Thriving on creating bold, genre defiant music with the sole purpose of converting negativity and mental struggles into positive energy, Rex Arcum is a fully independent Rap Rock artist from Cork, Ireland. With the release of his debut album “Origins” in 2022 and a collaborative EP “COMPOUND” in 2023 Rex Arcum started to turn heads and bring together fans of rap/hip-hop and rock/metal throughout Ireland, the U.K. and beyond. Rex Arcum’s music fits perfectly in the libraries of fans of acts like Linkin Park, Grandson and Rage Against The Machine.
Christopher Luke is a West Cork-based creative specializing in dynamic storytelling through documentary filmmaking, music videos, and visually compelling poster art. With a keen eye for capturing authentic narratives, Christopher’s work seamlessly blends nostalgia with a touch of experimentation inspired by arthouse cinema. Having collaborated with renowned artists like Mick Flannery, Susan O’Neill, and Jenn Grant, Christopher’s portfolio showcases a diverse range of captivating projects. His work has been featured on TG4 and esteemed publications, such as Clash Music, Hotpress, and RTE Culture have praised Christopher’s ability to evoke emotion and engage audiences through his thought-provoking visuals.Whether you’re seeking a documentary that captures the essence of your brand or a music video that transports viewers into a mesmerising visual world, Christopher’s expertise and dedication ensure an unparalleled artistic experience. With a commitment to delivering captivating storytelling, he combines technical finesse with a unique artistic vision, leaving a lasting impact on clients and audiences alike. Discover the power of storytelling through the lens of Christopher Luke. Explore his portfolio and let his creative vision bring your project to life.
The students of St Josephs national school are taking to the streets of Guitartown this year to bring the people what they want. Led by their intrepid principal Conor Mulcahy, and teachers Julie Harrington and Andrew Whelton, they will gather in the open spaces of Clonakilty to serenade the citizens of Guitartown. From 12noon on Friday the 20th until the school bell rings, go to Astna Square, Emmett Square, outside O’Donovans, Spillers Lane, or just follow your ears
Our friends over at the Olive Branch are also celebrating 20 years in business. In addition, they happen to be hugely enthusiastic supporters of music in west Cork and the guitarfest would not have made it this far without their generosity and encouragement. To celebrate, we’ll be sending festival artists over to the Olive Branch at regular intervals to do mini pop-up performances throughout Saturday 21st. at 12noon, 2pm and 4pm
Bring an instrument or a song to Fiddlers Green and join us for an open acoustic session to remember one of Clonakilty’s great characters Will Tetley, who died in September. Better known as Just Will, he travelled the world busking and eventually settled in Clon, appearing regularly at gigs and sessions. His original songs related his globe-trotting adventures and reflected his mischievous, rebellious sense of humour. He also turned his hand to watercolour painting, and was often seen cycling through town on his way to watch Liverpool in Mick Finns. And he played the best version of ‘Georgia On My Mind’ that any of us have ever heard.
We invite you to join us to to remember him through a communal singsong.
Supported by Party Piece, a project funded by Cork County Council, Creative Ireland, and the Department of Culture, Heritage & Gaeltacht
David Murphy is a multi-instrumentalist based in Cork, Ireland known best for his work with the pedal steel guitar.
Murphy’s unique application of the evocative and ever-mysterious pedal steel guitar has resulted in his invitation to participate in many collaborations and projects over his years as a session musician and band-member.
Blurring the boundaries of music into which Murphy has taken the instrument, he has contributed to records across a range of genres, spanning pop, Americana and folk to ambient, experimental music and film soundtracks. David has also participated in tours of Ireland, UK, Europe and U.S.A. as well as performing on live national radio and television.
2024 sees Murphy take his first steps out of the shadows as a solo artist with the release of his own full-length studio album ‘Cuimhne Ghlinn: Explorations in Irish Music for Pedal Steel Guitar’ on the Rollercoaster Records label. This continues his quest to expand the vocabulary of the instrument and take it in new and exciting directions.
Murphy’s all-instrumental debut album recasts ancient Irish harp tunes and historic airs by O’Carolan, O’Riada et al into the 21st century, voiced by the mysterious, emotive and swelling sound of the pedal steel guitar. Supported by an all-star cast of musicians from across contemporary, modern-classical and folk worlds, the pedal steel ably takes its place within an ensemble featuring cello, violin, piano, harp, uilleann pipes and lush electronic textures and synths. Across 40 minutes, the album conjures a palette of sparse, dreamlike, atmospheric soundscapes and stirring, cinematic takes of these culturally significant compositions and melodies from Ireland’s great harpers, composers and song collectors.
It’s a workshop for learning and sharing Irish songs in a fun, relaxed atmosphere facilitated by Eithne O’Mahony from the Muskerry Gaeltacht. Abair Amhrán is in partnership with 49 North st Skibbereen and Party Piece
Do I need to be a singer to take part?
Not at all. Eithne will teach songs from the rich heritage of native songs. If you have any songs you’d like to share, this would be a great place to do so.1111
Do I need perfect Irish?
No. Eithne will teach the meaning and pronunciation of the songs, and some of them will be macaronic (i.e. featuring both English and Irish lyrics). You’ll be surprised how much Irish you learn through the songs!
An initiative of Cork Mental Health Services, 49 North Street in Skibbereen was established in 2017 as a community-based hub for creativity, recovery and wellness in West Cork. Using models of co-production and collaboration as its foundation, 49 North Street aims to create a space where learning, creative expression, therapeutic activities, and diversity can flourish. Party Piece is a community music project funded by Cork County Council, Creative Ireland and the Department of Culture Heritage & the Gaeltacht
Ceol an Iarthair comprises of Brian Ó Broin, Aisling Vaughan & Danny Collins.
The trio, who grew up playing and learning music together in West Cork, are exemplary of Irish traditional playing & singing with each of them winning several All Ireland titles both together & independently.
After years of studying, performing, teaching & travelling with their music, they are back on home turf in West Cork to bring you “Ceol an Iarthair.”
Clon International Guitar Festival special edition of Meals on Wheels’ weekly social to celebrate this wonderful local initiative. We will kick off the evening with Bingo and canapés followed by dancing with live music by the Meals on Wheels session players joined by special guest Oisín Walsh-Peelo. Oisín is well-known around here as a member of The Fynches (who stole the show at CIGF23) and the creative force behind O Deer. He has toured worldwide with a wide range of artists and bands including Hudson Taylor, Hozier, Gabrielle Aplin, Hannah-Grace, Villagers, Sun Collective, and I Have a Tribe. He is a multi-instrumentalist and runs regular choral workshops in Clonakilty and beyond.
Supported by Party Piece. Party Piece is a community music project funded by Cork County Council, Creative Ireland and the Department of Culture Heritage & the Gaeltacht
This event is co-hosted by ‘Waste Not Want Not Clonakilty’. All Welcome.
The David Christy Jones Trio of Four consists of David Christy Jones on guitar and vocals; John Noonan on guitar and vocals, Eoin Donoghue on bass and Brian O’Higgins on drums. Known for playing a varied and eclectic mix of blues, American folk and roots, this is not a show to be missed. With blistering acoustic guitar playing, fiery rhythms and moving and emotional classic folk tunes there’s sure to be a little bit of something for everyone.
David Christy Jones from West Cork, has been making and performing music for the past fifteen years. Since 2009, David has been an active and respected session drummer, bassist, guitarist, and vocalist and has played with countless acts across all genres. From jazz, blues, and folk to heavy metal, rap, and country. He has performed in many bands over numerous genres and toured in Europe, The UK, and the USA.
John Noonan, the sharply dressed blues and folk maestro of the group, has decades of live performance and experience under his belt; playing with many different groups to great acclaim.
Hailing from Galway, Eoin Donoghue is an accomplished and versatile bassist; from funk-rock electric bass to delicate and soulful upright bass, his style is groovy and tasteful.
Brian O’Higgins, local legend! Those of you from Clonakilty have likely seen this drumming guru performing on more than one occasion. Bringing an element of playfulness to the group, Brian brings together and completes the trio of four.
