
June 2021
Music Network presents 10 String Symphony
Christian Sedelmyer fiddle, vocals Rachel Baiman fiddle, banjo, vocals Described as “The newest and most promising voices in Americana” by NPR, 10 String Symphony is a collaboration between Grammy-nominated fiddle player Christian Sedelmyer and acclaimed songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Rachel Baiman. Take ten strings, add two compelling voices and one shared sense of social justice, and what you’ve got is a dynamic and quietly authoritative duo in the best tradition of Guthrie and Seeger. Christian Sedelmyer and Rachel Baiman are artists…
Find out more »MUSIC: A Piece of You by Greg Sinclair
Imagine telling a story about yourself and then having it turned into a piece of music. A Piece of You is an intimate performance for you in your home; a private concert for you alone or with your partner/friend/family member via ZOOM. Award-winning performance artist, cellist and composer Greg Sinclair turns your thoughts and feelings into your very own music score in this unique piece all about you. For audiences of up to 3 people. Duration 30 minutes We presented…
Find out more »Music Network presents Patrick Rafter and Fiachra Garvey
Patrick Rafter violin Fiachra Garvey piano Violinist Patrick Rafter and pianist Fiachra Garvey join forces to present a stunning programme of music from France, Belgium and Ireland. “I'll get my coat!” cried Patrick Rafter when Maxim Vengerov phoned to invite him to study with him in Switzerland, and since then, Patrick's diary has been stuffed with performance dates with some of the most prestigious orchestras and conductors in the world. Kilkenny born, he swapped his hurl for a bow, and…
Find out more »July 2021
LIVE BROADCAST: ODD THEATRE COMPANY – The Last Five Years
The Odd Theatre Company is proud to present its production of the award-winning musical The Last Five Years, a show widely regarded as one of the finest musicals of the 21st century. An emotionally powerful and intimate tale of two New Yorkers in their twenties who fall in and out of love over half a decade, The Last Five Years follows the relationship of Cathy, a struggling actress, and Jamie, a rising novelist. The show's unconventional structure sees Cathy’s story…
Find out more »September 2021
MUSIC: The Esposito Quartet
Mia Cooper, violin Anna Cashell, violin Joachim Roewer, viola William Butt, cello The Esposito Quartet comprises four of our most distinguished musicians with a combined wealth of experience as recital artists, orchestral leaders and teachers, who have been playing as a quartet since 2010. This programme includes: Mozart - Quartet in F major K.590 Ian Wilson - ‘Across a Clear Blue Sky’ Korngold - Quartet No.1 Ian Wilson’s ‘Across a clear blue sky’ was written in 2009, inspired by Seamus…
Find out more »MUSIC NETWORK PRESENTS: Iarla Ó Lionáird, Úna Monaghan & Kevin Murphy
Iarla Ó Lionáird voice Úna Monaghan harp, electronics Kevin Murphy cello You won’t want to miss this much-anticipated new Music Network collaboration featuring vocalist Iarla Ó Lionáird, harpist and sound artist Úna Monaghan, and cellist Kevin Murphy Renowned vocalist and member of supergroup The Gloaming, Iarla Ó Lionáird is one of Ireland’s most distinctive voices. A master of the Sean Nós singing tradition, his willingness to embrace and develop new ideas while guiding songs along gorgeous musical pathways distinguishes him…
Find out more »LIVE Network: Republic of Shame
LIVE Network and Riverbank Arts Centre present a night of conversation and creative responses to the ongoing legacy of the mother and baby home institutions. Until recently, religious orders and the Irish state operated a network of institutions where thousands of women and children were disappeared into, separated from each other and exploited. Through breaking silences and sharing testimonies, generational survivors of this system in Ireland have become catalysts of change. In the search for answers, their voices must continue…
Find out more »October 2021
MUSIC: Cassiopeia Winds
Cassiopeia: a group of five bright stars, to be found in the northern sky in the shape of a W. Cassiopeia Winds: a group of five exceptional musicians whose sheer joy in performing together is contagious. Cassiopeia Winds is an Irish chamber wind ensemble formed in 2010, whose performances are marked by vivacity, panache and a dedication to the exploration of fine sound-worlds. Though the ensemble has the capacity to expand or contract to suit its innovative programming, at its…
Find out more »MUSIC NETWORK PRESENTS: Kit Downes’ Dreamlife of Debris
Kit Downes piano, organ Tom Challenger tenor saxophone Lucy Railton cello Sebastian Rochford drums An unmissable opportunity to hear Kit Downes’ highly anticipated and critically acclaimed album Dreamlife of Debris in concert. The wandering mind is a curious thing, and Kit Downes' Dreamlife of Debris explores its tangents and threads, subtleties and secrets in this stunning project inspired by W. G. Sebald's The Rings of Saturn novel. There is a suitably zero gravity feel to this music, buoyant, orbital, full of whorls and tendrils…
Find out more »December 2021
MUSIC: Tara Breen & Pádraig Rynne with Donal Lunny & Jim Murray
Tara Breen - Fiddle Pádraig Rynne - Concertina Dónal Lunny - Bouzouki & Bodhrán Jim Murray - Guitar Embark on an odyssey of wonder, joyfulness and upbeat music as four incredibly talented and creative folk musicians shape melodies from past and present into something dynamic and irresistible. A quartet comprising of musicians at the fore of our tradition, expect a performance from the gentle to the rhythmical and all the in-betweens. After over 10 years of performing together as a…
Find out more »LOCAL ARTS: Highly Strung – All Wrapped Up
A year like no other has made us realise the value of friendship. For fans of the foursome, this is a special festive celebration of friendship old and new. The ladies are delighted to return to the Riverbank for their annual Christmas show of classics old and new, all wrapped up with their signature twist. The four friends’ diverse, complementary musical backgrounds create a mellow blend which hallmarks the spirit of Christmas for their audiences. Highly Strung sprinkles a little…
Find out more »January 2022
NOTES TO SELF: Musicians Share Songs & Stories
Four Kildare music artists come together for an evening of song and discussion about the role music can play minding your mental health. Presented in association with First Fortnight Festival 2022, Riverbank Arts Centre is delighted to welcome songwriter and community musician Sive, rapper and writer Dafe Orugbo AKA Max Zanga, singer, songwriter and producer Hally, and singer and songwriter Freya Monks, hosted by Keith Walsh, writer, broadcaster and mental health advocate. In this one-off special event, the artists will discuss…
Find out more »February 2022
Special Screening: The Island of Saints (based on The Red Book of Ossory)
++Update 4/2 - Due to unforeseen circumstances, this screening is not able to take place tonight - all ticket holders have been contacted. Apologies for any inconvenience++ The Island of Saints is based on an important 14th century medieval manuscript, The Red Book of Ossory, which was compiled in Kilkenny and is housed there in St Canice's Cathedral. Pre-eminent among the manuscript’s texts are sixty remarkable Latin poems by Richard de Ledrede, Bishop of Ossory. Caitríona O’Leary, music director of…
Find out more »MUSIC NETWORK PRESENTS: Séamus McGuire, Niamh Varian-Barry & Gerry O’Beirne
A compelling new Music Network collaboration featuring the unique and beautiful sound of violas in traditional music. Séamus McGuire viola/fiddle Niamh Varian-Barry viola/fiddle/voice Gerry O’ Beirne voice/guitar Curiosity, virtuosity and a deep understanding of the Irish tradition are just some of the things that unite this trio of fine musicians. A new musical force to be reckoned with, their performances on this Music Network tour will explore traditional grooves, great melody and the beautiful sonority of violas in traditional music.…
Find out more »MUSIC: Edel Meade – Brigids and Patricias – concert & talk
A concert and talk featuring acclaimed singer-songwriter and Tipperary woman EDEL MEADE, who released her stunning new solo album BRIGIDS AND PATRICIAS in 2021, described as 'most courageous Irish album of the year" in The Irish Times. A strikingly original artist working in the field of jazz, folk and contemporary music; her voice has been described as mesmerising or magical even, while her music is haunting and powerful. This extraordinary new collection of original songs and spoken word reflects on what it means to be a…
Find out more »March 2022
MUSIC: Eleanor McEvoy
Eleanor McEvoy achieved star status in Ireland in 1992 when her song "A Woman's Heart" was the title track for the A Woman's Heart anthology album. A Woman’s Heart has since gone on to become the best-selling album in Irish history. Since then, Eleanor has gone on to become an artist and performer known throughout the world. Her critically acclaimed canon of work spans fifteen albums and appearances on numerous compilation albums. Released in July 2021, it is no surprise…
Find out more »MUSIC NETWORK PRESENTS: Amy Dickson, Sonoko Miriam Welde & Simon Mulligan
Amy Dickson saxophones Sonoko Miriam Welde violin Simon Mulligan piano Discover the extraordinary sonic beauty of this trio featuring twice Grammy-nominated saxophonist Amy Dickson, violinist Sonoko Miriam Welde and pianist Simon Mulligan. Performing together for the first time on this Music Network tour, this trio of extraordinary musicians has selected a programme which showcases both their virtuosity and ability to creatively adapt much-loved music to their unusual combination of instruments. Incorporating elements of folk and popular music from around the…
Find out more »MUSIC: Inni-K
Inni-K returns to the Riverbank to celebrate the release of her new album, ‘Iníon’ (‘Daughter’). ‘Iníon’, Inni-K’s third album, sees the Dublin-based, Kildare singer, songwriter & musician, return to her roots and to her first love – sean-nós and traditional song. Together with the highly skilled collaborators joining her on this record & on this tour, Inni-K breathes exquisite beauty into these songs, creating for her audience a fresh and invigorating experience in sean-nós song. “Regarding our rich song & music…
Find out more »April 2022
MUSIC: Don Baker Blues Man
Just turned a young 70 and 55 years on the road, Don has had an amazing career. Harmonica player, singer- songwriter and actor he has headlines with Tom Jones and Van Morrison, acted opposite Daniel Day-Lewis in the Oscar Nominated “In the Name of the Father” and been declared by Bono as “The greatest harmonica player in the World!” In January 2022 his album, “Legacy” will be released, his first ever collection of harmonica instrumentals as recorded by Don over…
Find out more »LOCAL ARTS: The Life and Songs of John McCormack
Kildare tenor Philip Scott is delighted to bring his show "The Life and Songs of John McCormack" to Riverbank Arts Centre. Philip brings a programme of John McCormack songs such as I Hear You Calling Me, Macushla, The Kerry Dance and many more. The programme will also be sprinkled with some well known Italian arias. The Story of John's life which weaves its way through his songs will be told by one of Kildare's finest actors Liam Quinlivan and accompanied…
Find out more »May 2022
MUSIC: EIMEAR CREHAN
Eimear Crehan is a well established songwriter, community musician and facilitator who loves to share her music with her audience. She is currently touring after the release of her second album, Quiver, and is enjoying playing in theatres around Ireland, supporting Mary Coughlan as well as doing her own headline shows. Eimear has been working on her music and performing for 14 years now and in that time her sound has really developed, having moved through lots of genres like…
Find out more »MUSIC: The Illegals with Niamh Kavanagh
Let us take you back to 1980: … Eagles and Fleetwood Mac served-up two of the best live double-albums of all time. Widely regarded as one of the best live tribute acts in the country, The Illegals are back at in 2022 with their ever-popular classic-rock revival show replicating the sound of the world’s two greatest rock bands. The best of two legendary bands in one night – and a little more besides… Songs like “Hotel California”, “Go Your Own…
Find out more »June 2022
MUSIC: JuneFest presents Conor Mahony & Friends
Conor Mahony; musician, songwriter and singer will be returning to performing live to coincide with the release of his upcoming album "Strange country", written with fellow musician Alan FitzGerald with whom he works jointly under the name ‘Dust’. Conor merges a wide range of influences; jazz, blues, and impressionism, melodically, while giving a respectful nod to the roots of country and folk and their impact on his collaborative work in general and on this album in particular. Joining Conor will…
Find out more »MUSIC: Peggy Seeger and Calum MacColl – The First Farewell Tour
Charismatic Peggy Seeger - singer, songwriter, feminist, icon, Ewan MacColl’s partner and muse - is the undisputed queen of folk and political song. On this ‘First Farewell to Ireland’ tour, join Peggy and her son Calum MacColl, an exceptional musician in his own right, for a glorious evening of up-close performance. Expect to hear a mixture of new and traditional songs from Peggy’s huge repertoire, plus some of her and Ewan MacColl’s most loved songs, interspersed with readings from Peggy’s…
Find out more »Music Network Presents: Camilla George
Camilla George saxophone Renato Paris keys & vocals Jihad Darwish electric & double bass Rod Youngs drums Daniel Casimir bass Explosive London based band led by award winning Nigerian born saxophonist, Camilla George features many of the leading lights of the UK Jazz Scene. Camilla’s love of fusing African and Western music has made her a unique voice on the international jazz circuit. She will be bringing her all-star band to Ireland for an unmissable 10 date tour mixing…
Find out more »MUSIC: Pete Kavanagh & Band
Pete Kavanagh and band will be performing tracks from his critically acclaimed debut album “Join up the Dots”, at the Riverbank Arts Centre on Saturday June 18th as part of Junefest! 'Pete's debut album (Join Up the Dots) ranks right up there beside the best of new Irish talent over recent decades' Lonesome Highway Pete Kavanagh is a musician, songwriter and storyteller from Co. Kildare. His music has a vintage quality to it, with modern twists that are uniquely his…
Find out more »MUSIC: The Apple and the Tree – Frank & JJ McNamara
Like his father, JJ McNamara (now 23) was a child prodigy pianist and has enthralled audiences for years all over Ireland, UK and Europe with his dazzling technique and profound musicianship. People would always say to his father Frank, veteran of Late Late Show with Gay Byrne, “ah the apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree”. Frank too was a child prodigy. In fact he was only 19 when he became the musical director of the Late Late Show…
Find out more »September 2022
MUSIC: Ian Wilson – Beside the Sea
Beside the Sea is an ambitious and innovative work of music theatre by composer Ian Wilson for violinist, soundtrack and found objects that explores ideas around memory, personhood and how to evoke a life and its trajectory through music. Wilson wanted to make this piece since his father died four years ago after a long battle with Alzheimer’s; the goal is a work of art which examines how much of a role memory has in making a person and what…
Find out more »MUSIC: The Legend of Luke Kelly
It is said that on January 30th 1984 the whole of Ireland grieved the early death of Dubliner Luke Kelly. He has left an indelible mark as being the greatest folk artist of the 20th Century and his music is widely regarded as one of Ireland's cultural treasures. Now Dublin man & multi-instrumentalist Chris Kavanagh & his band return to Riverbank Arts Centre with their successful show The Legend of Luke Kelly. Audiences will be treated to a passionate performance…
Find out more »CULTURE NIGHT: Brazilian Jazz with Kasia Eliasz & Her 9-Piece Band
Kasia Eliasz brings her Brazilian Jazz Quintet, Ta Tum Tum!, a Jazz harpist and a sax/flute player to one place at once! Extremely energetic, fun and musically rich group will be taking you for a journey to Brazil through Samba, Bossa Nova and Jazz! Brazilian rhythms have its roots in Africa and are one of the most recognisable rhythms in the world. Samba is enacted most spectacularly in the Brazilian Carnival celebrations, which have captured the global imagination in its…
Find out more »October 2022
Music Network Presents: Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh, Cormac De Barra & Mark Redmond
Music Network brings together three leading lights of Irish traditional music for a unique autumnal confluence: a journey through a landscape rich with the timbres of fiddle, harp, uilleann pipes and whistle, and voices intertwined in song at every bend in the road. Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh, Cormac De Barra and Mark Redmond have graced stages and screens around Ireland and the world for several decades, and they are each undisputed masters of their respective instruments, rooted in tradition and with…
Find out more »FREE MUSIC EVENT: Tebi Rex & Guests
Presented by Riverbank Arts Centre and Word Up Collective, this all ages show offers an opportunity to see some of Ireland's most exciting artists in an intimate setting. Alternative hip-hop duo Tebi Rex (Matt Ó and Max Zanga) have created a stir not only at home but in the US and UK via their high energy live show, radio friendly singles, witty videos and engaging social media presence. Their 2019 debut album The Young Will Eat The Old was lauded as…
Find out more »LOCAL ARTS: Route 66 Big Band – Live in Concert
Route 66 is a 16 piece Big Band with big sound! Route 66 make a very welcome return to Riverbank, bringing their unique mix of music which has proved a huge success in theatres all over Ireland. Fronted by a male and female singer and with a mix of brass, saxes and rhythm, Route 66 produces a fabulous sound. Their programme, which includes numbers made famous by Adele, Frank Sinatra, Amy Winehouse, Tom Jones plus many more , will have…
Find out more »MUSIC: Ye Vagabonds
Ye Vagabonds are brothers Brían and Diarmuid Mac Gloinn, who grew up playing music together around their hometown of Carlow, a small town in thesouth east of Ireland. After moving to Dublin in 2012, they quickly became a staple of the live music and session scene in Ireland, playing their own original songs as well as folk songs from Ireland, Scotland, England and America. Following two critically acclaimed studio albums, Ye Vagabonds released their third album, Nine Waves, on Rough Trade’s River Lea label…
Find out more »November 2022
MUSIC: The Liverpool Quartet
Róisín Walters, violin Sarah Hill, violin Dani Sanxis, viola Nick Byrne, cello Founded in 2010 , the Liverpool String Quartet is made up of musicians who met whilst playing together in the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. Róisín Walters’ Liverpool Quartet brings an exciting and varied programme including their own arrangement of the impassioned tangos of Piazzolla’s extraordinary Four Seasons of Buenos Aires. Shostakovich’s third quartet is a heart-breaking musical commentary on the futility and pain of war and ranks amongst the finest quartets…
Find out more »SCHOOLS: Pictures at an Exhibition by Modest Mussorgsky
This unique WhistleBlast performance of Mussorgsky’s wonderful symphony Pictures at an Exhibition, musically arranged by the quartet’s own Dr. Kenneth Edge, is accompanied by a multimedia video of paintings relating to each movement. An accessible performance especially created to inspire young main stream and special-needs secondary school students and anyone to enjoy a gripping, dramatic masterpiece through live music performance and visual art. WhistleBlast Quartet: Dr Conor Linehan; piano Dr Kenneth Edge, saxes and clarinet; Oonagh Keogh, violin and Mary…
Find out more »December 2022
MUSIC: Andy Irvine & Dónal Lunny
Andy Irvine and Dónal Lunny, in their separate ways, have contributed to a veritable renaissance in Irish traditional music. Between them, Dónal Lunny and Andy Irvine have careers that read like a 'Who's Who' of popular music. Lunny has produced albums for Elvis Costello, Paul Brady, Clannad, and The Indigo Girls, and composed the soundtracks for Eat the Peach, and Teardrops. As a musician, Lunny has performed on more than a dozen Christy Moore albums and was an integral part…
Find out more »MUSIC: Tom Dunne – Been There, Seen That, Dunne That
Enjoy an evening with Tom Dunne, accompanied by Alan Connor on keys (The Late Late Show Band), where Tom will perform a selection of favourites from Something Happens along with some new songs. Audiences will be treated to Tom telling stories of interviews he has had with some of the biggest artists in the world during his radio career, such as Paul McCartney and Brian Wilson.
Find out more »MUSIC: ABBA Sensations
ABBA SENSATIONS brilliantly perform Abba's timeless classics, bringing you the authentic ABBA sound, with stunning vocals, beautiful harmonies, musicianship and musical arrangement. Relive the magic of a live ABBA concert featuring all the big hits with choreographed dance routines and fabulous ABBA costumes. This show captures all the magic and excitement of one of the world’s most successful and entertaining bands.
Find out more »MUSIC: Freddie White
Freddie White has long been synonymous with music of the highest quality. He has been part of the fabric of the live music scene in Ireland since the 1970’s and his albums continue to sell well, amongst his loyal and newfound fan base. Born in Cobh, Co. Cork into a musical family, by age 17 he was playing professionally. At 19, he moved to London, where he busked in subways, and developed his unique voice and guitar style. His earliest…
Find out more »MUSIC: Highly Strung
Welcome to Highly Strung’s Mid-Winter Musical Gathering. The ladies are delighted to return to Riverbank for their annual festive performance. The four friends’ diverse musical backgrounds create a mellow blend which hallmarks the spirit of Christmas for their audiences. Highly Strung casts a little star light on the darkest time of the year with a quirky perspective on favourites from Bach to Berlin. Featuring an acoustic blend of voice (Angela O’Toole), flute (Jeanette Behan), violin (Lisa Lazenby) and harp (Mary…
Find out more »February 2023
MUSIC: Iarla Ó Lionáird with Cormac McCarthy & Matthew Berrill
Iarla Ó Lionáird has carved a long and unique career in music both internationally and in Ireland. From his iconic early recording of the vision song Aisling Gheal as a young boy to his groundbreaking recordings with Dublin's Crash Ensemble and New York’s Alarm Will Sound, he has shown a breadth of artistic ambition that sets him apart in the Irish Music fraternity. A twice Grammy-nominated artist, Ó Lionáird has worked with a stellar cast of composers internationally including Donnacha Dennehy,…
Find out more »MUSIC: Jack Lukeman – Echo On 25 Years
Jack Lukeman, one of Ireland's most enigmatic and magnificent performers, has just announced a new regional tour following the success of his headline show at Dublin's 3Arena . With a career spanning 25 years, fans can expect a spectacular live performance with Jack L performing his greatest hits alongside live favourites and tracks from his new album Echo On. Tickets on-sale Friday 2 December at 10am
Find out more »March 2023
MUSIC: The Fureys
When The Fureys make their first appearance on our stage they will treat their audience to one of popular music’s richest legacies. They are one of Ireland’s all-time most acclaimed and influential middle of the road, folk and traditional bands. Fureys classics like I Will Love You, When You Were Sweet 16, Red Rose Café, Leaving Nancy, The Old Man, From Clare to Here and The Green Fields of France have become the soundtrack to the lives of fans all over…
Find out more »MUSIC: The Vanbrugh & Friends
The Vanbrugh and their guests present two of the greats from the extended chamber music repertoire. Beethoven's Op.29 string quintet, nicknamed The Storm, was written in 1801, shortly after his Op.18 string quartets and combines his mastery of quartet writing with the expansive richness of texture offered by the addition of a second viola. Brahms’ magnificent 1890 string quintet Op.111 started life in the composer’s sketches for a fifth symphony and its final form retains an orchestral grandeur, both in…
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