Looking for something different this bank holiday weekend?

Then why not head along to the inaugural Greystones Americana & Roots Weekend which takes place over this coming June bank holiday weekend. The first of its kind in Co Wicklow, the festival will feature lots of fine live music, family activities and master-classes, oh and the sun may well shine! And better still all music events are a recession busting FREE of cover charge! The festival will feature bluegrass, roots and alt country acts from both sides of the Atlantic. You can be sure they’ll be bashing out all kinds of Americana goodness. It’s an all day event Saturday and Sunday, buskers are welcome and there will be an abundance of sessions. There’ll be a good old timey atmosphere, banjos, washboards and a full pig on a spit barbecue for that down home authenticity! For the kids there’ll be bouncy castles, face painting, hot dogs and a rodeo bull! Artists … There’s more

The Seafarer at the Abbey Theatre

Wednesday night, with thanks to David McCadden at the Abbey I was lucky enough to see The Seafarer in the Abbey Theatre. It’s Christmas Eve and Sharky has returned to Dublin to look after his irascible, ageing brother who’s recently gone blind. Old drinking buddies Ivan and Nicky are holed up at the house too, hoping to play some cards. With the arrival of a stranger from the distant past, the stakes are raised ever higher. In fact, Sharky may be playing for his very soul… In the midst of this raucous tale of drinking, craic and card playing, there is a tender story of a family, and of redemption. So, pull up a chair alongside Sharky, Nicky, Ivan and co and enjoy a great story, well told. The Seafarer takes place in the home of Richie on Christmas Eve. His brother Sharky, played by the talented Liam Carney, as … There’s more