January 17th–20th, 2013
www.wmw.ie

One of the first festivals of the year, the Shannonside Winter Music Weekend in Sixmilebridge starts the year of the Gathering bringing the international home. Brendan Walsh returns from Switzerland to his home territory with his wonderful Diversus Guitar Ensemble, while all the way from Stockholm comes Kieran O’Loughlin to play his traditional and folk tunes and songs.

The case for getting back to the Bridge is strengthened on Saturday 19th with a very special offer for expatriates at the Folk Park in Bunratty, where 21 blues, bluegrass, Cajun, classical and traditional gigs make for an extraordinary day out.

Acts playing over the weekend include bluegrass Lilly of the West from Bulgaria and Special Consensus from USA, plus folk harmonies from The Voice Squad, and Purely Vocals (USA), trad from the Alan Kelly Gang, rockahillbilly from Gypsy Rebel Rabble, old-timey from Bending the Strings, cajun with Two Time Polka, and swinging songs from East Clare’s own Swell Berries. The Johnny Reidy Band will satisfy the most demanding set dancers at Sunday afternoon’s ceilidh, and Frank Gallagher & Gerry Clarke will sing the blues. Returning to the festival, Scottish band Poit Dubh will bring a twist with the traditional sound that made them popular back in 2011.

The concerts at the courthouse promise to be sublime as ever, and the pub sessions in the village and the Bunratty Castle Hotel provide sociable surroundings for cosy tunes and songs, making so many excuses to get to Sixmilebridge in January.
Over 70 events at 15 locations, 10 musical genres, and more craic and quality than you could imagine, the 2013 festival will be well worth travelling for!

Hard copies of full programme available by texting BROCHURE followed by your name and address to 00353 86 8464509.  For more information visit the website www.wmw.ie