With the Galway International Arts Festival 2016 now in full swing, the West is once again alive. But along with all the theatre, drama, music, dance, art and public talks on the subject of identity, there’s also time to listen to a few old LPs.
Perhaps one of the most intimate and intriguing events taking place at GIAF this year is Vinyl Hours. Of late, the classic record player music has seen a huge resurgence in popularity, with second-hand shops now stocked with new releases as well. And at this year’s festival, artists performing and showing in and around Galway over the next two weeks will reveal what records keep their musical worlds turning.
Declaring the LPs that are their most treasured vinyl memories, Vinyl Hours will see a simple conversation take place with special festival guests. Together with the audience, they will play and talk about the albums that have changed their lives or found a special place in their hearts. Across an hour, they’ll carefully lower the needle on the black vinyl records that represent their teenage aspirations and kicks, their first and broken loves, and the music that has fuelled their lives of creative passions.
Vinyl Hours takes place on 13, 14, 18 and 20 July at 10pm in the Festival Club. While entry is free, tickets are limited and there is strictly an over 18s policy as there is a bar serving alcohol in the venue.
The line up for the nights includes:
13 July
Actor Steve Wall is no stranger to music, having also earned a name for himself as part of the rock bands The Walls and The Stunning. Fresh from his roles in the award-winning TG4 drama An Klondike, Wall will discuss his favourite albums with the Galway Advertiser’s arts editor, Kernan Andrews.
14 July
After the debut of his new play Arlington [a love story], which saw a massive refurbishment of Galway’s iconic Leisureland complex with a brand new stage, playwright Enda Walsh will speak to Newstalk’s Tom Dunne. This edition of Vinyl Hours will be broadcast live on air, so attendees must arrive at the venue before 8.50pm.
The remaining line-up has yet to be announced, but please check here for more details.
