireland with an outdoor event in Auchnacloy. This is the caliber of the band, truly unmissable and probably not repeatable within the Roe Valley Folk Festival. Take Monday off and enjoy the best nights entertainment held in the Borough for years.

 
 
Pure Blarney
www.pureblarney.com

Pure Blarney will lift the roof from the Newtoun Bar on the Saturday afternoon gig. Enjoy their unparalleled sounds of traditional live music, branding an Irish fl avour. No fi llers here folks, just feet on the fl oor and nights being made. To quote one experience, “The craic was contagious and simply Unforgetable”............... Thanks to the Newtoun Bar for hosting one of the most unbeatable gigs of the weekend.

 
 
Stout.ie
www.stout.ie

Formed over 15 years ago this Limavady 6 piece continues to perform live in the local clubs and venues throughout the whole of Ireland. They specialize in Irish traditional and Irish rock music, although they will attempt anything anywhere keeping the music live and the craic high. Performing only a few times over the festival it will be worth while catching up with an unplanned night of live musical bliss unplanned and unrehearsed, it’s what the band does best “live music” enjoy it at its best....
 
 
The Limavady Folk Club
 
A Wednesday night folk club will take place upstairs in the Alexander Arms. These nights have continued to grow in the level of performing artists and the support of local folk lovers. This particular gig will prove to be something special with extra special artists appearing, light refreshments and free prize draws will also be held on the evening, an evening which will prove to be an unforgettable night of local talent.
 
 
Allen School of Irish Dancing
 
This up and coming Irish School of Dancing will perform on the Saturday afternoon. Formed several years ago their trophy cabinets continue to overfl ow and their delightful dancers will woo the public to the sounds of Gigs, Reels and various other contemporary dance styles unique to the school. Interested mums and dads looking to take their kids to the school should make themselves known on the day, new members always welcome.
 
 
 
Johnny Mulgrew with Fiddlers Elbow
 
These legends of Irish Folk Music will be appearing early Sunday evening within the Bobs Bar & Bistro venue. The same event last year moved the whole event to several standing ovations. Johnny and the band have over 20 years of experience between them and their music simply gets sweeter with age. Johnny and the band don’t play to often these days so it was an all round pleasure to accept them back to this cracking venue. Why not make a day of it by experiencing the home cooked food at Bobs before the Gig, a special folk menu will be available for all on the day.
 
 
Market Street 2-4pm
 
This year in the Market Street area you will be treated to a host of free entertainment for all ages. The live stage will provide various guest artists appearing throughout the day along with an amazing performance from the Allen School of Irish Dancing. Street performers will be busy painting faces making balloon models and performing various street acts. Back by popular demand will be the huge infl atable slides for all to enjoy. Come down and enjoy what is your festival.