Line up announced for Longford's May First Friday
Another busy line up of music and fun
Longford is following up on the success of the inaugural First Fridays programme with another busy line up of music and fun.
The initiative aims to inject vibrancy into Longford's Friday nights with a line up of late night music, comedy, dance and public art that will be showcased on the first Friday of every month in the county town.
This project, which runs from April to October, is coordinated by Backstage Theatre in partnership with Longford County Council, with funding support from the Arts Council and Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.
The aim of the initiative is to bring people into the county town to enjoy a ‘no hassle’ night of enjoyment and entertainment in pubs and venues in Longford Town.
Artistic Director of Backstage Theatre, Mona Considine, said the first iteration of the venture was very successful: “We were very happy with how the April First Friday went. There was a lovely buzz around the town and in the various venues, with a full house in Backstage for Declan Nerney and a very warm and enthusiastic reception for the music gigs in pubs.”
Mona says the organisers have slated in a full programme: “We have almost finalised our programme for all six First Friday events at this stage. People can expect a full and varied line up of entertainment, music, comedy and even a bit of dancing.
“We are really looking forward to the Seoda Chamber Choir in St Johns Church this Friday and are delighted that our Young Curators at Backstage have programmed one of our First Friday dates, bringing a packed programme of comedy, live music and DJs on Friday 7th June.”
The First Friday employs a comprehensive approach to encouraging public participation. In conjunction with the planned gigs additional policing will be on the streets, to encourage people into the town to safely enjoy a ‘no hassle’ night of enjoyment and entertainment in local pubs and venues in Longford Town.
The headline act this Friday, May 3 is The Seoda Chamber Choir, a talented group of female singers who have gained a significant international reputation over the past 18 years.
The award-winning female choir of international acclaim is directed by Máire Keary-Scanlon. They are the winners of the Lyric FM Christmas Choir, Limerick Choral Festival Sacred Music Prize and Best Female Choir and Sacred Music at Navan Choral Festival.
This St John's Church show takes place on Friday, May 3, starting at 8pm. Tickets cost €15 and are available on www.backstage.ie
The Hybrid Roosters provide the entertainment at Lyons Bar from 9:30pm. This is a Longford trio of well-respected trad musicians - Sean Sweeney, Luke Casey & Michael Lennon. They blend folk and trad music with their undeniable sense of humour. This is a free performance.
The Roaring Marys are four trad musicians who love their craft. Noel Carberry (Longford), Nuala Donlon (Longford), Therese Hanly (Roscommon) and John Campbell (Meath) bring their exciting styling to The Tally Ho bar from 9:30pm in another free gig.
The fourth offering of the evening is Strad, who play Edward J. Valentines, Main St from 9.30pm. Strad are a fine young group of trad instrumentalists, formed in 2020 to play alongside Sharon Shannon and Nathan Carter on the TG4 TV show Homeland. Strad performs a unique sound of traditional music with a twist.
Further information is available on Facebook at FirstFridaysLongford or on Instagram @firstfridayslongford